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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.
abnerjack
blang11's avatar
blang11
37 posts
 
Great thread here. I agree that selling used gear to a dealer is usually not the best deal, especially if you have a relatively new, in-demand component. However, I've had wonderful experiences selling/trading with Echo Audio in Portland, Oregon for older stuff or when I just want the deal done right away. It's true that they can be selective and sometimes decline to buy/trade based in their current inventory. But they are phenomenal people to work with and they pay better prices than any other dealer I've come across. I wish I still lived there. A great place to visit. 

Im curious why the original poster and another commenter feel they "wouldn't enjoy" selling on Agon or "don't feel comfortable". Why not? Is it a fear of not getting paid? I've had nothing but positive encounters with folks in this "community". Often times I'll chat with the other person on the phone and realize they are much like me. Friendly and knowledgeable enthusiasts. 
abnerjack OP
205 posts
 
blang11,

I used to enjoy, buying, selling, trading, bargaining, dickering, etc.,  but somehow I have lost the urge to do so.  If I find that I am going to take too large of a loss on a trade in, I will either swallow hard and do some selling or keep the equipment and enjoy it in a second system.  Or, I could take a road trip from Indianapolis to Portland to visit inlaws and just happen to take my old gear with me.  I love the left coast in the summer.
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cleeds
5,947 posts
 
blang11
Im curious why the original poster and another commenter feel they "wouldn't enjoy" selling on Agon or "don't feel comfortable". Why not? Is it a fear of not getting paid? I've had nothing but positive encounters with folks in this "community".
That's a fair question. As a buyer, I've had mostly excellent encounters here on A'gon. It's a great resource. But as a seller, I'm really not interested. Yes, I'm sure there are many pleasant buyers here ... after all, I'm one of them! But as a seller, I really don't want to hassle with the tire-kickers and bottom-feeders, who are also here. It's just not worth my time. By the same reasoning, I trade my car at the dealer when I buy a new one - rather than trying to sell it privately.


 
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
Dealers don't want the hassle especially if they do not represent the product line.  They don't know the actual condition and they don't know if they can warranty the unit say for 30 to 90 days, etc.  Figure 20% of the retail price.  In general and in the past I have had very good deals on Audiogon but a few clunkers also, more good than bad experiences.  I learned that your ad must state everything very clearly and leave nothing for interpretation.  Once you have established that, you should be good to go.  What's wrong with a few tire kickers, you can ignore them or send them a funny response back.  Just explain in your advertisement that they will be ignored.

Happy Selling!

    
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cleeds
5,947 posts
 
bigkidz
Dealers don't want the hassle especially if they do not represent the product line.
Many dealers happily accept trades. Those are the ones most likely to get my business.
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