How do people even trade stuff in? The 25 percent of cost on an excellent condition item is insane lol. I’ve tried a few times and it’s just not worth it. 

I haven't done it a lot, but on the few times I did, it really depends on what I am trading in. More popular items get a higher percentage. 

 

I've traded in Ducketts and only got about 25-30%, but figured that was better than keeping rods I didn't like sitting in the garage unused. To be honest, I bought those Ducketts for 40-60% off when Gander Mountain was closing down, so I didn't think I did too bad.

 

I traded in a few Dobyns Kaden rods and got about 50-60% of what I paid and felt that was reasonable. Got those rods when ALF had Do yns on sale for 25% off, so again,... Not that bad. I put it towards a Zillion that I WOULD use instead of the rods sitting on my rack gathering dust.

 

The nice part is that I live close enough that I can go there as well instead of having to deal with shipping rods.

 

Bottom line is you have to watch what you paid vs what you get and see if what you get is better than sitting unused. If you use them,... Maybe not, but if you don't,... Maybe it is.

@Joedodge I feel the same as you do about the trade in program and I found that my local shop was willing to take them although they weren’t offering much more than 50%-60% either for a SLX that I know they would sell and they gave me $80.00 for a BPS combo that brand new sells for $220.00 but I only paid $120.00 for so much like @FrnkNsteen purchased his Ducketts and Dobyns that he traded in I didn’t mind and I knew I got my fair share of use out of the items and felt good that whoever bought them was going to get a fair share of use out of them as well. I will say I always look forward to the BPS spring sale and I trade in usually a reel or 2 as I’m upgrading but I’m pretty careful to try and maximize my value as far as trade in vs purchase price.

I priced out a couple once.  I was going to trade in 3 bucoo SRs that are in great shape.  They are a $100 rod to begin with but they sell like hot cakes on ALF’s used page.  Trading in three, I couldn’t have bought a new one.  if they are only worth $25, then I’m better giving them to a kid than trading them in (which I would have done the other week when I saw a kid fishing a half broken Duckett, I just didn’t have the right rod to give him).  Since then, I’ve thrown a spare reel on them and made them dedicated rods for stuff.  

I submitted a couple of quotes for some reels and rods and they weren't offering much at all. I rather sell my stuff and make A LOT more than what they had to offer me. 

I would imagine a lot of their trade ins come from elite members who get boosted cash offers and free return shipping.  I’ve talked to Brian about trade ins before and it’s very much based on supply and demand. An Abu reel gets you far less than a daiwa or shimano. 

Thanks everyone glad I’m not alone on this one lol. 

I'm sure Brian and I have traded 100 rods over the last 10 years or so. I'm an Elite member . It's a great deal for 50 bucks.

I've always found the offers to be fair as long as you have something worth them taking and selling. 

If you have some kind of lower end stuff keep it or give it to a kid. It's not worth the shipping.

I'm going to call Brain pretty soon and see how the Steeze market is these days.

I have a couple I may part with if he has something that interests me.

.

 

To each their own.

 

Are they making a bunch of money off of you? Absolutely, but they are a BUSINESS.

 

Money in your pocket is still better than something depreciating in your basement collecting dust.

 

Can you maybe sell something for more on your own? Very possible but it comes with slightly more headache.

 

Ease of transaction is worth it to some.

 

I’m upgrading all of my gear so I myself have to figure something out.

 

I might just save it for future grandkids or maybe even give it away to youth in my area. I love being out and watching kids get excited.

 

 

1 minute ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

To each their own.

 

Are they making a bunch of money off of you? Absolutely, but they are a BUSINESS.

 

Money in your pocket is still better than something depreciating in your basement collecting dust.

 

Can you maybe sell something for more on your own? Very possible but it comes with slightly more headache.

 

Ease of transaction is worth it to some.

 

I’m upgrading all of my gear so I myself have to figure something out.

 

I might just save it for future grandkids or maybe even give it away to youth in my area. I love being out and watching kids get excited.

