I agree with the sad state of the used market sellers.
I've been a part of this site since it began almost 20 years ago. Buying and selling always went smoothly, and with almost zero issues. I've even met people who've become friends by way of transactions. Audiogon used to serve as a central cog in the market, funding additional new and used purchases by a large number of folks. Two to three years ago, I noticed something happened, and the entire thing mostly shut down. I have no idea how the manufacturers have survived, as again, this site primed the pump for the engine.
Haven't sold much over the past few years, but wanted to dump a bunch of gear over the past couple of months. The audacity of some of the lowballers surprised me even as I've received hundreds of lowball offers over the years. How about a $50 offer for a current production component that retails for close to $5k, with several other $200 and $300 offers? No thanks. As others have said, I'd give it to a friend, family member, or young person with some interest, or even on Craigslist before that.
One person actually began contacting me, and continues to do so. He explained that no matter what the ad lists, even if it's below market value, he won't go beyond 70% of that asking price. His initial bid is always 20-25%, and he's willing to work up from there. Ironically, he ended up paying over $4000 for an item I listed initially for $2500, as I found a buyer I felt more comfortable with.
Best was a guy with ZERO feedback, and a member for just a few months who lowballed me, eventually came together on a price, never sent payment, berated me, disappeared, reappeared with another lowball offer when I reduced my asking price, I demurred as he gave me a bad feeling at every juncture, then sent me a lengthy email claiming I'm a fraud, and my "stellar" 18 years of feedback was a complete fabrication, made up of shills, fictional transactions, and some folks I conned and some I paid for
