Whether you have a used skateboard you want to sell, or are looking to buy a used skateboard for yourself, knowing what it’s worth is important. When looking at used skateboard completes or parts, there are a few important things to consider before landing on a fair price.
A used skateboard setup is typically worth between $50-$75 for a complete skateboard with general wear. Some skateboards can be worth more than this, especially if they have never been skated on. However, Walmart toy decks are likely worth far less than this.
In this post, I’ll break down things to consider whether you’re the buyer or seller of a used skateboard. This way you can walk away knowing you got a fair deal, regardless of which side you’re coming from.
How Much Is Your Used Skateboard Worth? – What To Consider
Before setting a price for your used skateboard, you need to look at it objectively. Taking note of the condition, quality, and brand of your setup will all play a factor in what it may be worth. By going through the checklist below you can evaluate the quality of your skateboard.
1. How Damaged Is Your Skateboard?
The first thing to look at is the condition of your board. Not only the deck, but the bearings, bushings, trucks, wheels, and grip tape too. Consider this from the perspective of a brand new board compared to your current one. How would you rate it from 1-10? 10 being exactly identical to a new skateboard.
Things like razor tail, pressure cracks, or worn wheels will all affect how much you can fairly charge for your skateboard. If your skateboard is looking well-loved (aka heavily used), know that you can’t expect top dollar when selling your used board.
2. What Brand Is Your Deck And Components?
In skateboarding, the brand of certain pieces of hardware does play a factor in what the board is worth. For example, your board will be worth more with independent or thunder brand trucks compared to something with bottom-tier Walmart brand trucks. If you have a nice setup with pro-level components, you can consider increasing the price assuming they aren’t very worn.
3. Does Your Skateboard Have Cracks?
Over time, especially if you skated drops, pressure cracks can form in your deck. Take a look at your grip tape and around the base plate of your trucks to identify if there are any hairline cracks forming. If so, the value of your skateboard will decrease significantly.
Likewise, take a look at the nose and tail of your board to take note if there is any splintering or separation between the ply’s of the deck. It’s going to be a hard sell if your skateboard is full of chips and makes it not worth very much.
Should You Sell A Used Skateboard?
So now after evaluating the quality of your deck, you need to consider if it’s even worthwhile. If you have been skating on your board for a while, it’s likely damaged to a point that it’s not really sellable. However, if you’re the type of person who only commuted around on the skateboard, it can be more worthwhile to give it a new, good home.
Mainly take a look at how scratched up every piece of your board is. If it’s in relatively mint condition, you can easily sell it for around $75 to $100 depending on the setup. Unfortunately, especially with damaged boards, the resale value of skateboards is not very high, so consider whether this is even worth your time.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Used Skateboard
If you’re in the position of buying a used skateboard, versus getting a new one from a skate shop, here are some things to consider.
1. How Long Do You Think The Board Will Last Given Its Condition
The most important thing is to obviously consider the quality of the board, and how long it will last in its current state. Some used boards are in dismal condition with chipped tails, pressure cracks, and worn-out bearings. If that’s the case, avoid it all costs and look for something new. A decent skateboard should last you at least 1 year if you plan to skate casually or commute around town.
In many cases, depending on the price of the used skateboard, it may be worthwhile just getting a new complete from a skate shop. For around $100 you can get a decent starter setup that’s completely new. Unless the used board you’re looking at is in largely mint condition, this may be a better option.
2. What Are You Using The Skateboard For?
Before buying a skateboard, consider what you plan to use it for. For example, a skateboard for getting to work or school serves a different purpose than one you want to do tricks on. If you are planning to commute, then you will probably want to opt for a wider deck with larger, softer wheels for the most comfort. In many cases that style of deck might not be available when browsing used options online.
3. Who Is The Skateboard For?
Next, you need to think about whether this skateboard is for you, or a small kid. If you just want some type of skateboard for your kids to rip around on, you don’t need anything exceptional. Therefore buying used can be a good choice, however, you may need to replace the bearings to ensure it rolls smoothly.
Should You Buy A Used Skateboard?
Buying used skateboards can be a great (and affordable) option if you are looking to get started with skateboarding. You can often find half-decent completes around online for less than what you could get new at a skate shop. If you or your kids just want to get started in skateboarding, this is a great cost-effective way of dipping your toes in the water so to speak.
With that said, if you already know you love skating and want to start stomping tricks at the park, buying a new setup is well worth the investment.
Happy Shredding!
