Are Audio Dealers Missing the Boat?


I was wondering if dealers could be earing some $$$ acting as the middle-man in audio trades? The seller could bring the item to a participating dealer (listed on, say, Audiogon?) who would test it, grade it, verify its condition with the buyer and ship it for a fee?
I'd be willing to pay 10% for this service. The dealer could earn even more by allowing credit-card payment (sorry pay-pal).
dweller
Kurt, It may be that you want an escrow service, not a dealer. Has anyone used these services, and did you find sellers receptive to the idea?
While an escrow service might verify that they have the product, would you rather have them inspecting audio gear and saying "it's good to go" or a professional dealer that ( hopefully ) knows the in's and out's of putting a product through its' paces ? Sean
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DedicatedAudio: A few questions... 1. Is this activity profitable for you? 2. Has it entwined you in any sticky legal consequences? 3. Have you heard of others doing this? 4. What are your ground rules?
Except for Saturdays, every dealer I've been to is ALWAYS empty which leads me to believe there is time to do this. The beauty of this idea is that sellers would have face-to-face contact with the friendly dealer to discuss product condition, etc. The escrow approach sounds more centralized (sending your merch to a faceless destination) i.e. removing the personal element.
Sounds like a good option. I'm sure some well heeled buyers and sellers would prefer to avoid dealing with the unwashed public altogether. On the other hand, involving a salesperson in your transaction could be like inviting a cat to the mouse picnic: Why get a Belchfire2500 when for a few more bucks you could get the HellRazor5000?
Sean,

Kurt said:

"I would not be wanting the middle man to be any more than a escrow holder/warehouse actually. (They don't need to be an inspector). "

I just wanted to point out that escrow services already exist and are used by at least some Agoners, though I have no experience with them.

- Eric