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Main => Everything Else => Topic started by: Zrooney on November 30, 2014, 10:42:18 pm

Title: Need Some Help - How do I break into the Vintage Computer Market?
Post by: Zrooney on November 30, 2014, 10:42:18 pm: Hey all, hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday and had a great Thanksgiving!

Through a rather long series of events that has spanned now a little over 2 months I am at a crossroads. I went up to get a Neo-Geo cabinet from some guy kinda close to my house. I did not get the cabinet but I did manage to get him to sign a consignment deal with me, so I can sell most of the things that he has.

Now here is the conundrum, most of the stuff that he has is retro-computer type stuff. This is good for things like Model M keyboards, where they seem to sell themselves. But he has a lot of actual computers, IBM 5150s, Apple II, II+, IIe, IIC, Tandy, Commodore 64's, IBMs w/ Intel 386's and the like.

So I guess the question is how do I get into the retro computer market. The keyboards I just threw up on Reddit and they sold like hotcakes, but I don't think that these computers will appeal to the same crowd. Is their another forum that has a large user group that would be interested in buying this stuff, or is my best bet just eBay and Craigslist? And what stuff is actually collectible? I would think anything Pre-94ish, because after that you start getting into Win95, ME, CE and XP. And could you simply list the 386's on eBay for gold scrapers to buy?

As always, any input is greatly appreciated. And if you guys want more of a story I can deliver it tomorrow. Its a pretty crazy story.
Title: Re: Need Some Help - How do I break into the Vintage Computer Market?
Post by: Slippyblade on November 30, 2014, 10:57:35 pm: The obvious first step is an Ebay store. Also look into an Etsy storefront as well since they allow "retro" and "vintage" stuff.
Title: Re: Need Some Help - How do I break into the Vintage Computer Market?
Post by: ark_ader on December 01, 2014, 05:11:00 am: I wouldn't bother. Most of that stuff is crap. :lol
Title: Re: Need Some Help - How do I break into the Vintage Computer Market?
Post by: SlammedNiss on December 01, 2014, 12:07:34 pm: Quote from: ark_ader on December 01, 2014, 05:11:00 am
I wouldn't bother. Most of that stuff is crap. :lol

I honestly would love to find an Apple IIe local to buy.
Title: Re: Need Some Help - How do I break into the Vintage Computer Market?
Post by: pbj on December 01, 2014, 01:03:49 pm: "Things I should have researched before I made the offer"

Just block his number and get on with life.
Title: Re: Need Some Help - How do I break into the Vintage Computer Market?
Post by: Zrooney on December 01, 2014, 04:38:52 pm: PBJ: Nah, I researched some of the stuff and it seems to kinda have a market for it. To be honest I have nothing better to do with my freetime and would like some money before I head off to college. I was kinda of thinking of giving up a couple of weeks ago, but I really don't have anything to lose because I am not buying his crap off of him.

ARK: Well that solves the problem of what his later stuff is worth :lol.

Slippy: Thanks for the Etsy store idea and eBay. I kinda thought about eBay but it seemed like their was a lot of competition. I have nothing to lose if I post some stuff on their though.
Title: Re: Need Some Help - How do I break into the Vintage Computer Market?
Post by: Thenasty on December 01, 2014, 08:34:49 pm: I have some Model M keyboards. Did not know ppl are crazy for it.... Time to go in the garage :applaud:

whats the asking price for this keyboards ?
Title: Re: Need Some Help - How do I break into the Vintage Computer Market?
Post by: Zrooney on December 01, 2014, 09:47:59 pm: TheNasty: I have been getting anywhere from $35 to $50, and that does not include the shipping costs. Just keep in mind that I do clean these boards, so that may affect the price a little as well.