Parallel Loop Box Pic (http://users.bigpond.net.au/styrowfoam/blueboxx/blueboxx.jpg)
I built this parallel effect loop/bypass box for a friend, but she's since bought a multieffect unit so now I'm kinda stuck with it. I'm also an unemployed student so I can't really afford to keep it myself (I don't have enough stompboxes to even put in the loops!). So I'm gonna have to find another buyer...
Therein lies my problem. I've seen reports about alot of cut-throat behaviour amongst pedal aficionados -like people sending hate mail to eBay sellers- so I'm not sure what to do! There's nothing wrong with trying to sell my pedal on eBay is there? What about shopping it around on Guitar related messageboards? It's not as if I'm trying to rip anyone off...I just want to get back the money I put into making this pedal since the original buyer reneged on our deal.
I'm not even sure what to charge. The materials (and powder coating) came to about US$60 (the box and 3PDTs were ordered from overseas), and I was going to charge my friend US$70 ($10 for my trouble). But now that I'm trying to attract a new buyer, is that price too much or too conservative? Considering "The Pot" goes for a rrp of $125 I don't know what to think.
Any help would be appriciated. :oops:
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I've never had any problems with the ebay thing. I don't do it now except for prototypes. I have a couple of dealers online and I don't want to loose them. I'd start my bid out at $70 and see where it goes. I know other people don't do this, but I do. I charge up front on things to keep people from reniging. That way you don't loose yer a$$.
Don't undersell yourself. If you're using all new parts, have good build quality, and believe in what you're selling don't just give yourself $10 for building it! Most boutique pedals sell for $200 and up so depending on the complexity, marketability, quality, and overall desirability charge a fair price.
Don't forget, if someone pays the price you ask, it's not a ripoff!! You want to talk about ripoffs, look at hospitals...
Its a funny old thing, selling pedals.
I havent yet, but some of my friends like the stuff I make for myself; one guy collects tubescreamers, and was interested in me making him a custome one (he might want more bass, or dist, etc- hes not too sure ye exactly what his ideal screamer would be- he has one for every occasion:) ). IMHO, building something custom for a friend is ok- I mean, I would only be getting cost for it. I dont think its a good idea to sell otheer DIYers stuff- I mean, Zvex for example puts alot of thought (and money) into his buisness- making a company for himself- and I personally would not want to undercut that- so I personally wouldnt make Zvex copies. A bit of a double standard, but I wounldnt loose any sleep myself if I sold a modded TS, which may or may not take away a prospective sale from the corperate conglomerate that is the Ibanez empire.
Very off topic, but several years ago I was working at a franchised fast food resturant (after school). Anyway, we had an old guy who used to deliver fruit and vegtables. He opened up up his own little shop, but everyday, someone from the supermarket would come in, check out his specials, then undercut them at the supermarket. Suffice to say, he was out of buisness in a few months. Around this time, his daughter, who was about 15, wanted some hair dye, and stole some from the supermarket. She was caught, and had to go to court.
I remeber thinking, "who was more wrong?" - one was legally wrong, the other wasnt-the legally wrong senario cost the supermarket about $5- the legally correct one cost aman his buisness.
In my mind- it is less wrong to take $5 from a coperation (dont get me wrong- stealing is stealing and thus 'bad') than taking away a mans lively hood, passion and dreams.
Just my opinion,
Luke
That's a nice looking pedal!
The commercial equation for pricing is typically wholesale=ConstructionCost*3. Any less than than and you can't stay in business. For $60 in parts, you're looking at $180 plus your time.
Even though we can all sit down and build one for less, most of the rest of the world can't and you have to make sure you don't sell yourself short.
I don't think $200 is unreasonable at all.
Best of luck!
Take care,
-Peter
$200? Wow...I was underselling myself alright!
Thanks for all your advice (and compliments). I'll hit some guitar boards to see what happens and try ebay as a last resort. I guess all it takes is confidence when it comes to asking a fair price for something you've made yourself.
I've also got to thank the members of this board for helping me with the LED problems I was having with this pedal!