How To Buy A Second Hand Carp Reel

Let’s face it, top of the range carp reels don’t come cheap, but there are ways to save yourself a good few quid when kitting out with new carp reels, especially if you consider buying second hand carp reels.

But where can you buy second hand carp reels? Well, a  few tackle shops have the odd bit of second hand kit, as might the local rag, but if you have a specific purchase in mind, and you want to be able to pick and choose from a few, then there’s no better place than eBay – it’s like a second hand carp tackle warehouse!

For some, buying from a fishing tackle auction site might seem a bit daunting, but by following a few simple guidelines you could be just a click away from taking possession of a new set of carp fishing reels for less then half price – and here’s our guide on how to do it!

Firstly, and most importantly, know your product. If you have specific reel in mind, do your research; check out the RRP, and then check out what the cheapest online carp fishing tackle shops sell it for. Fishtec are amongst the cheapest so it’s always good to check there first, as you’d be surprised how often new carp reels on auction sites listed on a ‘buy it now’ type format are more expensive than those in online shops due to listing fees and check out rates.

Don’t rush. Whatever the carp reel, there’s usually plenty about, so don’t let adrenalin take over on your first auction – you could end up paying over the odds if you get into a bidding war with somebody else just as exited with the whole process as you! Far better to let a few auctions end, see what the item went for, and use this as a guide for how much you want to set yourself as a limit.

Do your background. Wherever possible only place bids on items being sold by sellers with good feedback, who offer good detailed descriptions on the carp reels they have and can provide actual images of the items you are bidding on rather than magazine or manufacturer images.

Check the detail. Sometimes sellers will offer lower auction prices but hike up the postage charges (as they don’t pay fees on postage) so always check out how much extra you will have to pay on top.

Speak up! If there’s not much detail listed, don’t be afraid to ask. When buying second hand carp reels you need to know; how old they are, what kind of use they’ve had, any wear & tear, and any damage or repairs they might have had. A genuine seller will always answer any questions you might have so never be afraid to ask.

Payment. Settle payment through the proper channels and don’t send cash in the post. This way, should something go wrong, you’ve got more chance of a successful outcome. It’s also worth checking what returns procedure the seller has in advance should you not be happy with your purchase.

Finally, enjoy! Once you’ve bought your first item of carp fishing tackle on eBay you’ll find yourself coming back for more and more!