How to Sell a Used Saddle: Outright Sale vs Commission vs Part Exchange — Which Is Best?
How to Sell a Used Saddle: Outright Sale vs Commission vs Part Exchange — Which Is Best?
If you're wondering how to sell your saddle, you're not alone.
Every week we speak to riders who have a saddle sitting in their tack room that's no longer being used. Perhaps your horse has changed shape, you've upgraded to a new saddle, retired a horse, or simply no longer need it.
The challenge isn't deciding whether to sell your saddle.
The challenge is deciding the best way to sell it.
At The Saddle Bank, we buy and sell over 4,000 saddles every year, making us one of the UK's leading specialist saddle retailers. Over the years we've helped thousands of riders sell their saddles through outright purchase, commission sale and part exchange.
Each option has advantages and disadvantages.
The right choice depends on how quickly you want to sell, how much money you'd like to achieve and whether you're planning to purchase another saddle.
This guide explains everything you need to know.
What Are Your Options When Selling a Saddle?
Generally speaking, there are four ways to sell a saddle:
Sell privately
Sell outright to a specialist
Sell on commission
Part exchange against another saddle
Let's look at each option in more detail.
Option 1: Selling a Saddle Privately
Many riders initially consider Facebook Marketplace, equestrian groups or classified websites.
The main attraction is simple:
You keep 100% of the selling price.
However, private sales often come with challenges.
Advantages
✓ No commission fees
✓ Complete control over pricing
✓ Potentially higher return
Disadvantages
✗ Taking photographs
✗ Writing descriptions
✗ Answering enquiries
✗ Arranging viewings or shipping
✗ Risk of time wasters
✗ Potential disputes after sale
✗ No guarantee of a quick sale
Some saddles sell privately within days.
Others can remain advertised for months.
Option 2: Selling Your Saddle Outright
An outright sale is usually the fastest and simplest option.
You receive an offer for your saddle and, if accepted, sell directly without waiting for a buyer.
At The Saddle Bank, we offer free saddle valuations and can often provide an outright purchase offer for suitable saddles.
Advantages
✓ Fastest way to sell
✓ No waiting for a buyer
✓ No advertising required
✓ No dealing with enquiries
✓ Immediate certainty
✓ Free valuation
Disadvantages
✗ Typically lower return than commission
An outright sale is often ideal for riders who prioritise speed, convenience and certainty.
Option 3: Selling on Commission
Commission sale involves a specialist retailer selling the saddle on your behalf.
The retailer markets the saddle, handles customer enquiries, processes payment, manages saddle trials and oversees the entire sale process.
Once sold, you receive the agreed proceeds less commission.
For many riders, commission sale achieves the best balance between convenience and maximising value.
Advantages
✓ Potentially higher return
✓ Professional marketing
✓ Wider audience
✓ No customer administration
✓ No need to manage the sale yourself
✓ Access to thousands of active saddle buyers
Disadvantages
✗ Payment received after the saddle sells
✗ Sale timeframe can vary
Our Commission Fees
One of the most common questions we're asked is:
"How much commission do you charge?"
We're completely transparent about our fees.
Our commission rates are:
Saddle Value Commission Rate
Over £2,775 15%
£1,875 - £2,774 18%
£1,275 - £1,874 21%
£525 - £1,274 23%
£375 - £524 30%
£275 - £374 38%
£150 - £274 40%
Our commission fee includes:
✓ VAT
✓ Card processing fees
✓ PayPal transaction fees
✓ Marketing costs
✓ Customer support
✓ Trial administration
✓ Payment processing
There are no hidden charges added later.
Our commission rates are fixed and non-negotiable, allowing us to provide a professional, transparent service for every customer.
Free Valuations and Collection Service
We understand that many riders simply want an easy, hassle-free way to sell their saddle.
That's why we offer:
✓ Free saddle valuations
✓ Expert advice from saddle specialists
✓ Collection arrangements available
✓ Nationwide service
✓ Professional handling of the entire sales process
In many cases, we can arrange collection directly from you, making the process straightforward from start to finish.
Option 4: Part Exchange
If you're planning to purchase another saddle, part exchange can be one of the simplest solutions.
Your existing saddle is used as credit towards your next purchase.
Advantages
✓ Quick and convenient
✓ Reduces the cost of your next saddle
✓ No need for separate sale process
✓ One transaction instead of two
Disadvantages
✗ Only suitable if you're buying another saddle
Part exchange is particularly popular among riders upgrading to a different saddle or changing disciplines.
Which Option Is Best?
The answer depends on your priorities.
If You Want the Fastest Sale
Choose an outright sale.
You'll receive an offer and can complete the process without waiting for a buyer.
If You Want the Highest Possible Return
Commission sale is often the best option.
While it may take longer, it can achieve a stronger final selling price.
If You're Buying Another Saddle
Part exchange is usually the simplest solution.
It removes the need to sell and buy separately.
If You Want Maximum Control
Private sale may be suitable, although it generally requires the most time and effort.
Why Riders Choose The Saddle Bank
We've helped thousands of riders sell saddles safely and efficiently.
Why customers choose us:
✓ Over 4,000 saddles bought and sold every year
✓ Over 1,700 saddles in stock
✓ Over 50 leading saddle brands
✓ Over 2,500 reviews averaging 4.9 stars
✓ Free saddle valuations
✓ Collection service available
✓ Outright purchase options
✓ Commission sales available
✓ Part exchange available
✓ Transparent fee structure
✓ Expert saddle specialists
✓ Nationwide service
✓ Trusted UK saddle retailer
Whether you're selling a GP saddle, dressage saddle, jump saddle or premium French saddle, our team can help you find the most suitable selling option.
Common Reasons Riders Sell Their Saddles
We regularly help customers sell saddles because:
Their horse has changed shape
They've purchased a new horse
They're changing disciplines
They've upgraded to a different model
Their saddle is no longer being used
They want to release funds tied up in unused tack
If your saddle is sitting unused, selling it can be a simple way to free up both space and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out what my saddle is worth?
We offer free saddle valuations. Simply contact our team with details and photographs of your saddle, and we'll advise on its likely value and selling options.
Do you collect saddles?
Yes. We can arrange collection for many saddles, making the selling process as simple and convenient as possible.
Is commission better than selling privately?
It depends on your priorities. Commission sales remove much of the work involved in selling privately while giving you access to a large audience of active saddle buyers.
What is the quickest way to sell a saddle?
An outright sale is typically the fastest option because you're selling directly rather than waiting for a buyer.
Can I trade my saddle in against another one?
Yes. Many riders choose part exchange when purchasing another saddle, making the process simpler and more convenient.
Final Thoughts
If you're asking "How do I sell my saddle?" the first step is deciding what matters most to you.
Do you want the highest possible return?
Do you want the fastest sale?
Or are you planning to buy another saddle at the same time?
At The Saddle Bank, we offer free valuations, collection services, outright purchase, commission sale and part exchange options, helping riders choose the solution that best suits their needs.
With over 4,000 saddles bought and sold every year, more than 2,500 reviews averaging 4.9 stars and one of the largest saddle stocks in the UK, we're trusted by thousands of riders when it's time to sell a saddle.
Contact our team today for a free valuation and discover which selling option is right for you.
