The Undesirables

[BWallace10327]

Everyone who looks at classifieds knows the type;  Some bows just don't sell. These items may be too heavy, too short, too unknown, and even occasionally, priced to high.  More often than not, however, many bows go unsold after many days, weeks or months of being listed, even with multiple price reductions.  

I am curious what factors make such bows undesirable.  My curiosity would be laid to rest if everyone could post a list of the top 5 reasons a bow for sale does not interest them.  I am willing to assume as the list of people and their dislikes grow, a some sort of patter will emerge.  Please, don't hold back, the more the merrier.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Reasons:

#1. They don't bother to post pictures. I don't want to have to give my ph # or email to request pictures. I want to click the link and see the pics.

#2. Priced too high. Some people post prices so high that with just 20% more, you could own a brand new bow.

#3. I look closely at who's posting the add. I pay particular attention to how many posts they have on this site and how well they're know. #3 could easily be exchange for #2 in importance.

#4. How well are the details provided, and the pictures shown, to reveal the blemished, dings... I don't mind buying a bow with dings and dents. I just don't want to pay a price for a bow which is listed 10/10, when in fact it more like an 8/10.

#5. Bow weight and grip. Once the bow reaches 55# or more, or the bow has a high wrist grip, I move on. Just my preferences.

[crazynate]

Top 5 reasons for me not to buy a bow. 1- I feel like some times a bow is priced way over what it's worth. 2 - if I feel like some one isn't being honest about the condition like saying it's never been used but the rest shows signs of wear. That isn't a big deal but it gives me a bad vibe about the person selling so I don't buy from them. 3- if he bow is to much weight. 4- how the how has been presented for the sale makes a big difference. I feel like sometimes you can tell just by looking at a bow if it's been taken care of. And lastly 5- if the seller doesn't post enough pictures to see the whole bow I get worried and won't buy. I've over paid before on bows because I trusted the person was being honest. Then I received the bow it it has lots of issues that weren't listed. Because of that instance the only bows I'm buying used online will be here on trad gang. I have had nothing but good things with anyone I've dealt with on here, it really is a great bunch of people to do business with. I no longer buy from auction sites. This is just my opinion.

[McDave]

I think people have certain brands they identify with quality, and have an idea of what those brands should cost on the used market.  Sometimes I will hear something good about some other brand, and might want to try one out.  If a brand is not already on my list, or hasn't otherwise come to my attention, I probably won't pay much attention to an ad about it.  OTOH, if someone is selling some bows at a tournament, I might pick up a bow I've never heard of.  If it looks good and feels good in my hand, I might shoot it.  If it shoots well for me, I might buy it.  So if I had a bow that wasn't well known, I might try selling it at an archery meet rather than through an ad.

It is a mistake to expect to sell a bow right away, regardless of how well known it is.  Maybe you will, but that is just luck.  I had a bow made by a well known bowyer that I tried to sell a year or so ago because it had become too heavy for me.  I got some nibbles, but no bites.  After about six months, a friend shot it and liked it, so I gave it to him.  I'd rather give a good bow away than sell it for less than it is worth.  What goes around, comes around.  A few weeks after that, one of the people who had expressed interest in it before wrote back with a full price offer.  Oh well, too late.

[M60gunner]

#6, skins, to me they are used to cover a poor finish job

[Jack Hoyt 75]

Not a style of bow I like to shoot.
I already have to many bows.
Bow is wrong specs for length or weight.
Bow is over priced.
Poor descriptions and few or no pictures.
It's left handed and I'm a right.
Bow has damage, dings or bad finish...

[mec lineman]

I may be wrong but here lately I haven't seen many bows over priced. I have seen some nice bows go dirt cheap.  But to answer your question,no pics,wrong specs

[Longtoke]

5# too heavy or too light mostly

[creekwood]

Top 5 reasons a bow may not sell:

#1. They don't bother to post pictures.

#2. They don't bother to post pictures.

#3. They don't bother to post pictures.

#4. They don't bother to post pictures.

#5. They don't bother to post pictures.

[ermont]

Pics are a biggie! Always post pics.

[Longtoke]

5# too heavy or too light mostly

[Gray Buffalo]

Not left handed

[Msturm]

1. its the same or very similar to a bow I already own.
2. I cannot afford it.
3. it is significantly heavier than I normally shoot. ( don't want to have to buy 2 dozen new arrows now too)
4. I don't like the way it looks. ( some bows are just beautiful, even old beat up ones, some just don't do it for me)
5. My fiancée cannot be convinced that I need it and it is a great deal and it will make me far more efficient hunter and it will save us lots of money in the long run on groceries. ( this is generally the primary factor.)


Msturm

[Steelhead]

No pics doesn't bother me at all as long as they can send me some and I can often see the bow better on my home computer when their sent to my E-mail.
Wrong poundage
Wrong price
Wrong length
Wrong make
Wrong style
Wrong condition.
Wrong time of year
Wrong grip
Wrong woods
Its not on the hot bow to buy list.

Folks can be pretty picky.Almost all used bows are a pretty good deal when compared to the price of a new one.Sometimes its takes awhile to find the right match for a bow and buyer.

Over the years their have been so many more bows available second hand.Because their are so many more circulating.So prices are down a tad in my experience and it might be harder to move them as quickly.But most sale when the price is right and you have a buyer eventually.Might have to sit on it for awhile though.

[Michael Arnette]

1: it's not a TallTines
Don't get me wrong I've been tempted by other bows but true love exists lol

[30coupe]

No pictures
Too heavy/too light
More than I think it's worth to me
Grip looks too fat (I have short fingers)
My wife is watching over my shoulder.

[cacciatore]

All of the above reasons plus some brands become of fashion and they sell incredibly fast. Then they are forgotten and don't sell anymore

[Ulysseys]

For me:
1. Usually too light - I like bows around 60# and it seems like everyone is shooting 40# these days
2. Price - there are plenty of good deals but many overpriced bows to me too....if it's 20 years old it's not worth 7 or 800 dollars, even if it says black widow
3. They don't take paypal - this service offers simplicity, speed, and insurance I don't see why anyone would want or expect someone to get a money order and drop it in the mail these days
4.  They want to call and talk - this may be controversial to most but to me if someone wants to discuss a bow I move on, I like deals to be quick and done no offense guys.  I'll chat about hunting but I don't want to make phone calls about your bow
5.  Low post count - see #4, I recognize most names here of regular posters and therefore can trust a deal without going above and beyond to prevent being scammed...a low post count makes me a little more hesitant

[Al Dean]

1. No PayPal.  PayPal gives your recourse if item not as described.
2. To short for my draw.
3. Can not afford price
4. Something about ad screwy, even though I can't put my finger on it.
5. Just not a bow I am interested in

[Bluefeather]

For me it 's these reasons.
Too much poundage, I need my bows to be 45-50# at 30"
Bow is too short, I like 64-66" bows.
The grip is too small, I have XL hands.
Price is a big factor. I tend to be frugal aka cheap.
No photo, gotta have a pic.