Please add any tips, advice, or information on buying and selling used fountain pens--your experiences is something we can all benefit from! Also, I forgot to add that when I send a package out, I email the buyer with the tracking number.
Glad to have stumbled upon this video. I’m about to purchase my first ‘expensive’ fountain pen…used…online. Fingers crossed! I really want you to be aware of how much I adore your channel! You cover practically every question and experiment I’ve been curious about…and in a clear, concise, and relatable manner **and** impressive videography. You are in no way difficult to listen to; in fact, quite the opposite. I enjoy your tone & verbiage. It feels calming… like I’m listening to a friend…not a pen snob speaking over my head, and not someone overly quirky whose inflections torment my eardrums. Bottom line: I appreciate you! Please keep doing what you’re doing. 🖋💸
First, your two emojis crack me up! Thanks so very much for your lovely comment. These vids take a while to produce and it’s so nice that some people recognize it. Keeps me going! Good luck on your purchases. Take care 💖
I buy all my pens secondhand, and have bought pens ranging from $50-$500 this way. Partly because of the cheaper prices, and partly to reduce my ecological footprint in the hobby. I've had nothing but positive experiences buying and selling pens on reddit pen_swap, fpgeeks and Penaddict Slack buy/sell.
I was going to mention Slack, but as it's not very well known on how to join, I left it out. I've not tried fpgeeks. I love your ecological footprint reason--so true. Thank you for your additions!
Great idea to buy an expensive pen with an engraved name on it or other external flaw for urushi or raden work. That never even occurred to me. Duh! I'm going to start hunting for a Montblanc 146 now. Thanks for the great video!
On Yafuoku(Japanese Yahoo Auctions), you may regularly find pens that were given out to employees for reaching some sort of milestone at a company that have the company name engraved into the cap. They often sell for around a third of what you'd pay for a new pen, though they often have old ink in them because I guess the employee tried the pen, decided they didn't like fountain pens and then never used it again. Great way to repurpose a nib and/or feed and put it in another pen with a converter housing even if the body is stained or otherwise neglected.
During the lock down I grew a liking for the parker 45 so in my freetime I looked it up on our local FB group old post( a few weeks back old) and learnt it was still available for sale being unable to import pens and already having 1 pen in delivery limbo I bit the bullet and asked him all the questions like how smooth is it, show the model no on the cap, any scratches,sac replacement, discount and delivery method. A note to take when asking a seller, if they are easily bothered when asking questions it's best to leave as a good seller will answer all your questions with picture evidence. I am now happy with my fav pen though I noticed on witting their is a baby;s bottom when writing from 1 O' clock to 7 O' clock and it bothered me and so I contacted him to which we came to an agreement to tune it when our lockdown is lifted as it's a minor one for now and I'm just happy I have a pen to write with after I messed up tuning my Pilot MR, I just hope he will keep his end of the deal when the time arrives I'll update this when it happens should I not forget it or die. Edit: Unexpectedly I met someone who helped me realign the tines if the nib which removed many of the flaws like uneven ink flow and scratchiness, I'll tell you it's a pleasure to write with this pen. I met him following a lead for some Parker 45's, my only regret is I didn't have the funds to buy all his stocks (T-T) .
Thanks for the vid. For Ink Management, I tend to decant to an empty sample vial or those little glass vials with metal lids on the super cheap if the total amount is much more than 25 mL. I found that when you decant your ink, it's accidentlly easier to share ink with a new FP user if that happens. Amusingly, the same capillary action that let's fountain pens write makes ink bottles much more messy, too.
I have bought a lot of vintage pens, and gotten some great values and a few duds; but I haven't really bought any recently-new used pens. I wish all sellers were as careful and meticulous as you are. Many of the pens I have gotten have had residual ink in them, just because the seller didn't bother to clean them out very well. I have gotten so used to that, I sort of forget it's bad manners. I have not yet tried to sell any pens, but I think I will soon -- I found this video encouraging for that.
Thank you for your feedback! I've bought a few vintage pens, but am not knowledgeable enough to know if I've gotten good value for them. But I've enjoyed them, and I guess that is what matters. Good luck on selling your pens.
