Ask HN: Where to sell vintage computers?

#1

Post by ipaddr » Mon, Jul 01, 2024, 1:03 AM UTC

Many of us have vintage often rare computers. The first few Apple's computers goes to premium auctions but what about things in a lower tier?

Re: Ask HN: Where to sell vintage computers?

#2

Post by h2odragon » Mon, Jul 01, 2024, 1:14 AM UTC

Hamfest? Computer shows with a parking lot flea market or cheap booths?

Re: Ask HN: Where to sell vintage computers?

#3

Post by mikewarot » Mon, Jul 01, 2024, 2:10 AM UTC

The Vintage Computer Festival, Ebay, craigslist.

Re: Ask HN: Where to sell vintage computers?

#4

Post by paulcole » Mon, Jul 01, 2024, 2:29 AM UTC

There’s a pretty big gap between early Apple computers and the crap most people have in their attic.

Honestly, you’ll probably be disappointed by how much time it takes and how little money your junk is worth.

Just throw it away.

Or insist it has value and let your family deal with it after you die. That’s my dads plan.

Re: Ask HN: Where to sell vintage computers?

#5

Post by pasttense01 » Mon, Jul 01, 2024, 2:31 AM UTC

Look up the prices on eBay sold listings [do a search for the computer and there is a checkbox on the left side to show the sold listings].

Re: Ask HN: Where to sell vintage computers?

#6

Post by ja27 » Mon, Jul 01, 2024, 3:26 AM UTC

Local makerspace

Re: Ask HN: Where to sell vintage computers?

#7

Post by brudgers » Tue, Jul 02, 2024, 2:32 PM UTC

What is your target market segment?

Does the condition of your goods match that market segment's expectations?

Does the combination of your sunk cost and margin expectations allow you to sell at an attractive price in your target market segment?

What is your sales timeline?

How much effort do you want to put in?

Good luck.

Re: Ask HN: Where to sell vintage computers?

#8

Post by mbalyuzi » Thu, Jul 04, 2024, 11:28 AM UTC

amibay.com is reasonably active, at least for the UK & Europe.

Re: Ask HN: Where to sell vintage computers?

#9

Post by varjag » Thu, Jul 04, 2024, 11:31 AM UTC

It's too bad there's no "cover it with Cosmoline and stash in the barn" option when it comes to electronics.

Re: Ask HN: Where to sell vintage computers?

#10

Post by EvanAnderson » Thu, Jul 04, 2024, 11:33 AM UTC

paulcole wrote: post #4

There’s a pretty big gap between early Apple computers and the crap most people have in their attic. Honestly, you’ll probably be disappointed by how much time it takes and how little money your junk is worth. Just throw it away. Or insist it has value and let your family deal with it after you die. That’s my dads plan.

> Just throw it away.

At the very least, offer it up for free before throwing it away. They're not making any more vintage computers.