The World of “Vintage” Gear
With the rising price of outdoor equipment, from tents to bicycles, many individuals are looking to purchase secondhand gear to save a few dollars. Whether the goal is to save money or to help lower the impact of the outdoor industry on our environment, purchasing used gear is a fantastic way to get what you need. However, as someone looking to source used gear to distribute to the masses, a common theme has become prevalent in recent years; sellers looking to offload their “vintage gear".”
Is It Really Vintage?
Before continuing with examples, what to look out for, and how to determine if an item is listed at a reasonable price, we first need to address the difference between retro, vintage, and antique equipment. Typically, this only pertains to purchasing gear online since finding higher-end hard goods (tents, sleeping bags, stoves, etc.) is nearly impossible in thrift stores. These terms can easily be broken down into approximate years for a better understanding of their differences.
Retro: 20-30 years old or between 1980s and 2000s
Vintage: 40-50 years old or between 1970s and 1980s
Antique: 60+ years old or anything from 1960 and older
There are two important pieces of information to keep in mind with these terms however,
Outdoor gear does not follow the same rules as toys, furniture, or cars. The heavy use that outdoor gear is put through and a lack of ability to repair those items causes it to have a shorter lifespan than others. An example of this could be a car from the 1950s being considered vintage but a GT mountain bike from 1980 would also be considered vintage.
Most products from 2000 to the present day are not considered retro. By the early 2000s, manufacturers began standardizing and implementing what are considered modern features in their products.
A classic example of this is the Coleman Guide Series Dual Fuel Stove. This stove has been around for decades and the overall design is nearly identical to the original. These stoves retail for about $185 but it is not uncommon to find these stoves on online marketplaces for $100 with the tagline “Vintage Coleman Camp Stove.”
Mountain bikes from the 1990s are exceedingly prone to this phenomenon. Perfect condition Specialized Stumpjumpers from the mid-90s can fetch a couple of hundred dollars with the right buyer but it’s not uncommon to find the same bike on Facebook Marketplace, missing major parts with scratches and stickers all over, with an asking price of $500 because “it’s a vintage mountain bike.”
Is It Worth The Price?
Generally… no. Most items sourced from online marketplaces are overpriced but it is understandable for a few reasons.
The item holds sentimental value to the person selling it.
The item performed well when it was brand new for that individual’s specific needs.
The individual barely used the item and is trying to recoup their investment.
Over time, sleeping bags pack down, tent poles weaken, backpacks get holes, and bikes need major service. However, if you find that one item you’ve been searching for, there are polite ways to try to lower the price without coming off as rude.
Accurate bicycle values can be found on Bicycle Blue Book, a website that shows a value guide based on make, model, year, and condition.
For bicycles, use the one-half rule. If a bike is listed at $150 but needs components or service, try to get as close to half of the price ($75) by letting the seller know that you are interested in stating “I would love this bike, however, it requires parts and services that are too much of an investment for its age. Considering this, would you be willing to work with me to find a more reasonable price?”
Softgood items such as clothing and footwear can be repaired, but only to an extent. It’s best to search for these items at thrift stores where prices are more reasonable and it allows you to see the physical item before purchasing.
Hardgoods such as tents, packs, kayaks, stoves, etc. can be tricky. Typically the best way to approach these situations is to simply state that parts are no longer available, they can be cleaned and fixed but they will never perform like new, or in extreme situations, you could pay a little more for a brand new item that comes with manufacturer warranty.
Above all, remember that we are all human, and it is not bad or unreasonable to want to get as much for an item as possible. Be polite, have a discussion, and see if the seller is willing to work with you on finding a more appropriate price.