I prefer giving away a redundant pen to someone who takes pleasure in it. Pay ut forward seems like a splendid idea. My last sell was labourios with photographing and all and left me losing money. No fun. I have bought quite a few totally wrecked pens without knowing they were. An accurate description is SO important. On the other hand I did at least as many finds of terrific pens that were sometimes flawed, but easily fixed. Got me a lot of fun for every SEK i spent. If you calculate some loss into the game, the gain tastes sweeter! That strategy got me as many pens I’ll ever need in order to have writing fun for the rest of my life! (Still enjoy discussing new pens though).
That is so true--I do not expect to "make money" on any of my pens I sell, and thus enjoy the process more. I figure if the sale can contribute to a new pen, then that's great. I also give away pens if the effort seems too much to sell it, so I'm pretty happy with my situation. It sounds like you enjoy your strategy!
I’ve only sold one pen, a Mju “special anniversary reissue” pen and to be honest I regret it. I bought it for £70 new and then sold it for £150. It wasn’t even enough to buy something I really wanted. I always try to buy used because it’s cheaper. Never occurred to me to sell ink - didn’t know that was a thing. Basically I’m not very financially minded and always fail at charging for anything. It’s a bad failing! (PS I absolutely LOVE your videos. Please carry on).
hahaha! Thank you. I sell used pens/ink as a budget extension and am bad about pricing too because I want to sell quick and get on with enjoying pens. I don't waste brain space worrying about it.
One thing that bothers me with people selling their items, and I really only see this on the Instagram sale page is people with two different prices. They have one price if you use friend and family and then another price that is higher if you use goods and services. It is just a way to get around the fees, but as you stated they are out of luck should anything happen... In my mind they are selling a good and should only use the goods and service payment. I like that the pen swap has that rule in place.
I am thankful for the positive experience I've had on reddit: refreshing. I did wonder if I would ever get those karma points though: oh my goodness! LOL! I've sent emails to join the fountain pen network, but I have not received an invitation to join and not sure why. I am also amazed: despite all the inks I have, I often feel like I'm missing an important one. LOL. I have been shy to consider buying more expensive fountain pens and I imagine what Sailor's King of Pens may feel like, along with anything Montblanc, Nakaya's Dorsel Fin... and a flex pen that is effortlessly flexalicious... your video gives me some hope. Still, as soon as I use any of the ones I do have: life is good - along with the memory attached to them - and as I keep learning, I am glad for those opportunities that emerge and "fit" the present occasion. For example, I did not think I would have a chance to attend a pen show. Then, Franklin-Christoph made their announcement for their online event in June and oh my goodness, I was pretty excited! It was fun and the fountain pens are just wonderful.
I know! It took me a while to get my karma points. I did not know that about FPN. It looks like something is messed up right now over there. They have gotten so big. You have turned a sad situation (Covid) into something good by enjoying the Franklin Christoph show! Companies are coming up with some creative ways to handle our current situation. Thank you so much for being so positive and contributing to my video!
I have bought and sold only a handful of pens. My biggest advice is never trust someone who insists on F & F payment. Don't ask for that; don't acquiesce to it. I thought that all your advice was great, A.
I love calligraphy and ive been searching for a blunt tipped glass pen. Do you know which company i could inquire to that would understand what i am looking for?
Instructive video; Thanks. I really liked that Golden, shimmering ink at around 14:00 minutes - lovely effect. As for buying used pens: Nyahahah, Ewooooo, and other noises one makes when walking on hot coals. Not brave enough, I guess...
hahaha! If it has you making those noises--definitely you shouldn't buy used! We need to keep our hobby fun for ourselves! That ink was Tono & Lims Opal.
If you weigh your ink bottle after buying and before selling, you exactly know how much ink you used in between. Pay Pal Friends and Family is only for the US, it doesn't exist in Japan for example.
