It's a little difficult for potential sellers to swallow, but the truth is that new bowling balls lose an even higher percentage of value when "driven off the lot" than new cars; I'd say around 70%, the minute the driller puts a hole in it.

For example, say you buy a mid-price ball for $150, and with slug, inserts and sales tax, it comes to $175.  You find the ball is a terrible match for you on the conditions you bought it for, and so you want to sell it.

Right off the bat, you're out the extra $25, because the potential buyer doesn't care that you paid sales tax, and will almost certainly need to replace the thumb slug and inserts.

So the buyer thinks, "how much am I willing to pay for a used ball, as opposed to a new ball?"  For me, the answer is 2/3, at most, and only if the ball is in excellent condition.  So the most I'm willing to spend, in total, for your $150 ball, is $100.  Deduct $30 for plugging and redrilling, and $15 for shipping, and the most I'm gonna pay you is $55.

So if you think you're gonna get $100 + shipping for a ball I can buy brand new for $185, forget it, ain't gonna happen.
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seadrive
Cogito ergo bowl