Auction Option

The Trident Auction Option

Sometimes we cannot come up with a fixed price for your gear. Below are some common reasons we suggest the auction option for your trade.

  • Your item has been customized or was built by someone other than a manufacturer.
  • You have a rare piece of equipment that we believe will sell better in an auction format
  • We don't see many of these products and cannot determine the fair market value
  • You want to trade in something other than a fly rod or fly reel such as waders or wading boots.

How it Works

  1. Send an email to [email protected] describing your gear. If you are on this page you have probably already done this.
  2. We approve the auction option request. Again, we probably sent you to this page already.
  3. You ship the gear to us. Shipping instructions can be found below.
  4. We receive your trade and inform you when it will be posted to eBay. We list items in batches but we aim to post them within 1-2 weeks of receiving the item.
  5. We let the 7-day auction run its course.
  6. Once the eBay buyer confirms payment we send you a gift code for the sale price minus eBay fees which are 13%.

Conditions of the Auction Option

The auction option is final. Please read the rules carefully before deciding to take this route.

We do not set minimum or reserve prices. The only guarantee is that your item will sell (but not for a specific price).

To that end, we get very high prices for fly fishing gear, but we tend not to do as well for other items.

Bidding on your own auction items is strictly prohibited. If you do bid on your own item, we expect you to pay for it in accordance with eBay's policy. If you don't pay for it, we will open a case with eBay and we will donate your rod to Project Healing Waters and you will forfeit any value that you would have otherwise gained.

Shipping Instructions & FAQ

What is your shipping address?

Trident Fly Fishing

Trade-In Department

190 Riverside Street Suite 9A

Portland, ME 04103

What box should I use?

Most post offices and shipping hubs have boxes you can purchase. Any sturdy box that fits your rod and or reels should work.

How should I pack my box?

If you have a rod tube: Place the tube and other tackle into the box and surround it with paper or bubble wrap.

DO NOT USE PACKING PEANUTS. They are bad for the environment and get everywhere. Do not ship rod sections in a tube without a sock or packing paper.

If you do not have a tube: Wrap the rod with paper or bubble wrap. Extend the wrap a couple of inches beyond each end to protect the rod tip.

Seal the box and give it a shake to make sure the gear isn't loose in the box.

Finally, ship it.

Shipping Do's

  1. Do print and enclose your quote in your package.
  2. Do ensure the gear isn't loose in the box.
  3. Do not make your box very difficult to open and unpack.

Will I be reimbursed for shipping?

No, we will not pay for the cost of shipping the gear to Trident.

How long do I have to ship?

The package must be postmarked by the quote expiration date which can be found on your quote. If it isn't we will have to re-quote.

What shipping carrier should I use?

We accept packages from USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL. We do not have a preference.

My shipping carrier lost my trade!

While infrequent, we recommend insuring your package for the value of the equipment. We cannot be held liable for a shipping carrier losing an item. Keep your receipt and contact the carrier if this happens.

General FAQs & Other Policies

How long is the turnaround time on my trade?

We commit to processing your trade (receiving, inspecting, issuing credit) within three business days of receiving your rod. Normally it is less but sometimes we get busy. If you have an auction option trade we will post it within 5 business days of it being processed. The auction will run for 7 days. Once payment from the buyer clears (a few days, it can vary) we will send you a breakdown and your code.

Can you do a straight-up trade?

We do not do rod for rod or reel for reel trades. You must follow the process of receiving a quote. We will give you store credit for the value we feel the item is worth. This could be more or less than the rod you desire.

How long is my credit valid?

Your gift code expires 1 year from the date it is issued.

Can I get my gear back after receiving credit?

All trades are final. If your tackle is posted for sale on our website and/or eBay, we probably won't notice if you buy it back...

When is gear posted to your website?

We do not have a schedule. To be notified of new gear drops sign up for used tackle email alerts.

I'm leaving for a trip and I can't wait for the gear to process, what can we do?

If you're leaving for a trip and cannot wait, purchase the gear now and we will refund your credit card for the amount of the trade. This must be pre-approved before you send the trade. Keep in mind the value can be lowered once we receive the rod if it is in bad shape. Any remaining balance will be paid out as store credit.

Can I get cash instead of credit?

No, store credit only. Which is as good as cash on our website, you can use it to buy virtually anything on our website except for used gear.

Why is my quote so low?

Our valuations are based on actual sales prices not a percentage of retail. Unfortunately, like automobiles, fishing equipment depreciates rapidly.

What is your markup?

We cannot disclose this information. We try to break even in terms of man-hours and effort it takes to photograph and list a trade. This requires selling the item for a bit more than we paid for it.