My lessons from 2 decades of online buying and selling. Never buy a low price item thinking you will make a killing when you resell: there's a reason others aren't willing to pay for that bargain, so find out what it is. Watch the prices for the model you are considering for 30 days and you will begin to understand what to offer or bid. Remember that the antique dealer who proudly proclaims that the Montblanc he is selling has a 4810 nib - hasn't a clue! Be very critical of your own pictures for your listings: focus, white balance, and lighting mistakes will cost you sales. There is such a thing as Seller's Remorse; if you decide 6 months from now that you really do want a Parker 51 like the one you sold, explaining the one which comes in the mail to your wife, will be a tough job.
Thank you so much for sharing your advice! Seller's remorse--great word hahaha! I'm lucky in that I kind of "forget" about stuff I've sold--getting older has some benefits. I'm sure people can benefit from your experience!
Please add any tips, advice, or information on buying and selling used fountain pens--your experiences is something we can all benefit from!
Also, I forgot to add that when I send a package out, I email the buyer with the tracking number.
Glad to have stumbled upon this video. I’m about to purchase my first ‘expensive’ fountain pen…used…online. Fingers crossed!
I really want you to be aware of how much I adore your channel! You cover practically every question and experiment I’ve been curious about…and in a clear, concise, and relatable manner **and** impressive videography.
You are in no way difficult to listen to; in fact, quite the opposite. I enjoy your tone & verbiage. It feels calming… like I’m listening to a friend…not a pen snob speaking over my head, and not someone overly quirky whose inflections torment my eardrums.
Bottom line:
I appreciate you! Please keep doing what you’re doing. 🖋💸
First, your two emojis crack me up! Thanks so very much for your lovely comment. These vids take a while to produce and it’s so nice that some people recognize it. Keeps me going! Good luck on your purchases. Take care 💖
I buy all my pens secondhand, and have bought pens ranging from $50-$500 this way. Partly because of the cheaper prices, and partly to reduce my ecological footprint in the hobby. I've had nothing but positive experiences buying and selling pens on reddit pen_swap, fpgeeks and Penaddict Slack buy/sell.
I was going to mention Slack, but as it's not very well known on how to join, I left it out. I've not tried fpgeeks. I love your ecological footprint reason--so true. Thank you for your additions!
All I can add to this is the suggestion that when photographing a pen for sale, I always try to get pictures of the nib tipping from multiple angles.
That's an awesome one! I actually have problems photographing the nib. It probably goes a long way in answering questions. Thank you for that tip!
Great idea to buy an expensive pen with an engraved name on it or other external flaw for urushi or raden work. That never even occurred to me. Duh! I'm going to start hunting for a Montblanc 146 now. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you! Now I'm always checking out used pens that may look to a casual observer as "tired looking" and figuring out what I can do with it!
On Yafuoku(Japanese Yahoo Auctions), you may regularly find pens that were given out to employees for reaching some sort of milestone at a company that have the company name engraved into the cap. They often sell for around a third of what you'd pay for a new pen, though they often have old ink in them because I guess the employee tried the pen, decided they didn't like fountain pens and then never used it again. Great way to repurpose a nib and/or feed and put it in another pen with a converter housing even if the body is stained or otherwise neglected.
You are absolutely right! Many of my friends use it as a "hunting ground" to get pens to have it usrushi-ed. Thank you for your tip!
During the lock down I grew a liking for the parker 45 so in my freetime I looked it up on our local FB group old post( a few weeks back old) and learnt it was still available for sale being unable to import pens and already having 1 pen in delivery limbo I bit the bullet and asked him all the questions like how smooth is it, show the model no on the cap, any scratches,sac replacement, discount and delivery method. A note to take when asking a seller, if they are easily bothered when asking questions it's best to leave as a good seller will answer all your questions with picture evidence.
I am now happy with my fav pen though I noticed on witting their is a baby;s bottom when writing from 1 O' clock to 7 O' clock and it bothered me and so I contacted him to which we came to an agreement to tune it when our lockdown is lifted as it's a minor one for now and I'm just happy I have a pen to write with after I messed up tuning my Pilot MR, I just hope he will keep his end of the deal when the time arrives I'll update this when it happens should I not forget it or die.
Edit: Unexpectedly I met someone who helped me realign the tines if the nib which removed many of the flaws like uneven ink flow and scratchiness, I'll tell you it's a pleasure to write with this pen. I met him following a lead for some Parker 45's, my only regret is I didn't have the funds to buy all his stocks (T-T) .
