Just had to ask...why aren't bows selling???

Ron LaClair · September 03, 2007, 11:30:00 PM

I don't agree with the too close to hunting season to change bows theory. I always shoot better with a new bow. :D

daveycrockett · September 03, 2007, 11:31:00 PM

me too,that's why i change so much.

Bjorn · September 03, 2007, 11:35:00 PM

The sellers need to be more committed to the sale and lower their expectations. IMHO

d. ward · September 04, 2007, 06:14:00 AM

Money's tight,People are haveing trouble makeing there house payments right now.Home forcloshers are up by as much as 60% in some areas.And the repo man is picking new cars at a rate of 6 plus a day.So buying used bows may be second on the list of things to do.Used bow prices have been on a steady down hill run for over a year.High end collectable models are not selling all that well eather.Not nearly what they were going for.A good sample,would be the mighty 1960 Bear Kodiak 60" 46#er.Saw one sell for under 300.00 last week,fact is I believe it was about 295.00 solid shooter.1/4th of what they were selling for.bowdoc

bayoulongbowman · September 04, 2007, 08:47:00 AM

Its hunting season starting most are hunting or fixing to ... you dont find to many bows for sale ... also more people are realizing for just a little more they can have custom brand new bow once in their life...nothing like a new bow :)used bows should not cost a arm a 2 legs either ...if its couple years old its USED!!!

Bill Turner · September 04, 2007, 11:53:00 AM

Back to school shopping can also be added to the above, not to mention tuition payments, etc. With that said, I just purchased my third takedown Massie "Longhorn". Where there is a will, there is a way.

Jeremy · September 04, 2007, 01:13:00 PM

I'm with vermonster13 - that "No Trades" is a killer for me!
There are still good deals on some bows (and it's really hard not to take advantage of them) but there are quite a few bows being listed for just under what the bow was new.
I understand these days you don't want to take too much of a "hit" on a bow that's only a year or two old, but when you drive the car off the lot it's value takes a dive. I feel it's the same way with bows - the warranty stated by all bowyers I've seen is "non-transferrable"

Pat B. · September 04, 2007, 01:39:00 PM

Kind of shocked me.. I had a set of Winex limbs for a DAS listed for about half of what they cost new, and they are virtually new.. Nada...

I listed those limbs and another set 4#'s lighter over on the other sight.. Nothing so far. Guess I'll keep 'em until spring..

Me, I have a hard time resisting a good deal,lol!!

JimmyC · September 04, 2007, 01:40:00 PM

I think the used bow market has changed a bit in the last year or so, mainly price wise. You can still sell a bow, IF it's priced right and the poundage isn't too high.

I really think you have to be prepared and take the hit for around 50% of new, for most bows.

I don't know if it is because there is a glut of bows out there or the buyers are just more particular, OR that the used bow market won't catch up to the higher prices of new bows.

Either way, I have to think it's going to affect new bow sales too as it makes buying new and selling it used (in order to buy another new bow to play with) less attractive.

BCD · September 04, 2007, 02:04:00 PM

Haven't seen the one I want yet in my specs (60 or 62" Palmer). If I had, I assure you I would have bought it. Also, it's almost hunting and people are busy (scouting, gear prep, shooting, hanging stands) and spending their money on other new gear (clothes, stands, broadheads, arrows, etc.).

BD

Crash · September 04, 2007, 02:10:00 PM

Some bows are now more available, such as the Morrison Shawnee. A few years ago, you could get most of your money back, but now there are more of them available and the selling price has really dropped. It's a good time to be in the buying side of things.

It could be as simple as a market correction. We may have leveled out on our growth in Trad Archery and there aren't as many people looking to buy as there was.

dachba · September 04, 2007, 04:38:00 PM

A couple of years ago I was buying bows right and left. It seems like every week a new one would arrive. I quickly got tired of trying so many bows, and also learned real quick that none were really magic bows that cured my shooting problems

Now I'm down to two bows, a really sweet recurve and a selfbow that was a gift. I no longer have a drive to own more bows.

Perhaps a fair number of others have also got tired of the bow merry-go-round and now only buy when something really special hits the market?

Dave in Ft. Collins, CO

NDTerminator · September 04, 2007, 04:59:00 PM

Not seeing any lefties I want...

Carcajou · September 05, 2007, 12:17:00 PM

Thanks guys for the perspectives...I agree that most bows are outpriced for used, but if it's in someones spec-range, it'll sell....as for getting familiar before the season? cant ya just pick up a bow and hit what youre looking at within a few minutes? :confused:

helo · September 05, 2007, 01:17:00 PM

Great item of discussion here.I think everyone has great ideas on the used bows not moving.
I think hands down the issue is sellers are
asking too high of a price. Used is used.
Just my 2cents. Hope all of you get to go bowhunting soon.

Redfeathers · September 05, 2007, 02:03:00 PM

More lefties than usual,mostly in higher weights though. Some folks have been heading down in the weight department and that think that's some of the problem.

ksbowman · September 05, 2007, 02:11:00 PM

Could school starting make a change for awhile on where the money is spent?I know it did for us when I had kids that age. (kids first recreation second) Ben

Bill Turner · September 05, 2007, 02:31:00 PM

One of the reasons used bows have gone up in price is the price that you now pay for a new, custom made bow. I would bet that O.L, Ron, Bob, Palmer, etc. have all had significant price increases in the last couple of years. Limited supply and increased demand will always result in increased price regardless of product. The used bow market and the new are no exception to this rule.

Steve O · September 05, 2007, 03:45:00 PM

1. You keep putting Dacron bows up when I want a flast flight

2. Your bows are too pretty and good...it just took yesterday to sell one of those metal handled Hoyts!

Just kidding around...I know your pain. I've had bows sell after I had them on here so long I forgot I had listed them!

Jedimaster · September 05, 2007, 05:25:00 PM

I sold three bows here in two weeks. That was around 4-6 weeks ago. I know I couldn't use them any longer and although they truly were "as new" they were used. I was prepared for and took a loss (monetarily) if you choose to look at it that way. On the other hand they aren't gathering dust in my closet. They are now being used and I generated enough revenue to buy a bow that I really wanted (not just to try-out).

The other side of the equation: I bought a bow here this summer that I absolutely love and can't put down. I had no idea how I would like it, but it was a great bow from a great bowyer and the great price sucked me in. I'm real glad it did.

All that to say this - how many times have I read here and elsewhere "get one and try it, if you don't like it sell it. That bow will hold it's value and sell quickly". Alot of people want to try, not buy. As long as too much $$$ doesn't change hands there is no guilt. Not good for sellers - JMHO.