is this kit worth $300?

[Doctor_Wily]

Hi forum,

I was just browsing the craigslist around me and found this http://lansing.craigslist.org/for/2380408000.html

Just wondering it anyone thinks this would be forth getting? They are asking $300 but I would like to know if that is a fair price.


Thanks!

 

[NWMOBrewer]

Compare to a deluxe homebrew kit, also, keep in mind the flip top bottles. Would I pay 300 for it? No, but I'm a cheap-a$$. You could offer 225 and that would be reasonable in my mind.

Check to see if it has a brew kettle. The number of boxes of bottles might make it worth it. Still I'd offer 225-250. See if he takes it, you might get lucky, haha

 

[jfrank85]

no brew kettle, only one carboy, i dont think i would.

 

[alenub]

if all you get is what's shown in the pics, you could go out and buy everything new for not much more than that. always be wary of "selling for friend" listings. if you're really keen on what they show in the pics, it wouldn't hurt to send them a message and ask them if they'd settle for $200. worst they can say is no!

 

[MRbutlertron]

I agree no brew kettle=I wouldn't do it, and 300 seems a bit overpriced

 

[Doctor_Wily]

thanks! I felt it was probably a bit high price so I may give them a low offer and see what happens.

 

[Whut]

ask them if they'd settle for $200. worst they can say is no!

This.

 

[Doctor_Wily]

This.

That? lol

 

[itsme6582]

I don't see it. Maybe 200 if it were all brand new. That puts my offer at 100. I'd shy away from 2nd hand plastic fermentors but the equipment does look like it was taken care of. Make sure that keg holds pressure (it looks more like a decoration than homebrew equipment). I wouldn't pay for bottles. I like to buy my bottles with beer already in them. Invite some friends over and tell em each to bring a 6 pack of craft beer and you should be set after a night or 2.

Things I'd be interested in if he'd piece it out:
Chiller - Offer 30 and go as high as 60 if it's 1/2 in or 45 if it's 3/8 in
Swingtops bottles - 1-2$ a piece and expect to buy extra gaskets and maybe a few extra cages

 

[Scooby_Brew]

This is worth ~ $30. I would go with this: http://www.homebrewing.org/Beginning-Homebrew-Kit-Upgrade-2-_p_1692.html
3 fermenters, a kettle and every thing else you need for $120.

Make sure that keg holds pressure (it looks more like a decoration than homebrew equipment).

Those 1 gal tin-can "kegs" are worthless and I would throw it out.

 

[Paymygasbill77]

When I bought my kit from my LHBS I got a lot more than that for $150
5 gallon Brew Kettle, 6.5 gallon glass carboy, 5 gallon glass carboy, ale pail with spigot, red wing capper, caps, auto siphon, some hoses, bottling wand and some one step. Everything was new with a discount on my first brew kit.

The people who sell the starter sets want you to get started cheap so you can come back and buy a bunch of all the consumables. That is where they make their money.

 

[Doctor_Wily]

This is all great info. I'm glad I asked about this. I may offer these guys some scratch but it sounds like there are many other options for less money.

 

[alenub]

The guy's not completely out of his mind. All that copper in the foreground was meant to grab attention

 

[Yooper]

Yeah, I did some quick math in my head and I see about $210 worth of stuff. Also, it's used stuff. For bottles, it doesn't matter. For a bottling bucket, it might.

And the $210 worth of stuff is only if you need it. Do you need a bottle capper and extra co2 chargers? Most people don't.

 

[Doctor_Wily]

capper would be nice. No idea what I'd use te CO2 carts for though. BB gun maybe? lol

 

[ENS]

I see what looks like 2-3 buckets + bottling bucket. Here's my take on the value
buckets $20 for all of them (buckets sell for around $15 new, could be scratched)
glass carboy $15 (looks to be 6 gallons, sells for around $32 new)
chiller $30 (sells for around $60 new)
bottle tree $10 ($52 new)
all of the bottles $25 (I would give $25 for that bunch, given the pop offs, will need a good cleaning)
keg set up $10
capper $10
scale $5
brushes + strainer $5
misc $10
= $150
that is what that pile is worth and I think that is reasonable.