ebay vs audiogon

The only thing audio related I've bought on Ebay was a tube tester, and I was very happy with the transaction.

I prefer to purchase Hi Fi gear on Audiogon because I feel most of the people here are fellow enthusiasts rather than someone just trying to unload an expensive piece of gear.

Good deals on clean items can be had at either place. You just have to be careful.

I have done both with no real problems, still...buyer beware IMO.

I only use buy it now on e-bay and don't do the auctions here either. I did hold one auction here at Audiogon...poor idea though as the winner took a hike.

He had poor feedback and should not have been allowed to bid IMO...wasted my time and $3.

Dave

I will agree with Sogood51. I too went on E-bay one time & bidded on a vintage ARC preamp. I thought for sure I won the auction. Last 5 minutes before the auctioned closed I was bidding against a fellow from Japan who obviously was willing to spend much more than I for this product. But despite that I was so determined to win this auction I found myself bidding much more than what this piece was worth, things reached a fever pitch, whew. But in retrospect I'm glad he did win the auction because he ended up paying much more than I would of been happy with. No more E-bay auctions for me.

I've done over 100 deals on ebay, and only 5 (so far) on A'gon, mostly because I didn't find out about audiogon sooner. I've had good experience with ebay, but you really do need to be careful what you're bidding on and who you're dealing with. Things seem to sell quicker on ebay, and for more money if you structure your auction carefully and clearly. The thing I've noticed in my limited classified adds on a'gon, is I've had some real knuckleads submit lowbal offers, and in a way I fealt I was on the local used car lot. Frankly, I prefer the auction format over dealing with that kind of silliness.

Yes its true, there are some lowballers on Audiogon but consider this. Some sellers are asking such ridiculas prices for their gear, as if they were intending on retiring right after the sale. Everyone likes a good deal & I'm no exception but I always treat the lower bidders with respect & just politely say your too low. I myself am guilty from time to time asking the seller to include shipping but if I think the piece is worth the asking price I just simply agree with the sellers terms.