would this Deter you from buying used gear????

Yes, imagine what it would look like after the item was sold 5 or 6 times. Why not just create a data base for the neighborhood watch? Regards, Kevin.

Inferior components would end up looking like the Stanley Cup.

This could be the beginning of a new and innovative grading scale. For example:

0 - 1 engravings = Stereophile category A+++.

2 - 3 engravings = Stereophile category A++.

3 - 4 engravings = Stereophile category A+.

5 - 6 engravings = Stereophile category A.

7 + engravings = White elephant. Save it for the next Christmas gift exchange at the office.

-IMO

To answer the question, yes it would be a negative to me buying it. I am not sure of the value of engraving anything with a serial number. Is the S/N not in itself a unique ID? My brother tells me he video tapes all of his valuables and gets a closeup of the S/N and model numbers. This seems like a good idea. I am not sure why I have not gotten around to it myself. My main concern in buying something engraved is the concern for how difficult it would be to sell it to someone else. When I received my new Oddessy Stratus amp, it had my name on a nameplate on the back. I kinda thought it was a nice personal touch. I had since sold it never even thinking about my name engraved on the back. The new owner never mentioned it. Us audio nuts are kinda freaky about tiny inaudible flaws. I am all for making a thieve's life more difficult, but I am not sure engraving personal info would do so. I much prefer the thought of a short barrel shotgun for uninvited guests.

sorry I couldn't be bothered reading the other posts...

I'm completely bewildered by your post and why its a requirement to write your license # on your gear.
Do you think they won't allow you into the group if you don't do this?
What good is your license # on the gear anyway? Insurance will cover it...

I would take off a percentage of the sale value for this defacement, probably in the 5-15% range depending on where it is done.