How do you sell yours Knives?

[Kohai999]

First, if they have micarta handles we need not go any further.
So in continuing, I will assume beautiful matched amber stag. :thumbup:

First the Kressler would be limited as he makes TOO many knives for my taste. The Brend would be eliminated as I know very little about his knives and I only buy what I know.

With the key being "very attractive price" I would buy the SR Johnson and Young then contact Hanlon; Angelo or Ellis to negotiate a deal for a Loveless Chute. If a sufficient trade/+$ was not in the cards, then I would keep them until a opportunity came around. I do like and respect both makers and their knives so may keep them.

OK I have showed you mine , so now show me yours.

1. I would go with S.R. Johnson and Young as well...IF the Johnson was around $2,500 and the Young around $800. Remember, this is hypothetical. If the Young was not that low, I would go for the Brend at around $1,000. Yes, these are amber stag knives, which both makers excell at.

2. I would value the S.R. at $4,500-$4,800 and the Young at $2,000, and would attempt a trade for an exceptional stag handled drop point, small boot knife or utility with KnifeLegends(Schindler) or IQ Knives(Dan Favano) because they usually have the stock, and Dan is a friend of mine....Or I might try to swap a Lake folder.

3. I know well-heeled collectors of both Lake and Loveless, and at this point, it would be prudent to take the swap/sales to a private, not professional level, and would either attempt a trade, or sale to get the VALUE of my original INVESTMENT up to around $10,000(cash, or a Loveless stag handled Wilderness fighter).

That was fun! How about anyone else?

If I had not purchased the other small sword, I would be all over this one like a fungus...but there is no way I need two...I have directed some qualified buyers to that thread...The OP needs patience. The one that I got from Kevin had been on the market for TWO YEARS before he sold it to me...just an indicator how small that market really is.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Les Robertson]

Hi Joss,

I take it you have not used custom knives extensively in the field. If you have could you give me some examples of under extreme conditions you used your "superior" factory knives side by side with custom knives. Also, which knives did you use.

If you haven't done extensive field testing under a multitude of conditions I would have to respectfully submit to you, that you have no idea what you are talking about.

WWG

 

[Les Robertson]

Guys,

Seems this has drifted to the "high end" and "desirable" knives. Lets face it, those are easy to sell.

The majority of custom knives that are sold through any venue are usually sold at a loss. The reason(s) for this is simple.

Kevin, in order to eliminate the "turn and burn" mentality (which has been around for at least 23 years that I know of). You will have to educate the custom knife buying public as to what is and what is not a knife that will hold its value.

A daunting task for anyone.

WWG

 

[Kevin Jones]

Kevin, this is a good thread with some excellent questions. Like many people here, I have to let go of current pieces in my collection in order to add new ones. I do not mind sharing my "secrets".

• What's your preferred method of selling your knives?

For custom knives, I prefer the forums. Ebay has been very inconsistent in terms of getting me what I feel is market value for customs. For production knives, though, I feel like I have done better on Ebay than on the forums.

• Is it important for you to get as much as you can, or just to get rid of them as fast as possible with the least effort?

I am rarely in a huge hurry to move stuff, so I don't typically have to put pieces up at "fire sale" prices. However, I don't like things sitting around for sale forever, and I don't like pushing other people's sale threads down with BTTT's or price drops, so I just try to price things right from the beginning. The majority of the knives that I put up for sale go within 24 hours, so I am guessing that my estimates are not too far off.

• Can the way in which you sell your knives affect others?

I think the custom knife secondary market is small enough so that every knife that goes up for sale can affect any other knife potentially going up for sale.

We differ here, as if something (knives, cars, whatever) that I put up for sale sells in the first 24 hours, that screams that I asked too little and someone jumped on a bargain.

That's kind of my point that sellers here (forum exchange) don't give enough time to see if they have priced right before they start cutting the price.

I really don't want to imply in this thread that I know everything about selling knives because I obviously don't, however I have been selling and marketing for 32 years from 1.49 sparkpugs and oil filters in my Auto Parts Stores to $70k-$80k collector sportscars, so even if I'm an idiot, I would have to have picked-up something.