 

 

Oh absolutely. You are not wrong at all lol. That’s what I have  to decide on. Do I help out a neighborhood kid. Or let it sit around. Or get $40 trade in on a rod that cost me $160 lol

Ummm, that's how trade-ins work?  If I trade in a vehicle, I won't make as much as if I sell it private party.  But, I don't have to deal with finding a buyer, detailing it, and fixing all the little things wrong.

 

True, there isn't much needed maintenance, but there also isn't as large a resale market.  ALF has to plan on sitting on a rod for years if need be.  

I paid $350 for a Megabass Orochi, used it only 2 times and decided I didn’t want it. Contacted ALF to see what they would give me on a trade in and they offered me $120 for it.

Just now, LonnieP said:

I paid $350 for a Megabass Orochi, used it only 2 times and decided I didn’t want it. Contacted ALF and they offered me $120 for it.

Wow

2 hours ago, LonnieP said:

I paid $350 for a Megabass Orochi, used it only 2 times and decided I didn’t want it. Contacted ALF and they offered me $120 for it.

Don’t even look up what dealerships are buying cybertrucks back for

 

47 minutes ago, MiceNReets said:

Don’t even look up what dealerships are buying cybertrucks back for

 

I didn’t purchase the rod from ALF. I just asked them what they would give me for it on trade in.

Why not just sell on ebay?

its the shipping that kills you on rod resale or trade. i have a couple exprides , a legend tournament a megabass levante and a ouple more rods i would like to sell. so lets take the expride, paid 279 would sell for 150 or so. then i have to ship it which is gonna run 40 plus. thats where the money gets eaten up unless you can sell local.

20 minutes ago, Don Preller said:

its the shipping that kills you on rod resale or trade. i have a couple exprides , a legend tournament a megabass levante and a ouple more rods i would like to sell. so lets take the expride, paid 279 would sell for 150 or so. then i have to ship it which is gonna run 40 plus. thats where the money gets eaten up unless you can sell local.

Or trade or sell them all to the same place. I can get 4 rods in a tube and the shipping will be the same. 

In the case of ALF do the elite membership. It will pay for itself in shipping .

11 minutes ago, rangerjockey said:

Or trade or sell them all to the same place. I can get 4 rods in a tube and the shipping will be the same. 

In the case of ALF do the elite membership. It will pay for itself in shipping .

I may try trading more than 1 that may be worth it honestly. I have a Tube at home. I gotta look more into the membership 

14 minutes ago, rangerjockey said:

Or trade or sell them all to the same place. I can get 4 rods in a tube and the shipping will be the same. 

In the case of ALF do the elite membership. It will pay for itself in shipping .

This, if they are a little bit older rods and you package/ship them together it’s not bad as an Elite member. Trying to sell/ship 3-4 used rods separately on the open market is tougher. 

7 minutes ago, Joedodge said:

I may try trading more than 1 that may be worth it honestly. I have a Tube at home. I gotta look more into the membership 

Man; I got up the other morning and realized I need a couple painted blade spinnerbaits. Just logged in and ordered them. No shipping no tax .Tough to beat that.

I do the same at Omnia.

1 minute ago, rangerjockey said:

Man; I got up the other morning and realized I need a couple painted blade spinnerbaits. Just logged in and ordered them. No shipping no tax .Tough to beat that.

Shipping is free with the membership? Well dang I need to go look 

I just went and looked for $50 for the year that isn’t bad at all 

Even though my wife isn't a fan, I've kept every single rod tube that I've purchase lately.

 

Got three in the basement and the FedEx guy is bringing me another today.  LOL

22 minutes ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

Even though my wife isn't a fan, I've kept every single rod tube that I've purchase lately.

 

Got three in the basement and the FedEx guy is bringing me another today.  LOL

Whatcha getting?

12 minutes ago, Joedodge said:

Whatcha getting?

 

Dobyns crankbait rod. Couldn't tell you the model. lol

 

Reel is also coming today, Shimano Bantam.

 

Will be my first Dobyns rod, hope I like it.

 

Last night I caught a nice bass on a crankbait with my Megabass jerkbait rod, I just LOVE the way that thing feels/bends.