You will never get what your equipment is worth if you trade-in with a dealer.
It's the same as trading in a car when buying a new one.
It's the same as trading in a car when buying a new one.
Trade in value to a dealer
I have some items I would like to liquidate and reinvest the proceeds into upgraded equipment. I have no feedback on Audiogon and wouldn't enjoy selling if I did. I am interested in experiences you have had with trade in value to a dealer. Let's say I have an amplifier which I would normally sell for $3,000 and a set speakers which would sell for $1,500 if I were to sell them to an individual. What expectation might one have if trading these items in on more expensive pieces?
I have no experience in this area, but in comparing it to the automotive market, I would be getting a wholesale trade in value. Do most audio dealers operate on the same basis, wherein they feel they must make a profit on the inventory they receive via trade in, or might they allow a fair market value if they are making a profit on the item I am buying from them? I am sure it varies from dealer to dealer, but am interested in other's experiences. Should I expect to take a big hit? Or maybe just a slight cuff? Thanks.
I have no experience in this area, but in comparing it to the automotive market, I would be getting a wholesale trade in value. Do most audio dealers operate on the same basis, wherein they feel they must make a profit on the inventory they receive via trade in, or might they allow a fair market value if they are making a profit on the item I am buying from them? I am sure it varies from dealer to dealer, but am interested in other's experiences. Should I expect to take a big hit? Or maybe just a slight cuff? Thanks.
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I contacted a company that buys used audio gear for resale. I understand they have to sell at a profit so I was sort of figuring on 25% of the retail price - But the offer was about 10% of retail. I just let it go at that point. Unless you just want something out of your house, trading it in to a dealer is not the way to go. |
testpilot It all depends on the value you put on your time and effort.Agreed. Frankly, I don't have the patience to deal with tire-kicking audiophiles. I expect businesses that I deal with to make a profit, and that includes audio stores. When trading equipment, I certainly don't expect to receive retail value for the trade. While shopping for a headphone amp least year, I was astounded to discover that Stuart's Audio in NJ wouldn't accept in trade some fine used equipment that I had - at any price. Steven told me if they hadn't sold me the gear in the first place, they weren't interested in a trade. So I bought the Moon SHA-430 at Audiolab, who was happy to take the trade. Go figure. At Audio Connection, Johnny was happy to list my trade on consignment. He sold it and gave me a store credit, which I haven't yet used. As the old maxim goes - of quality, service and price, you can only choose two. Price is usually not the most important consideration for me. Of course some others choose differently. |
Dealers aren't called dealers for nothing. Also, the only dealer near me charges 40% commission for consignments. You'd be better of to sell whatever you have on ebay or some local craigslist or such. From what I've learned, stereo gear is much easier to buy than to sell, so make sure that when you buy, you buy at a good price. |
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