Sourcing and reselling vintage audio gear locally

How it works

Step by step

1. 1Study sold-listings on eBay for 2-3 weeks before buying anything. Filter by 'Sold' + 'Vintage Audio' and note which brands and model numbers move fast.
2. 2Memorize 5-10 desirable brand/model combos: Marantz 22xx receivers, Pioneer SX-7xx/9xx, Sansui 8-9 series, Kenwood KR-9600, Technics SL-1200/1210.
3. 3Sign up for EstateSales.net and AuctionZip in your metro. Every Thursday, plan a 4-stop Saturday route through wealthier zip codes.
4. 4Bring to every sale: a 9V battery, RCA test cables, a small pair of powered speakers, and a smartphone flashlight. You need to hear each unit before paying.
5. 5Test protocol: power on, check all inputs, sweep volume for scratchy pots, listen for hum, verify both channels. If anything fails, walk away or bid 25% of asking.
6. 6Never pay more than ~35% of the average sold-listing price. Sales-tax and eBay fees eat 15%.
7. 7Clean the unit at home: DeoxIT on pots and switches, blow out dust, wipe wood veneer with a slightly-damp cloth. Never spray water near circuit boards.
8. 8Shoot 10-12 photos in even natural light: front, back, top, model tag, serial, and any cosmetic flaws close-up. Honest photos reduce returns.
9. 9List on eBay with a benchmark title format: '[Brand] [Model] Serviced Working [Year Range]'. Ship double-boxed, insured, signature required.
10. 10Reinvest first-month profit into a variac and a basic multimeter so you can safely power up unknown units in the future.

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