Well I certainly hope you don't die! It's interesting that it is now your favorite pen. Thank you for adding your experience!
Thanks for the vid.
For Ink Management, I tend to decant to an empty sample vial or those little glass vials with metal lids on the super cheap if the total amount is much more than 25 mL.
I found that when you decant your ink, it's accidentlly easier to share ink with a new FP user if that happens.
Amusingly, the same capillary action that let's fountain pens write makes ink bottles much more messy, too.
hahaha! awesome advice! I need to "accidentally" share more ink! Yes, I both love and hate capillary action...Thanks for your tip!
A whole new world.. Wowzer. That deep purple ink is gorgeous. Thanks for this.
Thank you! I'll be selling a bunch after my 30 days. I need to keep the "flow" going and free up space for new pens!
I love vintage pens and I don’t mind buying used pens at all. A very informative video for selling pens and inks. Thanks for the information!
Thank you! Buying used has opened up more possibilities for me!
I have bought a lot of vintage pens, and gotten some great values and a few duds; but I haven't really bought any recently-new used pens.
I wish all sellers were as careful and meticulous as you are. Many of the pens I have gotten have had residual ink in them, just because the seller didn't bother to clean them out very well. I have gotten so used to that, I sort of forget it's bad manners.
I have not yet tried to sell any pens, but I think I will soon -- I found this video encouraging for that.
Thank you for your feedback! I've bought a few vintage pens, but am not knowledgeable enough to know if I've gotten good value for them. But I've enjoyed them, and I guess that is what matters. Good luck on selling your pens.
I prefer giving away a redundant pen to someone who takes pleasure in it. Pay ut forward seems like a splendid idea. My last sell was labourios with photographing and all and left me losing money. No fun. I have bought quite a few totally wrecked pens without knowing they were. An accurate description is SO important. On the other hand I did at least as many finds of terrific pens that were sometimes flawed, but easily fixed. Got me a lot of fun for every SEK i spent. If you calculate some loss into the game, the gain tastes sweeter! That strategy got me as many pens I’ll ever need in order to have writing fun for the rest of my life! (Still enjoy discussing new pens though).
That is so true--I do not expect to "make money" on any of my pens I sell, and thus enjoy the process more. I figure if the sale can contribute to a new pen, then that's great. I also give away pens if the effort seems too much to sell it, so I'm pretty happy with my situation. It sounds like you enjoy your strategy!
I’ve only sold one pen, a Mju “special anniversary reissue” pen and to be honest I regret it. I bought it for £70 new and then sold it for £150. It wasn’t even enough to buy something I really wanted. I always try to buy used because it’s cheaper. Never occurred to me to sell ink - didn’t know that was a thing. Basically I’m not very financially minded and always fail at charging for anything. It’s a bad failing! (PS I absolutely LOVE your videos. Please carry on).
hahaha! Thank you. I sell used pens/ink as a budget extension and am bad about pricing too because I want to sell quick and get on with enjoying pens. I don't waste brain space worrying about it.
Inky.Rocks I wish I could do the same! I desperately need more money to buy pens! If you’re selling underpriced .… sounds like I need to buy them! 😄
Many thanks for another very informative video. It's inspired me to consider finding homes for my small number of unused pens.
I always feel better knowing someone else is appreciating a pen I have been neglecting! Thank you!
My pen business model is buy high, sell low. 😏
hahaha! It is absolutely mine too!
WOW! What was that last ink in the video? It is beautiful.
Thank you! It is Tono & Lims Opal!
One thing that bothers me with people selling their items, and I really only see this on the Instagram sale page is people with two different prices. They have one price if you use friend and family and then another price that is higher if you use goods and services. It is just a way to get around the fees, but as you stated they are out of luck should anything happen... In my mind they are selling a good and should only use the goods and service payment. I like that the pen swap has that rule in place.
Yes, I agree. I do like it that Pen Swap is very clear about it. Thanks for adding to the discussion!
I am thankful for the positive experience I've had on reddit: refreshing.
I did wonder if I would ever get those karma points though: oh my goodness! LOL!