 

[Kevin Jones]

1. I would go with S.R. Johnson and Young as well...IF the Johnson was around $2,500 and the Young around $800. Remember, this is hypothetical. If the Young was not that low, I would go for the Brend at around $1,000. Yes, these are amber stag knives, which both makers excell at.

2. I would value the S.R. at $4,500-$4,800 and the Young at $2,000, and would attempt a trade for an exceptional stag handled drop point, small boot knife or utility with KnifeLegends(Schindler) or IQ Knives(Dan Favano) because they usually have the stock, and Dan is a friend of mine....Or I might try to swap a Lake folder.

3. I know well-heeled collectors of both Lake and Loveless, and at this point, it would be prudent to take the swap/sales to a private, not professional level, and would either attempt a trade, or sale to get the VALUE of my original INVESTMENT up to around $10,000(cash, or a Loveless stag handled Wilderness fighter).

That was fun! How about anyone else?

If I had not purchased the other small sword, I would be all over this one like a fungus...but there is no way I need two...I have directed some qualified buyers to that thread...The OP needs patience. The one that I got from Kevin had been on the market for TWO YEARS before he sold it to me...just an indicator how small that market really is.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

Our strategies were very close even though our knife taste run very different. :thumbup:

 

[Kevin Jones]

Guys,

Seems this has drifted to the "high end" and "desirable" knives. Lets face it, those are easy to sell.

The majority of custom knives that are sold through any venue are usually sold at a loss. The reason(s) for this is simple.

Kevin, in order to eliminate the "turn and burn" mentality (which has been around for at least 23 years that I know of). You will have to educate the custom knife buying public as to what is and what is not a knife that will hold its value.
A daunting task for anyone.

WWG

Very True WWG.

This is not just about whether a collector makes or loses money on his knives but that he tries to hold to market or maker price when selling. Actually two different conditions.

A collector could theoretically get 20% more that perceived market value, yet still lose money on his knife or get 20% less and make money.

 

[commodorewheeler]

We differ here, as if something (knives, cars, whatever) that I put up for sale sells in the first 24 hours, that screams that I asked too little and someone jumped on a bargain.

That's kind of my point that sellers here (forum exchange) don't give enough time to see if they have priced right before they start cutting the price.

I really don't want to imply in this thread that I know everything about selling knives because I obviously don't, however I have been selling and marketing for 32 years from 1.49 sparkpugs and oil filters in my Auto Parts Stores to $70k-$80k collector sportscars, so even if I'm an idiot, I would have to have picked-up something.

You make a good point, but my personal selling experience on the forums has been that if something doesn't sell within 24-48 hours, it usually doesn't sell for weeks or even months. I tend to wait at least a month before initiating any price drops, unless I discover that my item was significantly overpriced to begin with, but it seems that the people who are buyers on forums, at least, tend to act fast if they are going to act at all.

 

[canineforge]

You make a good point, but my personal selling experience on the forums has been that if something doesn't sell within 24-48 hours, it usually doesn't sell for weeks or even months. I tend to wait at least a month before initiating any price drops, unless I discover that my item was significantly overpriced to begin with, but it seems that the people who are buyers on forums, at least, tend to act fast if they are going to act at all.

Observing commodorewheeler's various posts on the exchange, I would say these are words of wisdom. His accurate descriptions and numerous sharp photos from all angles are tops.

- Joe

 

[Kevin Jones]

You make a good point, but my personal selling experience on the forums has been that if something doesn't sell within 24-48 hours, it usually doesn't sell for weeks or even months. I tend to wait at least a month before initiating any price drops, unless I discover that my item was significantly overpriced to begin with, but it seems that the people who are buyers on forums, at least, tend to act fast if they are going to act at all.

I agree with Joe, your photos are great and you also do a great job of describing your pieces, which probably has a lot to do with why your pieces selling within 24 hours. In addition, you offer very nice pieces from what I've seen.

The fact that you stick with your initial price helps too, in that your potential buyers are not anticipating your daily drops.

