Usedkit › Selling used hi-fi

Selling used hi-fi

Hi-fi buyers want to know it was tested, not that it powers on. Say how you tested it.

What buyers ask first

• Does every channel, input and function work, and how was it tested?
• Mains voltage, which matters for imported gear.
• Power output, and the year.
• Remote and manual included?
• Last serviced: recapped, belts replaced, pots cleaned.

How to grade used hi-fi

• Like new: no marks, all functions tested, original packing.
• Excellent: light marks on the case; everything tested and working.
• Good: visible wear on the front or case; everything working.
• Fair: scratchy controls, a dim lamp or a minor fault; say which.
• For parts: a dead channel, no power, or not tested.

"Untested" is For parts, whatever it looks like: buyers assume the worst, and they're usually right.

What to photograph

• The front, lit if it has lamps or a display, and the back panel with its connections.
• The top, and every mark you mention.
• The serial plate, which shows the voltage.

Pricing it

Price from recent sales of the same model, and add for a documented service: for older gear it's the work buyers expect to pay for themselves.

Selling them in a web shop

Each used item is its own product, sold once. Two things make that work: a condition every buyer reads the same way, shown on the product and in the product list, and a way to keep the buyer who arrives after it sold.

Usedkit adds both to WooCommerce and Shopify: a condition card with the details buyers ask about, and a "notify me" on sold items that matches by model, so the next one reaches everyone who waited.

How should I test an amplifier before selling?

With speakers and a source on every input: listen on both channels at low and moderate volume, turn every control and listen for crackle, and let it play for half an hour.

Can I sell 110–120 V gear in Europe?

Yes, if the listing says so clearly: buyers need a step-down transformer. Show the serial plate.

Write the condition text for a used hi-fi item · A waitlist for sold items

Sell hi-fi without losing the next buyer

Usedkit is free during early access. On WooCommerce, the plugin from WordPress.org; on Shopify, the Shopify app (in review for the App Store; available soon).