We have read different articles on the guitar flipping business and have put together this well-researched article that will definitely help you start and succeed in your new venture.

To start a guitar flipping business on the right foot, you must assess the necessary considerations first and make choices that will propel your business in the right direction. 

Choose your target market, quality of your guitars and the profits you desire. This will inform where you buy and sell your guitars. 

Read on to get specific details you need to start your guitar flipping business.

Things to consider before starting a guitar flipping business

A guitar flipping business, like any other business venture, needs to be adequately planned for. There are various factors that need to be critically considered. Below are the top things you need to think about:

1. Capital needed to start the business

To get started, you will need a certain amount of money to cover these needs: rent, utilities, lease deposit, registration fee and inventory. 

The inventory should be given the biggest portion of money because you want to have a variety of guitars for sale. This amount will vary depending on your geographical location and whether you’ll sell new or second-hand guitars.

2. Item quality

There are numerous features that contribute to the quality of a guitar. Such features include the brand name, model, year of production, color, brand new or used, country of manufacture and rarity. 

Pick what you feel will stand out when reselling and that has a higher resale value but can be acquired at a lower price.

3. Your target market

Who are you targeting? Your clients could be children joining music school or just music enthusiasts of all ages. Meet the needs of each of them.

4. Your selling price

You are joining this business simply because you want profits. Determine where you will get your guitars at the lowest price possible and then sell at up to 40% profit. 

This will vary between new and used instruments.

To increase your profit margins, consider offering rare kinds of guitars. You may also move your business online to target clients from a wider geography.

You can diversify to related businesses like repairing guitars and selling guitar spares.

If you’d like to learn which 10+ items are easiest to flip for cash click here or for a more comprehensive list click here.

Where to buy guitars to flip

To increase the profitability, it would be wise to consider buying guitars from the cheapest places. Whether you are looking for a modern guitar or a vintage one, check out these places for amazing discounts:

1. Pawn Shops 

Pawn shops are known for selling good name brand slightly used items. You can consider visiting various pawn shops for some awesome finds.

In the guitars category, there is a variety of guitars on offer that will blow your mind. You will find all kinds of guitars that exist on earth. Prices always vary but keeping a regular check on that page can land you good deals.

2. Craigslist 

Craigslist has great deals on guitars too. Find a local listing near you and you are likely to get good used guitars at affordable prices.

3. ShopGoodwill 

ShopGoodwill is an online store for thrift stores across the United States. In this site, you more frequently find cheap, quality items, including guitars, and once in a while you’ll find unbelievable deals on vintage guitars.

4. Thrift Stores 

Thrift stores are known for selling low-cost secondhand items. You can consider scouring thrift stores for some cheap guitars to flip.

5. Estate Sales 

Visit an estate sale and you’re likely to find a good guitar for sale. These are good places to find vintage guitars as well.

6. National Music Stores 

You can find brand new guitars from national music stores like Guitar Center or Musician’s Friend at affordable prices. Regularly check these online stores for the best deals.

7. Buy directly from sellers 

You can start asking in your circles who could be selling a guitar so that you buy directly from them at a cheaper price. Ask your friends and family members to refer sellers to you.

Popular Guitar Brands to Sell

Guitars come in varying styles that differ between brands. Below are the top five brands of guitars that sell quickly:

Gibson 

Gibson is one of the best-selling electronic guitar brands. It was first started in 1902 and has manufactured guitars under different names: Epiphone, Maestro, Tobias and Kramer, among others.They continue to lead in guitar innovations to date.

Seagull 

They are specialized in acoustic guitars and have produced acoustic and electric acoustic guitars over the past 30 years. Its unique characteristic is in the shape of its headstock which is tapered, and its tuning machines which produce perfect consistency.

Guild 

It was founded in 1952 mainly as jazz guitars. In the 60s, when blues and folk filled the air, Guild blossomed to such production with expertise in acoustics. Thus, their excellent production ranges from jazz to acoustics. 

Yamaha 

This is one of the oldest guitar brands. It started as a piano manufacturing company in the 1940s and then grew to multinational production. It is notable for its  excellent quality and affordable prices and thus is fit for entry level enthusiasts.

Ovation 

Ovation has been producing acoustic and electric-acoustics for the past 50 years. It was started by aerodynamic engineers. They led a sound hole change introduced in the 70s. They have maintained quality and amplified acoustics.

How and where to sell your guitars online.

Here are some steps to follow when you want to sell guitars online:

1. First research the market value of the guitar 

I assume you acquired it at the cheapest price possible. Now research where you can sell it at the highest price possible. Get to know the value that guitar goes for in most stores.

2. Prepare the guitar for sale 

Do some repairs of the guitar. If there is any damage on it, fix and clean it before selling. Ensure it looks good and is in a condition that buyers can willingly exchange their money for.

3. Take professional photos

Look for a good photographer or take good photos yourself. Ensure you capture the image in natural lighting and ensure you capture all the necessary details.

4. Choose where to sell 

This can either be in a local store or online. Either way, the photos you take will help in marketing your guitars. You can sell in one of the below places:

Guitar Center 

This store accepts acoustic, electric and bass guitars. In addition, they accept guitar parts such as heads and amp cabs. 

All you need to do is to talk to the sales associate in the store near you then they’ll come and check your guitars based on their minimum requirements. Once they verify and accept your guitars, they pay you immediately and take the guitars. 

Craigslist 

You can list your guitars on Craigslist but be sure to look out for scammers who are known to frequent this platform.

Sheepbuy 

Sheepbuy is a online marketplace that lets you sell items for free with their basic tier. There are no selling or hidden fees. Transactions are safe and secure through paypal & strictly between buyers and sellers only.

Reverb 

This is the easiest place to sell used guitars at a low commission. List your guitar for free on their website.

Music Go Round 

People buy and sell used instruments on this website. Go ahead and list your guitars on their site.

The Music Zoo 

This is an online guitar store where used guitars can be resold. You can buy and then sell immediately from this site or ship those at home.

Letgo 

It is a mobile app where you can list your guitars and people within your geography can see them and order.

Sam Ash Music Store 

Get cash or credit by selling your used guitar to the store. 

Related Questions

How to sell a guitar online?

To maximize sales your online sales, use these tips:

1. Take irresistible photos of your guitar 

You need to capture the eye of the customer by taking spot-on images. You can get a professional photographer to do this for you. Ensure the image captures all the details.

2. Ensure a thorough description  

Make sure your item description is not only on point but exceeds expectation. Always state make, model if any, year produced and condition. Another tip is that as a buyer I’ve reacted very well when item has a brief description of why the guitar is being sold.

3. Participate in promoting your item online 

Placing your item online doesn’t mean it would sell right away. Make sure to socially share on Facebook, Pinterest and word of mouth.

Sharing socially would let other guitar aficionados know about your guitar. Spreading the word around might get a neighbor, family member or friend interested in your guitar.

4. Price right 

Do not over or under price.

5. Take care of your customers 

Respond promptly to customer questions and feedback.

Now if you’d like to expand your flipping skills learn how to make a full income flipping books, click here.

Conclusion

Get started with the guitar flipping business by first knowing about the things to consider. Use the listed online and offline stores to choose where to buy and sell the guitars. 

After finding a good store, choose the brand or brands you want to sell, begin buying at the lowest price and sell at the highest price possible. If you can understand the market well, you are sure to make good profits.

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