2. misc-audio
  3. 195660-190275

Is there such thing as a test lab/escrow service for selling/buying audio gear?

I haven't had much luck selling used audio gear in the past. Sadly, it's not safe to invite a potential buyer into your home to test before buying, which excludes most of the popular local free listing services.  I have tried eBay but the fees are high and buyers can claim shipping damage if they want to return purchases. (I had a very expensive amp dropped on the ground to claim shipping damage by a buyer who tried to modify the amp to power 400 cycle equipment.) I have actually tried to list gear on this site but gave up trying to get a listing posted. It would be nice if I could sell items and then send them to an independent lab where condition could be confirmed. They could be sent on to the buyer from there. It would even be better if there were an escrow service tied to the process which would release funds to the seller on the labs approval. Any thoughts or does anyone know of such a service?

philliprcook
thriftyaudio's avatar
thriftyaudio
139 posts
 

Try The Music Room.

https://tmraudio.com/

philliprcook OP
15 posts
 

I tried TMR but they quoted me a very low price and they have a standard consignment fee of 35%. In reality, I would only get about 35% of the value of the item if and when it sells. But thanks for replying!

g9taylor
48 posts
 

In my experience TMR pricing is pretty accurate.  It's possible what you're hoping to get is just beyond what the market will bare.

I agree the 35% seems a bit steep but in all honesty their service is excellent.  I've used them several times, they covered all the shipping, testing, photography, advertising, working with the buyers, collecting the money and promptly sending me the proceeds.  Twice they've even provided me with boxes for equipment I didn't have the original container for.

It is a bit of a premium service, but they deliver it well.  It is very much the service you described in your question.

viridian's avatar
viridian
5,357 posts
 

There are escrow services like escrow.com, but I do not believe they certify the gear. Bench fees seem to be ranging from $100 to $250. Add that into the cost of the escrow service, PayPal fees and shipping, both to the escrow service and then on to the buyer, and most folks will find this cost prohibitive. And realize, just because the item is certified as working when it leaves the test bench in no way does that guarantee that it is working condition when it reaches the buyer. And Audiogon takes the position that the gear must arrive to the buyer in the condition stated in the ad.

Of course, you could have a local tech verify operating condition and then send it on to escrow, but I don’t think that changes anything. And I have had folks into my house for decades to buy gear, one must be circumspect, but I and many of my friends, have had no issues. So saying that it is not safe to have folks come into your home is a preference, not an absolute.

For the risk averse, selling to a local dealer, TMR, or ECHO makes lots of sense. Internet and face-to-face selling is not for everyone.

Just realize that getting top dollar carries with it an element of risk, and the more risk you eliminate the less money you will get in the end. There is no formula that eliminates risk and maximizes monetary yield. 

 

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