Have prices for used clubs gone HIGHER in the last 4 years !?!?!?

[Used2PlayALot]

In 2014,  I bought a used Rocketballz RBZ 10.5* driver from Ebay for $55. 
45.5" Regular flex shaft 
Got it cut down to 44" and a new grip for a whopping $7. 
Total cost for a "fitted" driver was $62.. 
 

Now, when I search Ebay for the same exact driver, they are selling for $100.

 

What happened?

 

[paperclip]

Inflation lol

[Vinsk]

26 minutes ago, Used2PlayALot said:

In 2014,  I bought a used Rocketballz RBZ 10.5* driver from Ebay for $55. 
45.5" Regular flex shaft 
Got it cut down to 44" and a new grip for a whopping $7. 
Total cost for a "fitted" driver was $62.. 
 

Now, when I search Ebay for the same exact driver, they are selling for $100.

 

What happened?

 

Tiger signed with TM.

[Shindig]

I feel like in recent memory I bought some used clubs for $5 each.  I think the 1-iron and maybe some old demo clubs.  I know I started with used driver, 3w, wedges and putter when I got into golf and I not only didn't have much money then, I was cheap and practically allergic to spending money too.  Now that I have money and, as of a week or so from now, every club in my bag will be "it was new when I got it" new... used clubs are going up in price.  

Oh, I did have a point here, didn't I?   I was looking into getting a LH club, like a 6-iron or 9-iron in a SGI head.  My goal would be to learn to hit a quarter and half shot left handed with the appropriate head so I could aim to transfer the skill to when I turn a club around.  Seems that shot need comes up more than it should for me.  And the relevant LH clubs are selling for like $50... maybe I should check ebay or something.

[sofingaw]

I don’t know if used club prices have gone up, but there are a few reasons why they either may or may not have. Inflation is one factor, truthfully. General health of the economy and availability of disposable income to spend on golf fluctuates as well. 

Another thing to consider with eBay in particular compared to other sites or physical stores is that if you did deep enough or get lucky with your search terms, you can sometimes find a listing that for one reason or another (misspelled words, obscure specs listed/not listed, poor/no pictures etc.) has lower traffic, or a club that is listed at a time when the ‘right’ buyer(s) are not seeing or looking for it.

This can allow for deals for sure. But the same club in a good looking pic with everything spelled how you spelled it when searching can show up in the first page of nearly everyone’s search for that club. 

Also, certain clubs gain a cult following over time, or the opposite, fall out of favor faster compared to newer gear.

All things to consider. 

[Used2PlayALot]

Inflation over the last 4 years has been a few percent..

That would account for a rise from $50 to about $52

 

[Lihu]

On 7/10/2018 at 6:50 PM, Used2PlayALot said:

In 2014,  I bought a used Rocketballz RBZ 10.5* driver from Ebay for $55. 
45.5" Regular flex shaft 
Got it cut down to 44" and a new grip for a whopping $7. 
Total cost for a "fitted" driver was $62.. 
 

Now, when I search Ebay for the same exact driver, they are selling for $100.

 

What happened?

Collectors item? 😂

Maybe more people are just buying used gear because the price of new gear is so high? Kind of a supply and demand thing.

[saevel25]

Too many variables. Is it the same seller? What is the condition of the two drivers? Is the golf shaft the same?

It might not be apples to apples even though they are the same driver. To one person, it might be worth more than another. That is the nature of Ebay.

[Valleygolfer]

Global commerce. Ebay has set up abilities to sell to different countries and ship through them. Taxation of items in some countries makes a new $399.00 driver close to $1000.00. They buy the slightly used club at a reasonable price which is somewhat unreasonable to us. 

[nevets88]

I'd agree with @saevel25, used, ahem, pre-owned, market, a lot of variables. Did a quick search and found these prices. Don't know equipment well, so dunno if exact club.

Could be you just got a really good deal back then.

[nevets88]

The bluebook value is around $45 and based on what I've seen on used market, usually prices are higher than that in the bluebook.

https://valueguide.pga.com/trade-in/

 

[Piz]

Prices on the used market have more to do with the name than they do the quality of the product.  You can pick up a G&L much cheaper than you can a Fender, or a set of Adams for a song compared to a set of Callaways.  In any era there are bargains to be had...and there is stuff that retains value due to reputation.  That's how it has always been.