I don't see that many pieces selling in the first 24 hours however as a percentage of pieces listed. I do see A LOT of BTTs and price reductions.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Observing commodorewheeler's various posts on the exchange, I would say these are words of wisdom. His accurate descriptions and numerous sharp photos from all angles are tops.

- Joe

I agree Joe, but then I was not addressing commodore's for sale post or him personally, but the exchange and selling in general.

I will stick to my opinion, that if you sell something (especially a big ticket items) in the first 24 hours, it generally means you left money on the table.

Real Estate agents and brokers will at times be brought before review boards by property owners if their listings sell in abnormally short time because of complaints that property was listed too low.

 

[RogerP]

We differ here, as if something (knives, cars, whatever) that I put up for sale sells in the first 24 hours, that screams that I asked too little and someone jumped on a bargain.

I sure hope makers don't come to the same conclusion based on the same results.

Roger

 

[jjtjr]

I agree with alot of what has been said in this discussion. I think that it applies to low and mid price knives.
What is the best way to sell high end (mid four to low five figure) knives. There is obviously a much smaller demand for these blades. While there are purveyors who sell knives in this range, I believe that if they were consigned to a dealer, much or all of the profit would go to the dealer. Jim Treacy

 

[Kevin Jones]

We differ here, as if something (knives, cars, whatever) that I put up for sale sells in the first 24 hours, that screams that I asked too little and someone jumped on a bargain.

*****************

I sure hope makers don't come to the same conclusion based on the same results.

Roger

IMO, some dealers seem to do just that for some maker's knives. Not that its anything necessarily wrong with that. Its just taking advantage of existing market conditions. Isn't that to a great extent what has happened with Loveless and even John Young knives? They sell as soon as the dealer post them (or before) so next time they go a little higher.

Car dealers are famous for it. The HOT new sportscar comes in and people are waiting for it, the next thing you know they have added a $5000 market adjustment to the sticker.

 

[Kevin Jones]

I agree with alot of what has been said in this discussion. I think that it applies to low and mid price knives.
What is the best way to sell high end (mid four to low five figure) knives. There is obviously a much smaller demand for these blades. While there are purveyors who sell knives in this range, I believe that if they were consigned to a dealer, much or all of the profit would go to the dealer. Jim Treacy

I agree Jim that higher end knives have smaller and more specialized markets so collectors may need help in finding buyers. IMO, there's two problems collectors have in selling their knives:

1) Not having bought from the right makers (MAKER) the right knives (PIECE) at the right price (PRICE).
2) Not having the network or contacts to find buyers for your knives. But these buyers are out there as there would be no higher end knives if they weren't.

Lets not forget these higher end knives are harder to find, and desired by collectors.
So specialized purveyors can usually find or have pre-existing buyers that may pay a little more to get the special examples. So if a purveyor can get 30%-40% over what I have in my knife (very likely more if I have had the knife several years or more) I'm more than willing to give him 10%-20%. Consignment fees are usually negotiable with higher end knives.

IMO, you don't always have to lose in consigning knives. Of course you do if you have the wrong knives from the wrong makers at the wrong price. But that's not you Jim.

 

[Kevin Jones]

I agree with alot of what has been said in this discussion. I think that it applies to low and mid price knives.
What is the best way to sell high end (mid four to low five figure) knives. There is obviously a much smaller demand for these blades. While there are purveyors who sell knives in this range, I believe that if they were consigned to a dealer, much or all of the profit would go to the dealer. Jim Treacy

Jim, you may have entered un-chartered territory here as we discuss the possibility of making a profit on knives quite often, however don't remember discussing how much profit is acceptable as quite frankly that's not a dilemma most customs collectors are faced with.

Me personally, I take a very different approach in my goals for my collectibles than I do for my investment portfolio as the only purpose for my traditional investments is to better my finance position in one way or another.
So I have a very structured philosophy as to what risk, return, capitol outlay is acceptable.

I take a more casual philosophy towards profiting on my collectibles as typically most hobbies, or recreational endeavors cost you money. In fact, if you are an avid golfer or are into boating or such, you generally expect to drop thousands a year into that recreation.
As many of you know, I'm passionate about custom knives being an investment (yes agreed, probably too much so) but at the end of the day collectible profit dollars is like money falling from the sky. So I'm extremely happy to maintain a 11% to 16% ROI.

