As many of you know, I buy the majority of my inventory from private individuals. Someone may find a typewriter in a family member's attic/basement, run across one at a yard sale, or have had one in a closet for too many years to count. So, what do you do? Many get on Google and try to look it up. That usually brings them to my website and often times, I will buy. This page will tell you how to go about selling your typewriter to me or anyone else.
First, you must realize that owning the same make and model as listed on my site is not an apples-to-apples comparison. Your dusty, musty Royal portable is not worth $495 in its current condition. How can that be, you ask?! Well, is a 1963 split window coupe Corvette that's been sitting covered in a barn for 30 years worth as much as one that has been kept in a garage and runs perfectly? No. Typewriters(and just about everything else) are the same. It takes a tremendous amount of time, skill and labor to take that dusty typewriter and transform it into one of my main page typewriters. Even with everything I put into them, some still end up on the Bargain Basement page. My point is that a basic, "as is" typewriter(commonly found on ebay for less than $100) is not worth as much as one that has been professionally refurbished. Especially when a 2 year warranty and FREE shipping is included!
If you agree and understand everything stated above and you want to sell your typewriter, keep reading :-)
Just like any buyer, I need to see good, clear pictures of the typewriter. I don't repaint frames or replace decals so it's very important that I can see them. Some email pictures that are intentionally "shaky" to try to hide the cosmetic flaws or crop out damaged areas. Everyone has fallen victim to this tactic! I lost over $200 on a Royal 10. The frame was cracked and the buyer knew it. I didn't see the crack because of the shaky picture. Needless to say, the buyer was reluctant to even respond to my emails or phone calls in regard to this issue. I can't keep losing money on purchased typewriters or I'll go out of business. It's that simple.
My new buying policy is as follows and is not negotiable. If you don't agree with any of it, then you should try selling it on ebay or some other outlet.
1. I have to see detailed, clear, accurate pictures of all sides and decals. My website only allows 3 pictures per listing but I gladly email more pictures on request. When I sold on ebay, I always used all 12 picture slots so people could see what they were buying.
2. I need to know of any mechanical issues. Some are major and even though I can fix anything, I can't always recoup my time invested(ie. reattaching/replacing a carriage assembly is 4+ hrs not including the time to refurb). You can go to my Common Problems page to see common issues. Check your typewriter against these issues and see if any are found. A buyer deserves to know of any problems before they buy.
3. I need to know your asking price or what you realistically would like for the typewriter. "As much as possible" doesn't really help me. If you want $400, I would like to know up front so I can respond quickly and move on to the next seller. I usually offer 10% above fair market value. I regularly pay $75+ for common typewriters that sell for less on ebay. I also pay the shipping.
4. If we agree on a price, the typewriter needs to be properly packed. I can't tell you how many typewriters are destroyed by poor/improper packing. You can go to How to Properly Pack a Typewriter for detailed information. You may substitute foam peanuts for newspaper but the box size guideline and how the typewriter is packed needs to remain the same. I've been packing this way since 2006 and rarely have any issues.
5. Once the typewriter is properly packaged, I will need the box dimensions, the weight and your address. I will then send a prepaid UPS Ground label via USPS Priority Mail. Attach the label to the box and drop it off at your local UPS Store. You will receive the tracking number when I print the label and also be notified when it's delivered.
6. The day the typewriter arrives, I will inspect it for undisclosed damage. If everything is as described and no damage from poor/improper packing is found, I will pay in full the negotiated price via www.paypal.com. If there is a major issue with the machine, the transaction will be void and you will have to pay the return shipping. Even in this case, I will have lost money in the shipping I paid to get it here. That's still a lot cheaper than what I've been losing by paying up front for junk machines from dishonest sellers.
7. I get 40 or so emails everyday from people wanting to sell their typewriters. My inbox back-log on those emails is huge(2400 as of 2.3.2012). Hopefully, this selling guide will help streamline the process. If the first email I receive has pictures and all the other pertinent information, we should be able to move quickly.
8. Lastly, there are many times when you might be able to get more on ebay than what I can offer. Many can attest to this as that has been my response to their initial email. Sometimes people don't want to go through the hassle of selling on ebay and choose to sell to me anyway. I just want everyone to know what they have and which selling outlet might get them the most money. Recently a seller from the UK contacted me about her aluminum Blickensderfer 8 typewriter. She wanted $300 for it. I told her it was worth far more than that and worked with her to create an ebay listing that would bring her the most money. It sold for $1476.21 on 12.15.2011 - 260913255904 . I could have sold it on my site for $1800+ after it was refurbished but what would Karma think? Honesty has always been and always will be the better policy to follow :-)
Please email or call with any questions :-) Scott
The Vintage Typewriter Shoppe, Inc
7427 MATTHEWS MINT HILL RD
STE 105
MINT HILL, NC 28227
