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I have often wondered how effective a packaged or bundled tool sale really is. I regularly see posts of some number of tools and with the statement that seller wants to sell only as a package. I understand the preference but wonder if it gets in the way of actually selling the items. I have taken a bundle of left over wood in order to get that one piece I liked and wanted, but I have not bought a package deal of tools (can’t fit more into my shop). Package sales are of course 'waaaay' easier than dealing with multiple buyers, absolutely. My SO would do that too - get rid of everything and the buyer will have to pick through a lot of stuff to find my Domino...
For potential buyers I imagine the appeal is if the total package price is significantly less than the sum of market values of individual items. If the buyer has the space (to store), time, energy, and willingness to resell individual items they can possibly recoup all their out-of-pocket costs and in essence get the tool they wanted essentially 'free' (except for time and energy and risk). The downside of having to transport and likely get rid of two old Radial arm saws and a rusty TS etc. is significant.
Another set of potential package buyers COULD be younger or less experienced folks looking to get into the hobby or business. Two factors i see here
- Except perhaps for a recently retired person who might have the capital, younger buyers do not usually have enough 'hobby money' for a package price (I did not 30 years ago, and still may not). Younger or inexperienced potential are also less likely, I think, to understand that an old lathe or BS may be a far better tool than what is seen in the aisles of a big box store.
- In the case of younger buyers, it seems that furniture style trends require slab flattening and epoxy hole filling equipemnt. This is not a jointer/planer/ table saw but a track saw, a router flattening or CNC set up, (and lots of epoxy).
This audience here is primarily (not exclusively) more experienced woodworkers that have a general tool set and may want to supplement or upgrade specific pieces. FB user groups have more inexperienced users posting; these users are I think far less likely to have an established tool set.
So if there is a question in my ponderings, I guess it is "Can anyone (anecdotally?) support the effectiveness of a package or bundled tool sale?" How far was the total package discounted beyond a '50% for used tools' number? Was the buyer a dedicated reseller (plenty of people out there buying pallets of Amazon or HD returns) or an individual user who needed/wanted most of the package?
Note that I am not trying to sell off my 'hard earned' collection of used tool bargains, just pondering how effective a package deal sale is.
Henry
Pondering: Effectiveness of a bundled or package tool sale?
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Re: Pondering: Effectiveness of a bundled or package tool sale?
#2Depends on the contents and the price.
Re: Pondering: Effectiveness of a bundled or package tool sale?
#3I always will look at them to see if there is anything I really need, that is worth my time. If not I walk away. Over the last 30+ years I have been collecting the tools I needed and thought I wanted. I have sold off older smaller equipment to buy new bigger equipment, (6 inch 110V Jointer for a 8 inch 220V jointer etc). I am pretty well set up know for the wok I normally do.
So a package deal is most likely not in the cards for me, unless it really is to good to be true, or has a piece of equipment I am needing to swap out to something better.
Re: Pondering: Effectiveness of a bundled or package tool sale?
#4Tools are always a "hot item" at any garage sell I have attended. A specialty within a specialty of junk, clothes, and broken furniture. All that you need do is advertise "Tools", "no checks" in the current Craig's List, or whatever. Then get you beefiest friend to pack a weapon and visit that day.
Auctions sell in "lots" of small bundles saving impatient buyers (and, sellers) the misery of waiting through undesirable items. The Trick seems to be the size of the package. So too, if they work fine, don't sell two RAS together; package them separately. Never open the black curtain or door hiding the keepers. A child's storage is behind; just fake a story to divert interest in what is behind door #2. Oh, never use sticker prices. Color-paint/code the items.
I witnessed a long eBay sell, at least a couple years, of a major specialty hobby collection. A large collection. The facilitator was well known, so no snaky salesman. By keeping the postings small, no more than half a dozen, the value of items was held high, even grew. But, two years? That's why he was hired.
And, please, please, don't do what my wife does: spend weeks and days preparing. She is an artist in buying, and instinctively knows the right price to move goods. But it is a nightmare I barely have patience for. I could never do the same with my own goodies.
Re: Pondering: Effectiveness of a bundled or package tool sale?
#5
I buy sets and kits often. But I make my bib based upon the specific items I want in the kit. If I can't get the bundle for the price of the needed items, I exit. I treat the needed items as zero value so I can either give them away or sell them. I never factor them into my offer.