Hello all.
I'm a bending engineer for pipeline construction and tried using a total station in place of a digital theodolite and Abney hand level to shoot ditch and calculate pipe bends. I rented a Nikon Nivo for a week figured I could do what I wanted. When I returned the instrument I was shown a Nikon NPL-632 they had in their used inventory and bought it.
After using it for 7 months it has far exceeded my expectations and I am now looking to buy a new instrument with better/wireless communication to a data collector and laser pointer to assist with stakeout.
This was a personal purchase so I would like to trade it in or sell it before I can buy new.
Beings that I was very uninformed when I bought it I was more than likely taken to the cleaners. I paid $3500, but I do receive weekly rental which has more than paid for it.
I have talked to where I bought it and they don't seem interested in trade in so that leaves me at eBay...
My question is what is everyone's opinion on what I should ask and expect to get. I do plan on setting a reserve because at some point if the amount is too low I would just keep it as a backup instrument.
It is a Nikon NPL-632, very good condition. It includes the case, two batteries and charger, cover, RS-232 cable, CF card. I would also include a USB-CF Card cable adapter to connect to PC.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
You should easily be able to get 3k-3500 for it. If you ebay it make sure you give access to Latin American users as that was a very popular instrument there.
My general advice when it comes to selling things on ebay is to start low and let the market decide on the value. Except for rare items, ebay is pretty close to a perfect market -- the closing price will accurately reflect what a willing buyer will pay to a willing seller.
I usually set a starting bid of $9.99 and sit back. However, if you have a floor value -- one below which it's not worth selling the item -- then I suggest using that as the starting bid.
I strongly advise against setting a reserve price -- it discourages bargain hunters, and bargain hunters often turn into market-rate buyers once they get a taste of the bid action. Auction bidding is a complicated emotional activity for most people; it's really hard not to get personally invested in the win/lose aspect once you've put in a bid, which is why some items end up selling for ridiculously high prices.
The really hard part of selling high-dollar equipment is deciding what it's worth to you. If you can find the number that balances your desire to unload the item with your desire not to give it away cheap, you've found your floor price. Going below that for a starting bid is a gamble, an effort to attract more bidders into the fray. Everyone has to find his own comfort level in that regard.
Good luck!
What Jim says. Go to eBay and check the completed SOLD listings to get an idea of how much they're selling for. Be willing to ship out of the country. I see them going for anywhere between $3400 to $1400. How well you represent it on eBay makes a difference also.
Remember when selling on Ebay the first 12% or so goes to them. Then there's the shipping angle to be concerned with. You want to ship a high value item as securely as you can and don't skimp on the shipping method use UPS ground at least.
Finally... I have sold many items on Ebay and never got a ridiculous high price on an auction but have been burned a few times when items sold lower than expected. Some, a lot lower. I would figure what you need to get out of it and do a buy-it-now. Do your homework and see what they are bringing on Ebay.... that means what they sold for not what some dreamers are asking. Do a search for your instrument, then in the left side of the display is a check box for sold which will give you the info you need. Keep in mind that Ebayers are looking for a bargain so don't shoot for the moon and try for retail...
Something that's important to bidders is how much feedback you have.... low feedback sellers usually get significantly less than someone with 100 or better for the same item. If you have a friend with high feedback, you might let them sell for you if yours is say below 50.
Finally, can you take the hit if it does get damaged in shipping? You will not be able to collect on an instrument that got dropped and does not show obvious physical damage. Easy to collect if something goes missing but tough if it just DOA when it gets to your buyer.
Good Luck to you.
I've sold two instruments on ebay, and do the complete opposite. I set the reserve to at least the minimum that I'd accept. Each time the final selling price doubled my reserve/starting price.
The first time, I didn't know how to restrict bidders, and I didn't like the experience. The winning bidder got my information, and was calling me from Mexico at midnight, to try to work out an alternative payment method. I cancelled that, and resold to someone in Florida. The next time I restricted to US only, and had a much better experience.
My worst experience is selling an old DC, and dealing with a guy from Quebec. It's my only negative feedback. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but for me, it's US bidding and shipping only.
> for me, it's US bidding and shipping only.
I'm with you there. Opening to foreign buyers may increase the potential bid pool, but I'm not interested in dealing with the hassle and risk of cross-border transactions.
Thanks for all the input. I've never sold anything on eBay so I would have no feedback and not really acquainted with anyone I know who is an active seller.
As I'm just starting to consider buying new I believe that I'm going to first go with a new DC that is compatible with what I currently have, but will do what I want, or at least think I want, for the long haul.
As this is my only, I can't average my gains and losses. Once work kicks back off in the spring there are a limited number of bending engineers that I know that may be interested in going the Total Station route and would rather sell to them cheap than lose money with a stranger, if that makes sense.
I worked all weekend tracking internal pig intervals between sites and had a LOT of down time to browse this forum. I gained a lot of information and if you don't mind an outsider asking questions I might have a few more as time progresses.
Once again, thanks