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How to make your first sale at agon

First of all, I apologize if this post is in the wrong topic, but I thought that since I'm trying to sell an amp this might be the right place to post. Will be happy to move it to a different topic if needed.

So I have been a (relatively) active forum user for a number of years, but have only bought maybe 2 or 3 items here. Never sold anything. Usually, when I'm looking at the items for sale here I always review the seller's information, specifically how many items he or she has sold in the last 12 months or longer. If that number is zero, I generally ignore due to the high-risk factor.

Ironically, I am now finding myself on the other side of the equation :)
I have a Parasound A21 amplifier in pristine condition that I want to sell since I've decided to buy an integrated amp. But I have no idea how to post my first ad on agon and provide some sort of comfort that, despite the lack of any track record as a seller, I am a legitimate seller and will stand behind any transaction.

How did you guys make your first sale? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
128x128arafiq
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,402 posts
 
This is a very dicey situation and you can argue on both sides.

Do you have any other sites that you have sold stuff on? You can refer to that. I suggest that you start with a low value item first. That way, if a reputed buyer wants you to first send the item (and then make payment), then you can take that risk and hope that things can go well. Obviously you don't want to send a $2k amp without getting the payment first. Even with the low priced item you would not sell it to a person with 0 feedback, especially if that person has joined within the last month. But if there is another poster who is active on this forum for a long time, but has 0 feedback, you might want to take a chance.
When you create an ad, make sure that you have big pictures which CLEARLY show the condition of the product. Try to gather as much details and possible and be as honest as possible. Even if you feel the item is 10/10, make sure that you put it as 9/10. Just an example. Think of it - if you were to purchase from this site, what would you expect from the seller? It's all your Karma. I was in the same position years back.

Your involvement on this site, as indicated by your profile as "since 2011" is the only positive ting going for you. Fortunately or unfortunately, for you, that amp is a "hot pick" on this site and with reasonable asking price, it will be snagged in a few days. Good Luck!

I am sure there will be others to chime in.
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
If your item is well described and priced reasonably it will sell. Grade very conservatively and don't attempt to nickel and dime on PayPal fees, shipping etc (ideally offer free shipping in the continental US for example)

In other words make it as painless as possible for the potential buyer to work with you. And consider a link to this thread as well to indicate your bone fides and interest in doing things right!
ejr1953
916 posts
 
I have had good experiences, buying and selling on Audiogon.

I'd say it's OK to exchange emails on Audiogon before a formal offer is extended on the site.  But I would avoid dealing with a buyer who wants to consummate the sale outside the site.  I had one guy who emailed me thru Audiogon, asked me to call him, which I did, and we went back and forth on the phone, came to an agreement on the price (which he said he'd pay in cash), then when he arrived in my driveway said that he rethought his offer and wanted to buy the unit for $600 less than we agreed upon.  With no formal offer on Audiogon, there was no "trail".  I wouldn't deal with people like that.
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