Price a used guitar fast: a pawnbroker's angle for sellers in Vancouver

Mark Kurkdjian
Dec 19, 2025
2 min read

You want cash quickly. You also want a price that actually sells.

The real issue

A quick sale is a liquidity decision. You trade potential top-dollar for speed and certainty. A pawnbroker thinks resale-first and risk-first: what will the instrument fetch on the shop floor in a week, not what a collector might pay months from now. That means you should price for the lowest friction buyer — someone who wants it playable today with minimal questions.

Separate price from speed. You can usually get more money with time, but counter offers are built for certainty today.

If you want the number to go up, bring proof and make testing easy: receipts, serials, accessories, and a quick demo of function.

The pawnshop play (Vancouver)

First, set your target price below local retail and busy-market listings. Check a mix of local sources: secondhand music stores, Facebook Marketplace, Reverb, Craigslist, and the shop windows in East Van and downtown. Aim to be 15–35% under typical listing prices for the same model and condition if you want a fast sale; the exact number depends on brand desirability and how common the model is.

Second, reduce verification friction. Have the serial number, receipt if you have it, and clear photos showing the headstock, electronics, and any damage. If you include the hard case and a recent set of strings, note that — extras move a sale faster and let you hold a slightly higher quick-sale price.

Third, price for repair and resale risk. If the action needs a setup, frets are worn, or pickups are scratchy, shave extra off your asking price to account for labor and parts. A pawnbroker will mentally subtract repair hours and a margin for a quick flip; you should, too. Set a firm bottom number you'll accept and list just above it so you can negotiate without panicking.

Counter checklist

Know the exact model and year (that's the first thing buyers and shops ask for).
Compare 3–5 local listings on Marketplace, Reverb, and shop storefronts before choosing a price.
Photograph the guitar from multiple angles, show serial number and any damage, and include the case if you have one.
Decide your speed: price 15% under local market for a quick weekday sale, 25–35% under for immediate cash.
Factor in setup/repair: subtract expected repair costs (labour + parts) before setting your bottom price.
Prepare proof of ownership: receipts, photos of you with the guitar, and the serial number make buyers and shops move faster.
Set a non-negotiable minimum and list a slightly higher asking price to allow room to haggle.