Selling a new saddle advice

[saddlesore]

As above really. I have a new saddle, well sought after make that I’m looking to sell… however I keep seeing horror stories of people reversing bacs/PayPal etc. Is there a safe way to sell other than cash on collection? I’m aware that will hugely reduce my potential ‘buyers market’ ?

 

[Wheresthehoofpick]

I have paid and sold via PayPal sellers for saddles. It does lose you money though so make sure you cover the costs.

 

[saddlesore]

I’m just worried as I’ve heard people can claim they’ve received the wrong saddle etc ?

 

[w1bbler]

You tend to hear the horror stories, but I've sold successfully on Facebook marketplace using PayPal. Take lots of pictures, including when packaging to back up any claims the buyer might try.
Alternatively try one of the saddle sellers, sheepham saddles direct etc. I have also used them when I harder to sell saddle.

 

[saddlesore]

Ah great! Haven’t heard of them. I feel that would be safer. Thanks ?

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I've not a "professional" but through the years due to changes of horses have sold a few saddles both treed and treeless, and you tend to get a bit more savvy as time goes on.

My rules are: they collect from me - IF and I say if I have to post, I will ever ONLY use Parcelforce Tracked & Signed for (this is apparently what professionals in the business use). Don't be tempted by cheaper couriers as you will sadly regret it!

IF you are offering them to take the saddle away to try, perhaps with their saddle fitter, then make it so they pay you CASH IN FULL for the saddle before they take it away - and that they sign photographs of the saddle showing the condition of it, which you will print out for them (and you) to sign! Also they must sign that the saddle must be ridden in with a covering/sheet, and it must NOT be ridden-on if it is raining! (important if you have a suede seat!). Also that it must not be cleaned with anything whatsoever, rather brought back and you the seller will clean it! I heard a horror story where someone had let their lovely suede-seat saddle out to try and someone cleaned it with saddle soap - and ruined it! If it is not brought back to within 24hrs then you have the cash in your hand, and it then belongs to them. Be firm and don't be messed around. I've heard of people taking a saddle to "try out" purely because they were going hunting - and hadn't got a saddle!! So took one "to try", returning it in a filthy state!

The other thing that I do now is to say that "once sold no returns". Not under any circumstances. And make them sign and date your document to this effect, even better have a witness/friend/YO or whoever to put their screed there too. I once sold a lovely little treeless saddle to this woman. Invited her to sit on it on some bales at my yard to try it. No thanks she said, we've ridden in one of these in the past and it was fine so we don't need to try it. Are you sure I said. No thanks said she, it'll be fine. We'll take it back and put it on the pony and any problems come back to you within the next few days. SIX FLIPPIN MONTHS (if not more) later............ she came back to me. Remember that treeless saddle you sold me said she, well we've only just put it on the pony now and oh dear it doesn't fit! Jog on said I. Tough!! So cover yourself!

It's a nightmare! Believe me. Perhaps I have been unlucky, I don't know, but I've certainly learnt to be very cagey!

The last saddle I sold I decided I didn't want any hassle so took the dang thing to our local second-hand tack shop. Yes I paid a "listing fee" and yes I paid "commission", but at least I wasn't messed around! Saddle sold and everyone was happy.

 

[Flyermc]

Ive sold 2 saddles over the years and like you i as worried about all the scams. i listed everywhere as cash on collection only or id deliver within X a distance and both went. i sold them for a reasonable price (but they wasnt particularly expensive makes) they were in good condition and i live in a reasonable 'horsey area' plus they were adjustable.

I think there's a waiting list for new saddles, so they should sell, or ask the person you bought it from to see if they'd re-sell or try something like 'saddles direct' or a loal saddle fitter. If its a popular brand, they might know someone looking.

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

Not used Sheepham as a seller but have bought from them and they were brilliant to deal with, if you go that route.
Good point though on maybe approaching whoever you bought it from, saddle lead times seem to be mad atm so they might be worth trying?

 

[Kaylum]

I sold one I bought for £150 sold through one of the saddle companies for £600 they give a valuation for commission its really stress free.

 

[Red-1]

I had more success through Patrick Wilkinson Saddles than I did through Sheepham. But I believe both to be safe (as they can be).

 

[cremedemonthe]

Some good advice on here especially from MiJodsR2BlinkinTite!

I had a tack shop back in the day, I fixed up second hand saddles to sell on. I also sold other people's on commission, it IS a nightmare especially when you have to fit them as well, it's very stressful.
I sent saddles all over the place, including to Europe, never had any problems but that was yesteryear and before the internet.
I certainly wouldn't send any saddles through he post these days, way back then there weren't so many/if any scammers like there are now.
Whatever you decide to do, becareful and follow your gut feeling, if it feels wrong don't do it!
Good luck, Oz

 

[dixie]

I’ve sold through Sheepham and they were good. They are local to me so I dropped the saddles in.
The first one she bought outright from me and the second she sold on commission. The second took a long time but it was a tricky saddle to sell.

 

[Equi]

Just make sure the advert very clearly at least twice says it will not be returnable if it doesn't fit and make sure all your phots show the exact measurements from several angles/places. Alternatively you can do the easy option of the saddler to commission but that could loose a fair chunk of money. Id also be that person who videos you packaging the saddle up, and if for any reason it IS returned, video opening the package again incase youve been sent a box of bricks.

 

[saddlesore]

Thanks very much for all your replies, it’s made my mind up to go down the sell on commission route if possible ?