AAPK Seller platform/experience

[GusSharp68]

Hello Everyone,

I’m considering setting up my own store on AAPK to start selling off some of my knife collection. In the past, I’ve sold a few on eBay, and Blade Forums. While eBay is easy, their fees are way too high as I’m usually selling the knife for less than I paid for it to begin with.

In my limited research, it seems AAPK is a good choice with a very low percentage of the sale as a cost (3% if I’m not mistaken) and no listing fees.

I’ve been a purchaser from here for a few years now and they’ve all been good experiences.

I don’t know how broad the exposure is to potential buyers and would welcome any insight on this and the seller experience on AAPK in general. I was also looking at Reddit/knifeswap but not sure it’s as easy to use platform as I’d like. I had a hard time searching for knives I wanted to buy there. If I have to use eBay I can but they just seem too expensive.

My goal ultimate goals are selling my knives at a fair price with very low fees and tapping into as wide a pool of potential buyers as possible while keeping it relatively simple and safe/secure as possible.

I have over 200 knives from modern folders to traditional Slipjoint to a few fixed blades. Mostly GEC, Case XX, Schrade Walden, and a bunch of custom makers.

Would welcome thoughts and suggestions on this.

[New_Windsor_NY]

Hello.....

Maybe some thoughts and suggestions here.
https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... .php?f=101

[C-WADE7]

Reddit seems to move modern knives quickly but traditional other than GEC not as much.

[bestgear]

Would welcome thoughts and suggestions on this

Not many store owners are active forum participants so you might not get as many responses as you'd like to your questions. I've had an AAPK store since 2016 and I'm pleased with the outcomes for my efforts. The user interface is simple and intuitive and integrated with many electronic payment platforms. The commission rate of 3% is highly competitive. The buyers are knowledgeable and savvy so good descriptions and photographs are a must. The key to volume sales is proper pricing which normally translates into both buyer and seller feeling like it was a good deal. You have nothing to lose for trying so I'd advocate for getting the approval process started and test the waters with a few knives. If your successful, add a few more knives to your store. If you feel like your not getting the outcomes you had hoped for with the effort extended, it's easy to move on.

Feel free to PM me if you have additional questions, I'd be happy to help you in any a=manner possible.

[philco]

I've sold hundreds of knives over the past few years here on AAPK through my store. It's been easy with very few hitches along the way. One thing I'd council you on; it takes a bit of patience, both getting your store set up and then waiting for items to sell. Some will move quickly, some not so much. As Tom already said, good pictures and accurate descriptions are a must.

[Lars0729]

Hey GS68 - your inquery is very timely, as I have been investigating opening a store here on AAPK as well. I sell other childhood treasures on Etsy, but not all the knives I want to sell can be considered vintage (20 years or older). I highly recommend reading all you can here as well:
https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... .php?f=101
Take the time to review each thread within each topic - it'll take some time, but worth it if you haven't already.

I have also reviewed a large cross section of stores to see how some of these AAPK store vets have been doing it. Not all stores are created equal. I really like the ones who have taken the time to create a good seller bio as well. I tend to trust operators who answer more questions before they are asked than those who just put in the bare minimum. Same for EBay.

Lastly, when someone like Bestgear opens the door to be personally engaged to assist - take him up on it! That coaching session could be worth everything!

[GusSharp68]

Would welcome thoughts and suggestions on this

Not many store owners are active forum participants so you might not get as many responses as you'd like to your questions. I've had an AAPK store since 2016 and I'm pleased with the outcomes for my efforts. The user interface is simple and intuitive and integrated with many electronic payment platforms. The commission rate of 3% is highly competitive. The buyers are knowledgeable and savvy so good descriptions and photographs are a must. The key to volume sales is proper pricing which normally translates into both buyer and seller feeling like it was a good deal. You have nothing to lose for trying so I'd advocate for getting the approval process started and test the waters with a few knives. If your successful, add a few more knives to your store. If you feel like your not getting the outcomes you had hoped for with the effort extended, it's easy to move on.

Feel free to PM me if you have additional questions, I'd be happy to help you in any a=manner possible.

Thank you. I did start the process.

[GusSharp68]

Hey GS68 - your inquery is very timely, as I have been investigating opening a store here on AAPK as well. I sell other childhood treasures on Etsy, but not all the knives I want to sell can be considered vintage (20 years or older). I highly recommend reading all you can here as well:
https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... .php?f=101
Take the time to review each thread within each topic - it'll take some time, but worth it if you haven't already.

I have also reviewed a large cross section of stores to see how some of these AAPK store vets have been doing it. Not all stores are created equal. I really like the ones who have taken the time to create a good seller bio as well. I tend to trust operators who answer more questions before they are asked than those who just put in the bare minimum. Same for EBay.

Lastly, when someone like Bestgear opens the door to be personally engaged to assist - take him up on it! That coaching session could be worth everything!

Great advice. Thanks!

[GusSharp68]

I've sold hundreds of knives over the past few years here on AAPK through my store. It's been easy with very few hitches along the way. One thing I'd council you on; it takes a bit of patience, both getting your store set up and then waiting for items to sell. Some will move quickly, some not so much. As Tom already said, good pictures and accurate descriptions are a must.

Thanks!

[Rookie]

I set my store up about a year ago. No complaints from my end. Everything has went well, never had an issue. I take my time to accurately describe every knife as well as I can. If the knife is not mint, I point out any flaws. I take a well-lit photo from every side, closeups of tang stamps, and closeups of any defects. No buyer has ever complained, because they know exactly what they are buying.