I've sent emails to join the fountain pen network, but I have not received an invitation to join and not sure why.
I am also amazed: despite all the inks I have, I often feel like I'm missing an important one. LOL.
I have been shy to consider buying more expensive fountain pens and I imagine what Sailor's King of Pens may feel like, along with anything Montblanc, Nakaya's Dorsel Fin... and a flex pen that is effortlessly flexalicious... your video gives me some hope.
Still, as soon as I use any of the ones I do have: life is good - along with the memory attached to them - and as I keep learning, I am glad for those opportunities that emerge and "fit" the present occasion.
For example, I did not think I would have a chance to attend a pen show. Then, Franklin-Christoph made their announcement for their online event in June and oh my goodness, I was pretty excited! It was fun and the fountain pens are just wonderful.
I know! It took me a while to get my karma points. I did not know that about FPN. It looks like something is messed up right now over there. They have gotten so big.
You have turned a sad situation (Covid) into something good by enjoying the Franklin Christoph show! Companies are coming up with some creative ways to handle our current situation. Thank you so much for being so positive and contributing to my video!
FPN is now up - I just joined.
Could you please advise how much is the Stephenson Leverfil No 207 worth in working condition, roughly?
Sorry, I have no better idea than just googling it.
@@InkyRocks Yeah, but all the links point to western ebay sites which I don't have access to.
I have bought and sold only a handful of pens. My biggest advice is never trust someone who insists on F & F payment. Don't ask for that; don't acquiesce to it. I thought that all your advice was great, A.
You're absolutely right. Thank you for adding to the discussion!
I love calligraphy and ive been searching for a blunt tipped glass pen. Do you know which company i could inquire to that would understand what i am looking for?
The only one I know that does stub nibs is Toos Glass. Their IG is @glass_studio_toos
@@InkyRocks thank you so much
I just joined the reddit group and promptly tried to buy 2 vintage pens, a Shaeffer and a Parker
hahaha! Jumped right in!
good video
Where do you sell your inks et al?
Typically on FPN. I think I might try reddit (I joined last Christmas) or Virtual Pen Show this time.
Instructive video; Thanks. I really liked that Golden, shimmering ink at around 14:00 minutes - lovely effect. As for buying used pens: Nyahahah, Ewooooo, and other noises one makes when walking on hot coals. Not brave enough, I guess...
hahaha! If it has you making those noises--definitely you shouldn't buy used! We need to keep our hobby fun for ourselves! That ink was Tono & Lims Opal.
Thanks for a very informative video!!
Thank you so much for always being so engaged!
If you weigh your ink bottle after buying and before selling, you exactly know how much ink you used in between.
Pay Pal Friends and Family is only for the US, it doesn't exist in Japan for example.
That is if you have a scale! (I do now though.) Yes, it's not really a thing I use.
Personally I can't deal with used products. There's plenty of new pens I want, and Noodler's inks that are cheap.
Hahaha! It's good to know what you like!
I’m not surprised by how much I spent on pens and inks, mainly because I conveniently order myself to forget their prices 😂😂🤣
You are a very wise person.
Watching the video due advise for only.rocks to learn how to buy used pens 😋😋😋😋
That's great! I hope you got something out of it!
I’ve had excellent experiences with r/Pen_Swap on Reddit.
Me too! That’s good to hear!
Sterling advice!
Thank you!!
My lessons from 2 decades of online buying and selling. Never buy a low price item thinking you will make a killing when you resell: there's a reason others aren't willing to pay for that bargain, so find out what it is. Watch the prices for the model you are considering for 30 days and you will begin to understand what to offer or bid. Remember that the antique dealer who proudly proclaims that the Montblanc he is selling has a 4810 nib - hasn't a clue! Be very critical of your own pictures for your listings: focus, white balance, and lighting mistakes will cost you sales. There is such a thing as Seller's Remorse; if you decide 6 months from now that you really do want a Parker 51 like the one you sold, explaining the one which comes in the mail to your wife, will be a tough job.
Thank you so much for sharing your advice! Seller's remorse--great word hahaha! I'm lucky in that I kind of "forget" about stuff I've sold--getting older has some benefits. I'm sure people can benefit from your experience!