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Trade in value to a dealer

I have some items I would like to liquidate and reinvest the proceeds into upgraded equipment.  I have no feedback on Audiogon and wouldn't enjoy selling if I did.  I am interested in experiences you have had with trade in value to a dealer.  Let's say I have an amplifier which I would normally sell for $3,000 and a set speakers which would sell for $1,500 if I were to sell them to an individual.  What expectation might one have if trading these items in on more expensive pieces? 

I have no experience in this area, but in comparing it to the automotive market, I would be getting a wholesale trade in value.  Do most audio dealers operate on the same basis, wherein they feel they must make a profit on the inventory they receive via trade in, or might they allow a fair market value if they are making a profit on the item I am buying from them?  I am sure it varies from dealer to dealer, but am interested in other's experiences.  Should I expect to take a big hit?  Or maybe just a slight cuff?  Thanks.
abnerjack
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I would think that it would depend on the retailer, what you are looking to buy, and how much you are willing to spend.

If you were looking for a pair of speakers and amplifier that listed for say $15,000 total, you may have the dealer give you $4,500 off for your gear.

Now keep in mind, that if you had nothing to trade in on the same items, the dealer may just knock of $3,000 to make the sale. So in essence, you would only have gotten $1,500 for your amp/speakers.
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,686 posts
 
You will never get what your equipment is worth if you trade-in with a dealer.
It's the same as trading in a car when buying a new one.
chayro
2,983 posts
 
I contacted a company that buys used audio gear for resale.  I understand they have to sell at a profit so I was sort of figuring on 25% of the retail price - But the offer was about 10% of retail.  I just let it go at that point.  Unless you just want something out of your house, trading it in to a dealer is not the way to go.  
testpilot
922 posts
 
It all depends on the value you put on your time and effort.
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cleeds
5,943 posts
 
testpilot
It all depends on the value you put on your time and effort.
Agreed. Frankly, I don't have the patience to deal with tire-kicking audiophiles. I expect businesses that I deal with to make a profit, and that includes audio stores. When trading equipment, I certainly don't expect to receive retail value for the trade.

While shopping for a headphone amp least year, I was astounded to discover that Stuart's Audio in NJ wouldn't accept in trade some fine used equipment that I had - at any price. Steven told me if they hadn't sold me the gear in the first place, they weren't interested in a trade. So I bought the Moon SHA-430 at Audiolab, who was happy to take the trade. Go figure.

At Audio Connection, Johnny was happy to list my trade on consignment. He sold it and gave me a store credit, which I haven't yet used.

As the old maxim goes - of quality, service and price, you can only choose two. Price is usually not the most important consideration for me. Of course some others choose differently.
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