The Ad:
Zenith model C370 tube radio good condition,tube radio in fine working order circa 1958-1960 25.00 or BRO
me:
Hello,
I see your ad on craigslist and I'm interested in that radio. Had any offers yet?
her:
nope
me:
Nope you haven't had any offers yet?
her:
still for sale
me:
Well I am glad to hear that it is still for sale!
Do you know anything about the history of this radio?
her:
I have owned it for 15 years, before that who knows.
me:
Well I am in the auction business and as that radio stands right now, I think you are selling yourself short.
her:
Really
how much would it go at auction
me:
I've been in this business for 10 years now. It's a late 50's model Zenith which is pretty rare, actually. Collectors love them!
These radios use vacuum tubes instead of transistors. The first portable with built-in speaker was a 1924 Zenith. Their heyday came after the development of small tubes with modest power demands. It's just a really cool old radio! Zenith's were considered the cream of the crop back then and they still are!
Judging from the picture it will need restoration work, the condition looks ok, it looks like it has everything from it's original factory manufacture, which is great!
Does it work? Does it have all of it's parts inside?
her:
works great!!! I listen to it every morning. What do you have in mind?
I do understand that its a tube radio circa 1960 I have never taken the back off but it works fine, no reason to take back off.
her:
I am moving and want a fair price for it, I can always restore it and hold on to it for another 15 years.
me:
I really wouldn't recommend restoring it at all actually. You say that it works great, well that sounds like it's in much desired condition. Just needs cosmetic work, which is a collectors dream. These Zenith's are pretty rare, but they pop up here and there. I've seen them all fixed up go for as low as $500 and as high as $3,500.
But since it is an ideal candidate for restoration, I could see someone paying close to a grand actually. Auctions can be risky, I don't want to see you put in $800 - $1000 to get it restored and not get your money back, because they don't always go for the highest amount.
Selling at auctions isn't easy. If the right collectors aren't there, it's not gonna sell as high. That's where I come in. I know how to find these collectors and get them to the auction. I take a 20% commission.
I could have just bought it from you for $25, but I run an honest business and I have a reputation to keep.
Let me know if you are interested,
Jake Wilson
her:
WIth all this new information I am not sure I want to sell it, But I would let you have it for 250.00. Thanks for your advice on my radio. I missed posted in the dealers category, I am selling as an owner,not a dealer. that is why I am going to take offers and see where it goes from there.
I thought given all the math 250.00 would be a good start, thanks for helping me not make a big mistake . Kelly
me:
$250 would be a fantastic start. I don't buy items, my specialty is helping others sell there items and taking 20% commission. I have researched and there are a few collectors that I have contacted and they are all very interested. Could easily have a 4 - 10 person online auction as well so you wouldn't have to do much at all. I would love to look at the piece, would you be interested in meeting at Randolph Country Club to discuss details? I prefer a public place since craigslist has a reputation.
Thanks,
Jake Wilson
her:
no thanks I just want some one to come over to my place and buy it.
If someone bought it i would pay you a commission on the spot.
Finders fee. 15% hows that.
me:
sounds good to me.
her:
Jake thanks for your help
let me know if someone wants to look at it. Back has never been taken off.
me:
sounds great, I have 4 people interested right now. Waiting to hear back from them.