Do they outline their plan to "significantly grow their marketplace"?
Or rather... Do they explain where the money is going to go?
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not a huge increase, but still a bummer. between that and having to pay sales tax on used goods it definitely seems like selling locally, on forums, FB marketplace, etc. is the way to go.
Not a huge increase? I would say a 43% increase is definitely huge (the increase is 1.5%, which is 43% of 3.5).
you're right. I didn't really think about it in those terms. I haven't really sold much on there over the years, so I basically looked at it like if I were to sell something for say $300, I'll get hit with a $15 fee (not including PayPal) instead of $10.50. $4.50 isn't entirely all that much in this scenario, but for higher volume sellers and bigger ticket items that will really add up.
I also imagine sellers will now adjust their prices accordingly though, which will make buying on there a touch more expensive.
With the anger of raising fees and all that (I even read an article where Guitar Center is heavily advertising right now to “buy your gear” at up to 80% off what you bought it for), the answer is simple: don’t sell anything.
If the music community really wants to stick it to these online entities, stop selling your stuff.
This doesn’t have anything to do with companies being greedy and not compassionate to the musicians, this is just them looking after their bottom line. They have costs to bear too. If I owned a bar that was forced close and still had to make ends meet, what do you think I’d do? The alternative is going out of business, right?
everything is screwed up right now so we all just need to roll with it. But really, you don’t need to complain. If you don’t like it, don’t do it. Keep the stuff you bought and enjoy it like the day you bought it.
I’m not being unkind about it. People are selling stuff everywhere to get by. I do not disagree that these are trying times. But, if Reverb changes its policy, what are you gonna do? Comply or complain?Not picking on you, Bo. I just wanted to highlight something that my not be an option for a lot of musicians right now.
As a Financial Advisor of 20+ years now, I've been through three recessions and as each one has progressed, I've seen some clients and friends in the trades and in music either pawn or sell their tools/instruments. The longer the recession lasted, the more people did this and the lower the prices would go.
Right now in my and vyacheslav's area (Cincinnati, OH), there are some sound guys and musicians who are quietly (word of mouth) trying to sell gear to pay bills and make ends meet. I'm sure I'll see some of it on Craigslist and then eventually Reverb and/or ebay. And I'm certain this isn't unique to the Cincy region.
Specifically regarding Reverb raising their rates: Companies will be remembered for how they treat their employees and the public during hard times.