Deleting/editing out prices after selling something?

[Apec]

So, I'm just curious about this practice whether it's guns, accessories, knives, anything. Some forums actually have a rule against it (arfcom's EE being one I can think of).

Sure, sometimes people negotiate a lower price that doesn't get discussed in the original forum thread, but in most cases it's not going to deviate too far from the original. While one post for one type of gun isn't necessarily going to dictate market value for that model of gun, having a couple of them will set a good ballpark for future sellers - even the ridiculous listings. So why delete the prices?

I personally don't do it.

I believe some sellers have said they continue to get inquires on sold items, but I don't buy it. Editing a huge red "SOLD" into my post next to the price should be enough. If folks aren't going to read and PM the seller of the already sold goods, that's not the seller's problem.

In fact I bet most sellers getting PMs/emails on sold goods simply forgot to edit that they sold the thing to being with.

[paul0660]

a good ballpark for future sellers

Future buyers, you mean. I think it should be a mystery.

[Chaos47]

I agree I put a big bold red sold next to it and possibly use the "cross out" feature on it but I leave the price intact. It's valuable information for others trying to sell similar items.

Theres a topic about this in the suggestions forum

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=602573

[lilro]

Look at the housing market. If you live in the same neighborhood, and your house is cleaner than another house on the block, you charge more. Which leads to unrealistically high prices. That's why you see used guns with one magazine going for $40 less than the new one with 2 magazines.

[voiceofreason]

I've always just deleted the items as they sold, but it makes sense to leave them up so people can use them for reference.

[vintagearms]

I just delete the entire ad. Iv'e been taught to clean up after my own mess.

[golfrj]

I delete the price also, the Selling price is Usually NOT the Asking price anyway...jmho

[ham]

ill delete my items, but ill still get buyers months later asking me if the item is still for sale. WTH, just read the post, dude!

[Apec]

I delete the price also, the Selling price is Usually NOT the Asking prive anyway...jmho

True, but asking price still sets the ballpark for offers or firm deals.

[thenodnarb]

I too am mildly annoyed when I am searching for what used guns are listing for and see a stupid SPF in place of the sale price. Its nice to know what the ballpark for a gun was at a specific time. And gun broker either shows items that are still being bid on, or guns that are way over top dollar. calguns is probably the best listing site for private party sales and we NEED THAT INFO!

[ke6guj]

and its always better when you bump your Add to let us all know that you sold your item.

[SanPedroShooter]

Ad text deleted. Title changed to SOLD.

[Rob454]

True, but asking price still sets the ballpark for offers or firm deals.

How do you figure? Guns go through cycles of popularity. Also gun prices command different prices in different areas. What may sell cheaply in nor cal may be full pop in so cal or vice versa. Also no two guns are exactly the same thus asking same price makes no sense. I never care what someone else sold something for because it has absolutely no bearing on what I am selling a item for. For example I had a offer and I sold a Saiga 12 for $950 a while back. Forward 3-4 months and the same s12 was commanding maybe 600-650. So the sale of my S12 for 950 does not make every S12 for sale worth that. I personally thought the guy was crazy for offering that amount and buying it for the price

[Apec]

How do you figure? Guns go through cycles of popularity. Also gun prices command different prices in different areas. What may sell cheaply in nor cal may be full pop in so cal or vice versa. Also no two guns are exactly the same thus asking same price makes no sense. I never care what someone else sold something for because it has absolutely no bearing on what I am selling a item for. For example I had a offer and I sold a Saiga 12 for $950 a while back. Forward 3-4 months and the same s12 was commanding maybe 600-650. So the sale of my S12 for 950 does not make every S12 for sale worth that. I personally thought the guy was crazy for offering that amount and buying it for the price

The thing is, your Saiga is an isolated example. I wouldn't base my pricing on one calgunner's listing - I'd take a look at at least 3-4 sold within the same year and note value added/lost from mods/extras, then determine something reasonable from there. That's why I'm talking about a ballpark, not an exact figure down to the last penny. The only time that isn't possible is for extraordinarily rare guns where there isn't anything recent to go off of.

Yes, guns do go through cycles of popularity, but not all of them behave erratically. A gun that is priced too high simply won't sell, and the seller will be forced to either accept a lowball, or gradually lower their asking price until it sells - which will be reflected in their ad.

No two guns are exactly the same? If we're talking frankenstein AR15's, sure, but there are plenty of guns out there. I'm pretty sure I can find a few bone stock Glocks or 1911's that sold on this site without any extras and close round counts. But nobody is forcing a prospective seller to ask the same price. A seller has the option to adjust his or her price based on use/wear & tear of their gun anyways.

You are not being forced to base your price off someone else's. Ultimately what matters is what you think the sale is worth to you. But some of us would like to find out what these guns usually go for, then narrow down our price to an acceptable level.

[dieselpower]

and its always better when you bump your Add to let us all know that you sold your item.

I disagree, you should NEVER bump your ad to say it was sold. You should EDIT the title to say sold and also in the ad itself.

Another lazy seller thing to do is to drop the price in a Bump, but NOT the original ad. I always "quote" the bump to make sure they don't try to say I owe them more money.