Now some that have built their collections over YEARS, or have their retirement funds tied up in knives (I sure hope not) may expect and get more.
So back to my previous post to Jim's excellent question, I'm more than happy to give a dealer 10%-20% to get me 35%-40% but would rather sell by more equatable means.

I have had the benefit in having sold several high end knives after being contacted directly by collectors so by not having to pay a fee and being able to specify the price has helped my overall ROI.

So any other opinions and/or expectations as to what is an acceptable return on your knives from those who eventually expect a return?

 

[commodorewheeler]

Observing commodorewheeler's various posts on the exchange, I would say these are words of wisdom. His accurate descriptions and numerous sharp photos from all angles are tops.

- Joe

Joe, I appreciate the kind words! I always aim to deal fairly, and it is always nice for me to hear that someone else feels that I am doing so.

 

[commodorewheeler]

I agree with Joe, your photos are great and you also do a great job of describing your pieces, which probably has a lot to do with why your pieces selling within 24 hours. In addition, you offer very nice pieces from what I've seen.

The fact that you stick with your initial price helps too, in that your potential buyers are not anticipating your daily drops.

I don't see that many pieces selling in the first 24 hours however as a percentage of pieces listed. I do see A LOT of BTTs and price reductions.

You are right, Kevin, there are a lot of BTTTs and price reductions in general on the forums. I guess that when you see more of these, the seller needs to move the knife fast more than he needs to get top dollar out of it.

 

[commodorewheeler]

So any other opinions and/or expectations as to what is an acceptable return on your knives from those who eventually expect a return?

I still look at custom knives as a hobby, not really as an investment, so for me, as long as I am not losing money on what I sell or trade, I'm pretty happy. I have been fortunate enough to have had most of the knives that I bought increase in secondary market value as time has gone on, though, so that when I eventually sold them, it has thankfully been rare that I lost money on any of them.

 

[ptgdvc]

I have been away for a few days and feel the need to fully address the sinistre Dutch Auction issue.

If you have a day trader mentality, I can understand why you view a Dutch Auction as an endless downward spiral. The trend is your friend and Dutch Auctions only go in one direction! Clearly a harbinger of market collapse! Oh my GOD!!!! We are all going to die!!!!! :barf: Well, we are all going to die, so there is no reason to get your knickers all twisted up about it. But that is another story.

A Dutch Auction actually affords me complete control of the selling process. A knife is never sold unless I want to sell it at that price. The item can always be withdrawn at any time prior to it actual sale. The process is entirely transparent and simple.

Obviously the knife starts out at a premium price, that isn't exactly a secret. But if the knife really floats someone's boat and they want it, they can get it. They have zero angst and I get a very good price.

The next phase involves a series of trade offs. A constantly improving price and value for potential buyers weighed against the possibility that they could lose an increasingly attractive opportunity to acquire the knife. If a buyer wants to follow the price movements, he just has to subscribe to the thread and he gets an Email whenever it is updated or if it is sold.

If it does not sell, it doesn't sell. No big deal. This is a hobby for me, not a business.

Infallability is not one of my claims to fame. Sometimes I over value, or under value the knife. I am willing to live with my judgements. A Dutch Auction allows everyone to make their own judgement and pay what they believe is a fair price for the knife. Guess what? This makes both the buyer and the seller happy! What a novel concept. We might even do business again in the future!

I think that most people would be surprised at how large the interested audience is for the FOR SALE section on this forum. There are quite a few buyers who rarely post, but who are very knowledgeable. It is NOT just six guys selling to each other, far from it. I have an Email list which I use to send out a heads up, when I post a new item for sale. If you would like to be on it, email me at ptgdvc@msn.com.

Now ignore that man behind the curtain! Day traders you may return to your screens. The great OZ has spoken!

P

 

[Joss]

P,

Why not use eBay? You could use the same system, send an email to a number of potentially interested collectors?