I have decided at 60, one bow is all I need!

[JD Page]

Well life is starting to really settle for me here in the senior years. Things now side on the familiar and routine, I for once am okay with that. A scaling back is going on now with a good many things because excess is what I see around me these days.
I have decided that the time is here to be a one bow man. And the one I have taken the big bucks and turkey through the years is my Silvertip. I do like that longbow but just do not see the point in keeping it when the recurve is going out the door with me in the Spring and Fall.
I have never sold a bow and I am asking for ways to avoid any pitfalls while doing so. Is the Classified here completely safe or is it better to do something face to face at a shoot (GLLI or Cloverdale for me) or some other in person ways? If anyone has any ideas or advice I would greatly appreciate the info.

Thanks, john

[Stringwacker]

At 68 (tomorrow), I'm definitely now thinking about all the excess. I have about three lifetimes of 'stuff' that I will never use. What I can't sell or give away likely becomes landfill refuse in a few years when my wife gets rid of it.

Your question...I have the best luck on Ebay. Lots of exposure usually means better pricing. I like not having to ship it until the buyer has made payment to Ebay. At least for me, its always been fool proof.

[Mike Bolin]

I have been selling off and/or giving away excess gear lately. At 70 years old, I know what I need and I see no point in having things gathering dust that someone else can use and enjoy.
I think that the classifieds here is as safe a place as you'll find to deal online. Face to face is the cheapest way to go as shipping costs have gotten crazy expensive. Cloverdale, GLLI or the Compton gathering would be a great place to sell your bow. Not sure about GLLI, but Cloverdale and Compton both have a Trade Blanket. Compton most likely will have the most folks that are looking to buy, and it is in Indiana this year.

[Stumpkiller]

66.  Been some time since I blew the dust off my 58 to 60# bows.  Probably should thin the herd and give younger/stronger folks a go at them.

[Hud]

E**y is not without it's problems; shipping costs for a bow over 60" has doubled since Covid hit and created job, and employment changes. I would agree face to face, and cash is better than a check.

[mjh]

It good to have a back up bow.    Selling can take time.  Try first at the mentioned shoots.  Become a contributor and sell here. As mentioned shipping cost are part of the equation.  What kind of payment do you want?  Do you  have a paypal account?    What is your credibility and history on the websites you would like to sell on?  Selling a bow on an archery focused website shouldn't be too hard if the bow is priced right.

[EHK]

I haven't purchased any bows on Trad Gang but I've sold a few and have never had any issues.  I do think you have less of a chance of having issues here than you would you on other sites, and as a seller, you have much less risk than the buyer.  You accept the payment types you want to minimize your risk.  Choose something harder to spoof - PayPal, Venmo, USPS money order... whatever you're comfortable with.

As a seller, I try to treat buyers the way I would want to be treated.  Package the bow well to reduce risk of damage in shipping.  For one piece bows, that generally means well padded and sealed PVC tubes.  Ship via reputable shipping services.  For me, in my area that means UPS, even though they're expensive.  Ship quickly and communicate often.  Send the buyer tracking info and track the package yourself to know when it arrives. 

[Nomadstalker]

I recently sold a 60" recurve on E**y.  I'm in NC and the bow shopped to VA.  Price to ship via USPS??...$60!!!
make sure you make accommodation for the high price of mailing a bow now.  It has at least doubled in the last 5 years

[Missouri Bowman]

Don't know if you've ever tried Pirateship for shipping but it's always been cheaper than anything else. Just set up an account

[Steelhead]

I see your Hoosier.I lived their for about 20 years.

Your in a good spot to sale your Schafer at Cloverdale or Compton gatherings this Summer in IN.

If you dont mind waiting till Summer.Person to person might be the way to go.No shipping costs.No worries about bow damage in shipment or hassles with insurance coverage from shipper if their is damage.It should sale easily for a good price.

[JD Page]

Great advise and input all the way around and I appreciate it! Think between Cloverdale, GLLI and hopefully Compton if its in Indiana, I will find that Javaman a new home and save myself the shipping and possible scam issues.. The Schafer is the one I'm definitely holding on to and passing down some day (but not too soon). Thanks again Fellas! 

[Lehtis]

Hmm... how many bows does a (wo)man need? The answer: The number of bows you have plus one!