refurbishing modern skis?

[Connorski]

hi, I'm new to the forum and recently learned to slalom and combo ski. I want to get more skis this fall, refurbish them, then sell them in the spring so that I can get a really nice pair or slalom. Is it even practical to do this if I want to make money or is the overhead too high for a 14 year-old? What kind of inexpensive paint works best for the skis? Also, what do I need to do to prepare the skis before repainting them and what epoxy remover (if any is required) should be used? What kind of sealant should be applied after the paint job? Most, if not all, of the skis will be made of modern materials.

Sorry for the length and many questions but thanks in advance!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: refurbishing modern skis?

Seems like a tough way to make any money.
Painting a ski isn't really practical
Better off taking the money that you are thinking of investing in this enterprise and waiting for a good end of season sale or keeping an eye out for the ski you want on the used market.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: refurbishing modern skis?

Agreed, there isn't a huge market for skis over about 5-7yrs old, and they usually still run over $50 to acquire. While the graphics/cosmetics are a nice thing to see looking perfect on a used ski, most people are looking to make sure there is no major damage to the ski and/or bindings. I just don't think there's enough margin on the product for you to make any money. It's a small audience, and the majority of the people who ski don't know one ski from another, and the people who do know aren't going to buy a used ski from an unknown person.

 

[Slide]

Re: refurbishing modern skis?

Yep, best practice is to just save. I went through a pair of O'Brien combos and a World Team slalom, both of which were okay, but had to just buckle down and save up to get my D3 pro comp ski when I was 17. Ran me about $900 with bindings, but I've had it ever since, and will never need another one unless I crack it or get really fat.

 

[Connorski]

Re: refurbishing modern skis?

Okay, refurbishing skis is a no-go. What about buying skis this fall and then selling them for double in the spring when demand is higher?
Thanks for the advice guys

 

[oldjeep]

Re: refurbishing modern skis?

Okay, refurbishing skis is a no-go. What about buying skis this fall and then selling them for double in the spring when demand is higher?
Thanks for the advice guys

That would be a crapshoot, I sure wouldn't count on getting double or even being able to find a buyer for a random size/brand slalom ski. Combo skis are cheap new, so there wouldn't be a ton of margin unless you were picking up good sets for $20

Your time would probabally be better spent mowing lawns and shovelling driveways - and you'll make quicker money that way.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: refurbishing modern skis?

You'd make money quicker by shoveling snow or raking leaves. Seriously, it's not an easy market to make money in. Most places that deal much in used sports equipment, do it in many types of sports to break even, not just skis. 95% of the ads I see on Craigslist for water skis are for some 80's-90's ski that isn't worth $40, much less if you had to buy them and try to sell them for more. It would take a lot of transactions assuming $20 profit/ea (read sell 20+ skis) to get enough dough for a new budget slalom and bindings. If you want a nice slalom, look on www.ski-it-again.com and find a couple of decent used skis that you would consider buying. Then take note of the asking price and figure out a way to make that money. I bought a 2-yr old HO Triumph (mid-level slalom) which is $500 in the store new, for less than $150, and then $50 for used bindings which were in like-new condition. I saved more than 50% by getting a used ski.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: refurbishing modern skis?

Or just check out your local ski shop / online / ebay and you might bea able to get what you want brand new. I paid around $175 for my O'Brien Evidence a few years ago - it was unused in the wrap but a couple seasons out of date.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: refurbishing modern skis?

or raking leaves.

Thats a good one too - could make a few hundred easily if you're willing to work

 

[skibrain]

Re: refurbishing modern skis?

Agree with other comments. Not a good way to make money. State your target budget, weight, height, foot size and boat speed and folks could help recommend something used.