Flipping basses for profit – fair game or not cool?

[Allaboutthebass]

Hi All, 

 

Just wanted to throw something out there and see what people think.

 

Basschat’s always felt like a proper community to me, people helping each other out, sharing gear, advice, and good vibes. However, I’ve recently noticed a case where someone has bought a bass locally at a very good price, then flips it immediately for a profit on BC.

 

Now, I get that people are allowed to make money and everyone’s got their own reasons for selling gear. But it does make me wonder, is that kind of flipping really in the spirit of the community? This isn’t meant to be a shop, and I think most of us list stuff here with the idea that it’s going to another player, not just being resold for cash.

 

So I’m curious what others think:

 

• Is flipping gear for profit on Basschat fair game?
• Is there a difference between selling something you no longer need vs buying just to resell for profit?

 

Anyway, just wanted to get a feel for what others think. Maybe I’m overthinking it, maybe not.

 

Not trying to stir the pot, just genuinely interested in hearing different views. Let’s keep it friendly! 

 

 

[12stringbassist]

A bass is only worth what someone will pay for it. I got very annoyed when someone talked me into parting with a fairly collectible bass a while ago and then he promptly flipped it. I think with a price hike... But I wasn't using it much, so....

 

I'm selling a few basses locally thru fbook and they've been in my collection for years and it's just time to part with some that don't get played. The days of silly money for basses appear to be over.

 

I do see some wacky asking prices and tend to scroll on....

[Downunderwonder]

I find it distasteful but not against any rules so can't really speak against it. Perhaps the altruistic could all start high and wait for a bite giving all the opportunity to buy at market value.

 

[WalMan]

Not against the rules, but certainly against the spirit to immediately repost for sale at a profit.

 

My problem…I buy stuff but rarely move stuff on. I have purchased a few things here, always to use not flip, and if it’s not quite my thing I will re advertise here after a bit of use but at no more than I bought it for…then again others might say I’m a fool to myself 🙂

 

If I have had and used something for a while and do decide to move it on, and the market has moved that’s a different matter, but not as a buy and flip.

 

Certainly don’t expect me to resell the Wal I’ve had for 40+ years for what I paid for it 🤣