I’ve worked around yards and repairs for a while, and honestly what you’re describing is pretty normal for older junkyards. Most experienced sellers just build a mental pricing range over time based on demand, condition, and how hard the part is to find.

When you’re starting out, the easiest way to get a reference is to check what similar used parts are selling for online and then adjust depending on condition. If it’s a common part, price it competitively so it moves. If it’s something harder to find, you can leave more room for negotiation. After a few months you’ll start recognizing patterns really quickly.

One thing I’ve also noticed as both a mechanic and a buyer is that customers care less about the absolute lowest price and more about confidence in the part they’re buying. If you can tell them the condition, where it came from, or that it’s been checked, it builds a lot of trust.

When I can’t find something locally or the condition is questionable, I usually look for specialized suppliers that focus mainly on engines and transmissions. I’ve had good experiences sourcing through AutoPower Source because their inventory is easier to track and the process is more transparent than guessing with random yard parts.

But honestly once you’ve sold parts for a few months you’ll start realizing which ones move fast and which ones sit forever — and that alone will teach you pricing better than any spreadsheet.