Buy, Sell, Trade Pages: Scam Avoidance 101
If you have ever purchased something you are unhappy with, chances are you have either returned it, let it gather dust in a bottom drawer, or sold it to someone else. It is great to sell or donate items that just gather in the bottom drawers of your station. You will get extra money in your pocket, someone else will get tools they may not have been able to afford otherwise, and now you have open space and money to put towards other tools you may be wanting to try out. This makes buy, sell, trade sound great. Unfortunately, there are a million ways to scam, and although I try helping everyone who reaches out to avoid scams, I also get messages from others who have already been scammed so let’s briefly go over a few things.
Used Clippers
If you are going to buy a used clipper on a buy, sell, trade group, I suggest doing research first. What is the current new retail price? What are common issues with these clippers? What do common repairs cost? If this clipper needs repairs that are not being advertised, will it still be worth it? When folks local to me are planning to sell a clipper, sometimes they ask me if I will review the clipper and verify if it has any faults or passes all function tests. Typically, on these services, I offer to replace general maintenance parts such as lever/blade drive and hinge. You may see clippers for sale that the seller says were checked by a sharpener first. That is great but be sure to ask who the sharpener is and if they can confirm they saw the clippers. If you are buying a cordless, keep in mind, you might receive a clipper that needs a new battery very soon. New batteries range from around 75-95 US Dollars. When I test a clipper, I cannot tell you how long a battery or motor will remain functional. I test it to be sure everything still functions as it should at the date of service. Used clippers can be a very great deal, but just know a used clipper is typically an AS IS purchase vs. a new clipper’s warranty-protected purchase. If the used clipper price is only $50-85 less than the price for a new one, I would personally pass on that deal. Also, when figuring out the price, look at the price of the used clipper plus shipping and plus the cost of a new lever/blade drive and hinge. These are maintenance parts that are rarely changed as often as manufacturers recommend, so they will likely need to be replaced upon purchase. If not, consider that a pleasant surprise.
Used Blades
If you want to buy used blades, this can be a great deal! The part of it that really stresses me out, however, is most folks selling blades online only post a picture of the blade face. This is not suspicious or incriminating. They want you to be able to see what sizes are available, teeth spacing, skip-tooth vs. finishing, etc. The problem is, a blade can have a gorgeous face, and be completely dead. If you want to purchase used blades online, and you do not know the seller, do not be afraid to ask to see a side view showing the rails, and maybe even a back view which could show if it has abnormal wear or damages. It is important to see the rail from both sides as well, because unfortunately not all blades are level. One side may have a decent rail left, while the other side is completely diminished. Also, when you buy a used blade, just assume sharpening is needed unless it is a reputable seller. If the used blade costs $15 plus shipping, and then you have to have it sharpened as well, will it be worth having a used blade instead of just purchasing a new blade? Be mindful of the expenses and what new-retail value is. I get a lot of used blades and usually offer them sharpened for $15-$20 each. To me, that is a fair price for a used blade that still has rails for future sharpening.
Used Shears
There are sharpeners out there who can spot an ill-set shear from a mile away, and that just is not me..YET. Obviously once I have it in my shop, and I squint just right with it held at the perfect angle to the lighting, I can identify a set issue (where one blade does not meet the other just right resulting in hair folding). What is even more unfortunate is if a shear folds hair it could be dull, damaged, or ill-set. There are so many things to observe when inspecting a shear before sharpening, and some of those things require me to use a large, lit magnifying lens. Unfortunately, looking at a picture online will not clearly identify some issues. To safeguard pricey purchases on shears, you may ask for a picture showing the open shears, inside of each blade to see the rideline and any possible damage to the cutting edge. You may also ask them to show you how it cuts in video or video chat. (Keep in mind this is if they are selling shears $100 or over. Please don’t be creepy and video call someone selling a $10 pair of shears. If you do, please do not say I sent you.)
A lot of the questions I get on used shears purchases include pictures of shears that over-close. Nine times out of ten, this is caused by a missing bumper which is a relatively easy fix. I told one of my clients last week to also ask for a picture of the handles of a shear that over-closed, and I saw the missing bumper, so I told her we could fix them. Today I got to her salon, added the bumper, sharpened, reconvexed, and the shears cut great. I think she got them for $10 or $20. They are a cheaper brand shear, but they will serve her well at that low cost.
Used shears can be a great way to get shears you may not have otherwise been able to afford. While there are risks as far as undisclosed damages, many sharpeners can do great repair work and you can always consult a certified master sharpener if repair work is deemed too difficult by your normal go-to sharpener. As with any used purchase, consider the used-price plus shipping and sharpening compared to the price of the new shear. Also with shears, I always recommend purchasing those that are 440C or greater quality. Those will last much longer.
Secure Payment for Used Tools
If you choose to buy used tools, be sure to choose a payment form that protects you as the buyer. Paypal friends and family will not be refunded if you get scammed. Be sure to select goods and services. If you think someone may be a scammer, kindly voice your concern. Let them prove they are not a scammer. If you are scammed, make sure it is known to prevent others from being scammed. There was recently a very inexpensive dryer on a buy, sell, trade group. The seller accepted payment from 5 different people (could have been more, but 5 came forward that I saw), and then no one got a refund or the dryer. It is just unfortunate that scamming and dishonesty have become so prevalent in our society, but do not let it get you down. Shop savvy and ask questions! Even though I am a retailer, I love seeing people get great deals on used gear so I would love to help.
Also, feel free to ask what used items I have in stock. I typically have a few used corded clippers and a drawer full of used blades. If you have a local grooming for your state or your city, consider establishing a swap meet to meet, mingle, buy, sell, and trade.