Selling Used Songbooks and Sheet Music Online: A Great Opportunity for Seniors
Advantages of Selling Music Online
Dealing in used songbooks and sheet music has several strong advantages. Merchandise can be bought inexpensively from local sources, and sold for good – sometimes fantastic prices on Internet sites such as eBay. There is a steady demand for music of all kinds, the work is pleasant, and customers are grateful for your finds. Finally, used sheet music and songbooks are easy to wrap and inexpensive to ship.
Buying Sources of Used Sheet Music
Local sources for used sheet music and songbooks are usually plentiful. Thrift stores are a good place to buy old music, which is usually priced inexpensively. A few of the large chain secondhand stores price music a little high for resale. In particular, shop the smaller, local thrift stores and aim to pay no more than a dollar or two.
Garage sales are very good sources for old and collectible music. Sometimes you can buy boxes full of music at garage sales for bargain prices. Items priced separately often sell for a quarter or two. Estate Sales can also be fine sources for old and antique sheet music and songbooks. Prices run higher at these so experiment cautiously while paying more for items that look good to you.
Condition of Old Sheet Music
Purchase only music in good or better condition. Minor flaws such as a few tiny stains or tears, bent corners etc. are usually all right. But avoid any songbook or sheet music that is heavily worn, soiled, or mildewed. Likewise, pass on items with more than one or two small pen marks or handwritten notes. And most importantly, make sure sheet music and books are complete with no missing sections or pages.
Types and Age of Music
All kinds of used music are in demand. Experiment with music written for specific instruments – piano, organ, accordion, guitar, drums etc., as well as types such as classical, country, jazz, rock, and vocal. Generally items at least 30 or so years old will be considered collectible, so buy older music when you can. Also purchase modern songbooks and sheet music you find at bargain prices to offer for sale. Experiment with different artists, types, and ages of music until you see what sells best for you.
Selling Used Sheet Music on eBay
Take digital pictures of your music and store them on your computer. You can sell your songbooks and sheet music separately or in small groups. Selling several items together sometimes reduces the price received per piece, but encourages bidding. Try both ways to see which you prefer.
List your songbooks and sheet music under eBay Music category, choosing the sub-topic you feel is most appropriate for each piece or grouping. Create the heading for each auction by including as many descriptive keywords in it you can, for instance, “1953 Songbook – 50 Honky Tonk Country Tunes.”
Describe the music’s condition accurately and list some songbook titles or sheet music contents. Set a low opening bid price, and follow eBay’s instructions for including your terms, shipping options etc. Be friendly and polite throughout your auctions for best results.
Mailing
A good way to wrap music is between a cardboard sheet and several thicknesses of newspaper, inside a large envelope. Enclose the songbook or sheet music piece in a clear plastic bag first for protection. Items can usually be mailed quickly within the US by 1st Class Mail, or by the slower, cheaper method, Media Mail. Check out international mailing options if you choose to offer your used, old, and antique sheet music and songbooks for sale worldwide
