Used gear prices and the state of the hobby.
I am always on the look-out for quality used gear, especially CD/SACD players.
It seems that lately (especially), I am seeing a lot of used gear come up at (what I consider to be) ridiculous prices. I've gone through enough CD players that I sort of know what they can be had for.
I am fully aware that the market will drive pricing, but some of these prices are insane.
Asking 75% of MSRP for a player that's more than 10 years old isn't going to happen, at least in my world.
I see the same ads come up, over and over, which tells me that these things aren't selling. In some cases, the asking prices are absolutely ridiculous.
Maybe the dealers/whomever are underwater on their product, but in case anyone hasn't noticed, the economy is starting to dive.
I'm not ranting, just stating that perhaps your stuff isn't selling because you're overpriced (in some cases by several hundreds to thousands of dollars!).
Other no-no's as far as I'm concerned:
No remote. Buy one THEN put the unit up for sale. In most cases, I will not consider a piece of equipment without an original (and in good condition) remote control.
"Rare". Sure it is. If it's so rare, well, that makes me wonder WHY it's so rare, now doesn't it?
"Giant Killer". Un-huh. Sure.
"Mostly Working". Well, get it repaired, and make it "totally working". THEN offer it for sale.
I view used gear like cars. When you drive it off the lot, well, you just lost 10% of the value. And it's all downhill from there.
I just wonder if anyone else had noticed this, or if I am just turning into an old man yelling at clouds?
If it's not a buyer's market at the moment, it will be shortly.
Despite much pseudo-economics and handwaving and yelling at clouds on this thread, yes, that is a gem. |
Fair is subjective. And something is worth what someone else is willing to pay. I sold a McIntosh C2600 for more than I bought it for as a demo after using it for a year. The buyer bought a preamp at a price the were willing to pay and I gave them a good piece of equipment. I sold it via an auction and there were 5 bidders. |
Online selling has turned every seller into a marketing firm from real estate. They are no longer just selling their product but “selling” their items. Like everyone there is a give me a price I can’t refuse. They are not serious sellers as in getting ride of equipment that they no longer use. Then we also have the hoarders who are being hounded by a wife so they agree to sell some but only at their price. Look at antique collectors a piece of junk that is 100 years old is not an antique of collectible it is just a 100 year old piece of junk. |
