Selling an Unopened Air Conditioner on Gumtree

voteoften on 30/01/2017 - 14:56
Last edited 30/01/2017 - 15:00

It's funny that these gumtree issues have come up because I am now considering selling some items on gumtree.

The big one is a huge ducted sir con system. My ex husband and I bought it about 13 years ago in the lead up to building a house. Then we split. I ended up with all the building materials.

I have to sell it from my house as it is two boxes and I think one weights 80kg.

This is a air con for what was to be a massive house. 5 bed 5 bath two kitchens, multiple common rooms.

But it's been sitting in the two boxes. I'm sure there's been some degradation. I can't use it where I am currently living as I have adequate air con.

I think we paid over $10,000 for it. I was hoping to maybe get $500.

Obviously I'd have to be very clear that it is old but "brand new" and that it nay be useless. The buyer would be taking a punt. I don't want them to come back and expect a refund later.

How should I handle this sale? If a potential buyer wants to open the boxes, it'll immediately devalue the item if they don't buy. How can I manage expectations other than just saying that the item may not work?

I'm in Perth.

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Comments

  • nocure on 30/01/2017 - 15:05

    Be careful.

  • Cheeper on 30/01/2017 - 15:09

    Just say it as it is.. sale is for "as is" and no return or refund is offered.
    You may have to tolerate some inspection of the item but that is what it is like selling on gumtree.
    I have always got the purchaser to sign a copy of the receipt acknowledging the condition of sale.
    If they want the "big" bargain they have to take the risk.
    Don't mention the word new in your ad though.
    Make sure you give the full specs as shown on the carton as some expert out there will know all about them.

  • 2jzzzz on 30/01/2017 - 15:12

    I'd go to a air con repair place and get them to inspect and test. If it's working, offer to sell to them or at least you can ask more in your ad?

  • airzone on 30/01/2017 - 15:19
    +1

    Here's some practice for you:

    I'll give you $50 for it, and you can deliver it to me, and I'll pay you $5 per week. Oh, I'm in NSW, so I'll just not show up.

    • Scab on 30/01/2017 - 15:45
      +8

      Gumtree has changed, it's now:

      I'm on an oilrig and interested in your air con.

      I don't have internet or banking access at the moment as I'm drilling, but I want to buy it for double, no make it triple, what you're asking.

      You just need to pay a release fee in Nigerian Naira to my shipping agent who will organise everything.

      God bless you.

      • shockme79 on 30/01/2017 - 16:30
        +3

        lol… You just reminded me, I was once selling a caravan on Gumtree and I got one of those "marine engineers" out at sea emailing me offering double$ and they will send their shipping agent to collect.. I thought I'd waste their time, and I replied and asked "Will you be using the caravan out at sea? Because it doesn't float very well… Do you want me to include free snorkel set?"….. And they replied saying… 'Yes, please include snorkel'…. what a #%#! lol

  • spackbace on 30/01/2017 - 15:36
    +1

    Won't matter if the boxes are open or not, all the plastics etc will still be in there

    13 years old though, old technology, old efficiency… $500 might be on the money I think, but it's also a tough sell.

  • ihbh on 30/01/2017 - 16:08

    Out of curiosity, was there a reason why you didn't think/want to sell it 13 or so years ago?

    • voteoften on 30/01/2017 - 16:22
      +2

      Hoped I'd be able to use it in an old house I was living in up until two years ago.
      Laziness.
      Illness.
      Didn't need the money.
      Had lots of space.
      Out of sight out of mind.

  • Scab on 30/01/2017 - 16:16

    How should I handle this sale?

    Exactly how you handled this thread, state the age and details and be honest and ask a reasonable price.

    Too many people overvalue their crap on GumTree.

    The problem for you is the age of the unit, 13 years is an eternity for stuff like this.

    If a potential buyer wants to open the boxes, it'll immediately devalue the item if they don't buy.

    Then don't let them open the boxes, if it's new it's new.

  • Mikinoz on 30/01/2017 - 16:24

    Also if you want $500 list it for $1000 or better yet $1500 when they offer you $500 just accept

    • voteoften on 30/01/2017 - 16:25

      $997.67?

      • scrimshaw on 30/01/2017 - 16:46

        The best I can do is a 10 pack of eneloops and a half eaten hot dog, but it wasn't my dog that ate the half, it was me. Deal?

        In any case my few bits of advice is:

        1. Take only cash payments, not Paypal, not CC, not Cheque. Cold hard cash.
        2. Do not use your real full name when dealing on Gumtree
        3. Use a prepaid SIM card for all comms
        4. Do not disclose any more personal information than you need to. This includes place of residence, although that might be difficult since you're selling heavy equipment which needs to be picked up from your house..
        • voteoften on 30/01/2017 - 16:58

          Might claim it's my friends house and they are storing it.

    • lainey13 on 30/01/2017 - 21:49

      So true, aim a bit higher because everyone will offer you about 10% for it!

  • Scab on 30/01/2017 - 16:28

    Then we split. I ended up with all the building materials

    Just what every divorcee wants, building materials.

    • voteoften on 30/01/2017 - 16:57

      Lol, I've used most if the tapware and door furniture elsewhere. The sink sets were $600 each. Door knobs over $120.

  • thatonethere on 30/01/2017 - 16:48
    +2

    You might have better luck with the local auction house (ie see if they want to take it on consignment). While there is a fee - it means you are air gapped from potential angry purchasers.

  • backpaqer on 31/01/2017 - 09:26

    Speak to an aircon installer about it, a good one should be able to tell you all about it and whether there may be any difficulties in selling it due to changes in refrigerant used etc. Hopefully because it has never been opened, all the seals should be well lubricated from the factory and have not dried out. As it's a bit of an unknown due to age - I'd put it on eBay with a low reserve in the middle of a heatwave which might make it move a bit quicker and for a higher price.

  • boomramada on 31/01/2017 - 11:13

    I assume, 10K system means price per units inc installation. I only paid like around 7k inc installation which is 10+ years ago.
    You probably have good chance of selling it to a tradie who is looking for parts.
    plus post it on forums inc model number etc, that might helpful for some.
    Good luck :)

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