People who don't want to sell a guitar - only trade for another ...why ?

AK99

Genuine question.

Why do some sellers insist they will only trade Guitar X for Guitar Y or maybe Z - instead of just selling for cash and multiplying the prospects for a successful outcome manyfold ?

slacker

Maybe they have one guitar. 

TTBZ

I only have one guitar so if I sell mine then wait for the right one to come up I won't have anything else to play, I'd probably end up settling for something less than ideal in order to make the next gig. Also I don't have much in the way of savings, so I fear selling the guitar then something in the house/car breaks that needs paying for. The logical part of my brain would tell me to use the cash rather than credit card/finance.

Teyeplayer

AK99 said:

Genuine question.

Why do some sellers insist they will only trade Guitar X for Guitar Y or maybe Z - instead of just selling for cash and multiplying the prospects for a successful outcome manyfold ?

They may be under the impression that they’ll get a more favourable deal if they trade rather than sell, particularly if they don’t have the additional money available for an onward purchase.

Mellish

I had an HD-28 in Classifieds.

I was after a Gibson Dove, and I wanted to go straight to the latter rather than sell for cash and *then* go looking. It seemed more convenient when I had other stuff going on  

thecolourbox

I've done that and it's the convenience of completing the one out one in manoeuvre really. I don't like the process of selling or buying,  the faff of arranging for postage or collection (then the buyer tries to undercut you upon collection etc), it's just easier if somebody has what you want and they want what you have - less likely it may be, but if you're in no immediate rush then it's worth the wait really

Neil

I guess because a trade for what you want is only one transaction rather than the two of selling and buying?

axisus

I've always thought it weird. Also, it must be way harder to find a deal.

Philtre

Expressed the same sentiment here:

https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/3217105/#Comment_3217105

RaymondLin

The only reason would be that you are trading up, like trying to trade a regular Gibson (perhaps a limited run) into say a Fender Custom Shop.

But then your choice of choosing a guitar is basically what is offered in the trade.  You are limited by choice, rather than taking the money and choosing everything on the market.

With all the "you need to try lots to find the right one", and then happy to take whatever the trade is base on the spec.  It does seem odd.

Perhaps why some people trade a lot, they don't like it and keep swapping.  Rather than choosing a good one to begin with?

PAL

Even if I do try to sell a guitar and I do say that I'm not looking for any trades I get asked if I will do a trade They then want
 an unrealistic amount for their Trade ! I politely tell them to go to a music store !
 People who are selling and are only interested in a trade are probably looking to work a trade in their favor !
 You are right cash can work better than trades but unfortunately not everyone has the cash !
 My advice is there are many guitars out there so just take your time know what you want be realistic and you will find
 the guitar you are looking for.

bertie

same with wives

Mellish

Decide if you want trade or sell, put it in your ad and stick to it.

Your stuff, your right to choose. If you get a cash offer When you've specified trade (or vice versa), thank them but politely say "No"  

Fishboy7

bertie said:

same with wives

People rarely have more than one at a time so trades make sense  

wesker123

In my case it was because I wanted Fender CS Tele and trade for CS Strat.
I knew wouldn't be able to get enough cash in straight sale to then buy 2nd hand CS Tele.
I gave up in the end and Strat sold on Ebay.

stonevibe

I prefer doing trades, as far less hassle. Sure you can wait a lot longer to find the right trade. But it is less fuss than haggling on a sale price, then looking for the guitar you want, etc

Philly_Q

I hadn't really considered the one-guitar issue, it makes sense.

I've never tried to do a trade (except in a shop), but I suppose if someone had a specific, hard-to-find guitar I wanted, I might offer them a trade of one of mine. 

If I just set out to get rid of some of my own stuff, then I'd be selling, not looking for trades.

hollywoodrox

Because if a certain 2 people exist who desire a guitar that is hard to find for them at a price they can afford it may mutually benefit both to trade they one they don’t really like for the one that is their hearts desire .

Lewy

I do it and it’s generally because if I sell a guitar and sit on the cash - with a wife and three kids - that cash is going to evaporate when the boiler packs up, or we need a new PC etc etc. If I never liquidate the asset, that can’t happen.

stonevibe

Maybe the site needs a Trades Only section? 

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/65130445.jpg

thecolourbox

stonevibe said:

Maybe the site needs a Trades Only section? 

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/65130445.jpg

That seems like a sure fire way to stop people who like trading their things getting any views whatsoever Would we then need a section for people who are open to both sales and trades?