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

Agree with @g9taylor and @larsman  and others. 

My interactions with TMR have been flawless. They do a lot of the work that I do not want to do. As I’m typing this, I’m thinking I need to get off my butt and sell some gear I’m not using. TMR makes it easy.

To make the test lab/escrow business work, you need to add 1- 2 extra digits to the dollar amount of the transaction. Meaning the odds of it happening is near zero.

I just traded in an older piece of equipment on a new purchase at TMR.  They actually gave me more than I asked for.  I would use them again.