Excellent input.

@ thornbeck - excellent point about logging hours. I had just days ago made a comment about the value of a kit I was listing for sale, and reflecting, that if I dare calculate the amount of work I'd put in, my hourly rate would be a sorry state of affairs indeed. Trying to write some of that off as 'gaining experience' up to now. Like tnsquint, I too have been self employed for most of my working life, and am all too familiar with logging hours - I hate it! I wish you could just get paid for the amount of effort you put into something. These days, it seems to me, that it's all about 'the cheapest', and 'the fastest', and quality seems to take a real back seat. Oh, don't get me started. Started doing this because I really enjoy it. I find, sitting in the sun with a pile of lugs to polish, can be therapeutic. But seriously, if I do plan to pursue this, I agree that man hours are surely an important factor.

Actually, the first kit I fully disassembled was my 67, Ludwig blue oyster pearl, Super Classics. Thankfully they were in great shape, and really only needed a clean, and polish, but it was enough to make me itchy to do some more. I like shiny things...

@FFR428 - I know nothing of D'Addarrio, (aren't they a guitar string outfit?) But will look into it - thanks. Boxes - I've collapsed the bigger ones, except ones that are filled with packing material, and the numerous, assorted small boxes, which frankly, aren't much more manageable collapsed, than not. I've just accumulated too many, but hate to throw away anything that could be useful in the future - my wife hates that.

@tnsquint - thanks again - yeah heads. Trouble is, with some of these old MIJ kits for example; to get the best out of them, (particularly after you've spent the time to fully overhaul, polish, and treat interiors) a nice fresh set of Remo Ambassadors seems to be the consensus in most cases, and frankly, I'm so stingy, I hardly ever replace the heads on my own good, vintage kits until I have no choice - actually, I just picked up a sweet Yamaha D20 kit, (sans original snare) that had lightly used coated pinstripes all around, with same on reso side, fresh. Swapped those out for some clear resos, and finally put a new head on my Supra. In the process I landed on a lower tuning that has had me grooving for the last few days, and prompted me to re-tune my COB 400 as well, (coating just starting to erode on that one... Thanks for the Jammin' Sam link. Seems like a pretty good deal, as long as shipping doesn't negate the savings, (as it usually does I've found DOH) . One thing I'm really finding it difficult to find, are snare reso/hazy heads. Seems to be one of the first things to go on a neglected kit.

Really appreciating the input fellas. Still not sure whether I should start a new, 'sellers' account on ebay...?

It's up to you and in the end really shouldn't matter, but if you want to create a separate identity for your business then you should start another ebay account. I would keep my business transactions separate from my personal transactions, but this is just my personal preference.

-Tim

Thanks Tim. Would rather start a new seller's account, and build up an identity, but don't want to lose out on any benefit there may possibly be, (?) from my buyer's record. Seems that ratings count, and I'll already be at a disadvantage, having zero sales.

I sell more drums from my driveway then I do from kijiji, CL. Or anything else.

Less wrk (no correapondance, just yes, no)

So... how do you get drummers/buyers to your driveway? ...and how do you keep the rain and snow off? :)

looking for 14 ft luddy clubdate obp

This is interesting. I wish you the best of luck with all of your business decisions. If you have time to build up slowly, then I say DO IT! Following one's dreams cannot be overstated (though its often a cliche).

I'd love a Star drums sticker for my bass drum if you're taking orders. :)

I sell stuff now and then on craigslist locally. And I do not like people coming to my home, nor do I like going to theirs. I have had a couple of somewhat creepy experiences and one guy who just wouldn't go away and frankly, would rather just meet up at a local coffee joint and make the transactions that way. But shipping drums? Phew. Parts might be a cheaper way to build up your experience ratings on ebay and get some good feedback going but with cheaper postage and handling on your part.

Again, all the best and I'm following this conversation. Love your logo btw!

-Doug

This might help: http://pages.ebay.com/help/account/change-userid.html

You get to keep your rating and then make your profile have a more business like look and feel.

-Tim

when I get home from work around 515 I just put a kit or two to the driveway with a big for sale sign with my cell number on it and I can do all the work around the house or cut the grass people mostly just call me anyways I just come around to the front.

ausually takes 5-10 minutes and then I get tons of request for drum lessons at 20 25 bucks an hour

That is a great mind at work!