I want to join the fun!

[Stinger]

OK,  So I have spent most of my time here on the Gang in the PowWow, Shooters Forum and the Classifieds.  Lately though I've been spending a bunch of time here and you guys have me hooked.  I now have this hankering for a vintage 50's Kodiak.  Here's the thing - what is the best way to go about finding one?  I've been watching the classified ones here but they don't last long.  I also watch the auction site but don't want to step on the toes of my fellow TradGang members who are more serious collectors.  I also don't have a real idea of what I should pay for a particular bow.  I mean, from my reading here I have an idea of which are the really valuable ones and I know enough about bows to understand condition, etc. since I've been shooting for 40 years. I've also read a lot recently here about the jump in prices on the auction site.

So how do I know who is a reputable seller (like one of you guys)?  Obviously I can weed out the guys that just picked the thing up at an estate sale.  Also, can we talk about specific listings here, or is that discouraged?  For example, there is a 57/58 (seller seems confused) that ends later today and there is a '59 Kodiak Special that ends tomorrow and another '59 that ends in three days.   The Happy Birthday 59 thread got me thinking about the last two! So how do I determine if they are any good, not disrupt what seems to be a very cordial protocol this group has going and not get taken to the cleaners?

[Stinger]

I guess it might help if I add that I am looking for a bow to hunt with in the 40 - 50# range.  A refinished one would probably be fine.

[johnnyrazorhead]

Stinger,
 Let me start out by saying "Welcome".You will not be able to leavve this "ship" once you climb aboard.Greatest bunch of fellows you would ever want to meet as you are already finding out.
 My suggestion would be,if you're going to go on the big auction sight,would first be to check out the sellers feedback rating.I think that's a good place to start.Number of feed-backs and feedback rating would tell you a lot about how the seller does business.If you try to contact a seller,if they respond quickly and are helpful and upfront about answering any questions you might have,I think is another positive.If it's not stated in the auction,ask if the item can be returned if you are not happy with it or if it was misrepresented.I know that's alot to ask of some sellers,especially if they're selling a 50 year old bow but in my opinion,and I've always operated this way myself,as long as the item comes back in the same condition it was sent and in a reasonable amount of time,then I will refund the buyer.This has happened only once to me,but I feel it's the proper way to do business.It helped that I knew the buyer somewhat,not real well,but took his word on what he told me.Everything worked out great.
 Now I know there are those out there that would take advantage of this courtesy and start asking for money back because the item isn't what they want or are trying to get a deal..We know who those guys are too pretty much and that's the other thing about using e-*** or buying from anyone.Try to learn who has a good reputation in the community and keep track of those that don't.
 I think all of us,collectors especially because we buy and sell in larger quantities than the norm,are never 100% positive that the bow we are buying,often for large amounts of money will be up to our standards or what we hope it to be.But if you get a good description,lots of pictures and good communication,chances are everyone will be happy.I've had very,very few bad transactions myself whether it be on e-***,tradgang or Stickbow to name a few.But there are always a few bad apples so just be as cautious as possible and good luck finding your "holy grail".
 And I know the guys here are always willing to help out whenever possible.

[kurtbel5]

Stinger
Welcome
Johnny has given great advice,
As to the protocols here, that can be tricky

Some do not like to see the bow they are interested in bidding on posted, it can increase the bids and occasionally will be bought and relisted at a higher start price.

If you find one the guys here you get along with you might PM them the info and keep it off the public forum.

I'd be happy to help, but you will see by my posts, I am a beginner too.

and even if you put the info up here, you'll still get some answers


             Kurt

[Stinger]

Thanks for the advice guys and the welcome.  Actually I've been a TradGang member for several years - just got interested in the collecting part.

[JL]

Didn't someone say;

"All's fair in war and bow collecting..."

I'm in the same boat Stinger. I have a couple mid sixties Kodiaks and they are sweet shooters. Actully traded my boss a ultralight fishing pole/reel for a 65 Kodiak...not bad,huh?

I'm looking to pick up a '59 myself here shortly. Got to get in on some of this vintage action. I just turned 45 last week and I'm starting to see things clearly now. Just hope it doesn't ruin my home life...

Enjoy the ride hoss!

Jerry

[PAPALAPIN]

Welcome aboard Stinger

Can't argue with what Johnny has stated.

As far as beating us out of an auction, that is not an issue.  When it comes to buying old bows, money talks and BS walks.  If I have a bid on a bow, and you are willing to pay more, get after it.  The only thing we ask is not to be pushing up the price of a bow that you do not intend to buy.

Finding bows on ****, and the classifieds here is pretty easy.  The fun comes in in cruising pawn shops, garrage and yard sales, etc...  You can find some great stuff there, and not pay the price you will on e8ay and the classifieds here.  Serious collectors that know the value of their bows will list them here.  Folks that sell at pawn shops, craig's list, garage sales etc sometimes have no idea of the value of what they have and will sell real cheap.  Even a lot of e8ay sellers don't know what they have, but the collecting community watches the auctions and will drive the price up to what it should be.

The main thing you want to do is to figure out what "YOU" want to collect.  Don't buy certain bows just because that is what you see other collectors buying.  Go for what turns you on.  If you ahve been shooting for 40 years, you have an idea of what you like.

Get in slow...take your time...don't pass up a bow just because it is cheap.  That may be a really good buy.  Pay attention to condition.

I have bought bows with really poor descriptions, and poor pictures.  Sometimess it is like buying a pig in a poke.  But some times you end up with a really good pig.

As time goes on your knowledge will increase and you will become a more discerning buyer.

The most important thing of all is to "have fun".  That's what it is really all about.

The market is really bad right now, and with money tight it is a good time to be buying collectible bows.  If you do it right, it can be somewhat of an investment.  Hindsight being 20/20, I am thrilled that I took some money out of the stock market to satisfy my thirst for more bows.  Now those bows are worth more than I paid for them.  Where are stocks?

[yellow bow]

[mwmwmb]

Stinger, like you i am new to this collecting but like PAPALAPIN said. I like looking in those odd places. i recently got a 62 kodiak and 70 grizz together on a local fishing forum for less than what a griz would have cost on the big site.

[alaskabowhunter]

E8ay doesn't want you to know this but remember, you don't WIN an auction, you agree to pay more than anyone else in the whole world.

 I have bought over 80 Bear bows on E8ay and have only had a couple bad experiences. Ask a lot of questions and don't assume anything, more often than not you won't be disappointed. Good luck