I was also a subscriber to Walt Bender’s AudioMart for a number of years, circa early 1990’s, and I made a number of purchases and sales that worked out very nicely. But while most of the membership was very nice to deal with, there were at least a few pretty rough characters as well. At least among those chasing rare and desirable collectibles such as early Marantz tube products, a few of which I sold there.
Also, I can recall an occasion when I received a less than pleasant letter from Walt admonishing me for pricing one such piece about 25% higher than what he thought it was worth. In my response I noted that it sold the first day, at my asking price.
And, some time before that, in my ignorance I had underpriced another such piece by about 25%, but of course I received no communication from him about that. Among the many callers I spoke to in response to that offering, at least one was particularly nasty and even threatening when I advised him that I would not renege on the deal I had made at my asking price with the person who called first, even when offered significantly more money.
Times and technologies change, but dealing with strangers is always a mixed bag regardless of the format.
Regards,
-- Al
