2. misc-audio
  3. 180143-162285

Used gear prices and the state of the hobby.

I am always on the look-out for quality used gear, especially CD/SACD players.

It seems that lately (especially), I am seeing a lot of used gear come up at (what I consider to be) ridiculous prices. I've gone through enough CD players that I sort of know what they can be had for.

I am fully aware that the market will drive pricing, but some of these prices are insane.

Asking 75% of MSRP for a player that's more than 10 years old isn't going to happen, at least in my world.

I see the same ads come up, over and over, which tells me that these things aren't selling. In some cases, the asking prices are absolutely ridiculous.

Maybe the dealers/whomever are underwater on their product, but in case anyone hasn't noticed, the economy is starting to dive.

I'm not ranting, just stating that perhaps your stuff isn't selling because you're overpriced (in some cases by several hundreds to thousands of dollars!).

Other no-no's as far as I'm concerned:

No remote. Buy one THEN put the unit up for sale. In most cases, I will not consider a piece of equipment without an original (and in good condition) remote control.

"Rare". Sure it is. If it's so rare, well, that makes me wonder WHY it's so rare, now doesn't it?

"Giant Killer". Un-huh. Sure.

"Mostly Working". Well, get it repaired, and make it "totally working". THEN offer it for sale.

I view used gear like cars. When you drive it off the lot, well, you just lost 10% of the value. And it's all downhill from there.

I just wonder if anyone else had noticed this, or if I am just turning into an old man yelling at clouds?

If it's not a buyer's market at the moment, it will be shortly.

 

 

 

 

128x128coralkong
speedthrills
160 posts
 

@bigtwin 50% off msrp is a fair starting point for a one year old piece of gear. why? Because often product can be bought at a discount from MSRP- in the ten to twenty percent off range. So, fifty percent off for used is really not enough of a discount to get someone to buy used. The other reason is that  if someone expects me to pay 20-30% off of list I'll just buy it new, know it's history and get a full warranty. 

speedthrills
160 posts
 

I agree, asking prices are absurd - by private sellers and the two most egregious online sellers out there- commonly asking 75% of list price or more on equipment that years old. The asking prices strongly suggest there are people buying at those prices; Just like they're buying 20 yr old average watches worth $1500 for $5000 and just like the "more money than brains" crowd on Bring A Trailer are buying 20 year old, beat to snot M5's for 45k when they're worth 25k. All things will pass, especially during a recession. 

juanmanuelfangioii
958 posts
 

LOL. 

heretobuy
120 posts
 

A growing economy with full employment where inflation is reducing peoples’ real income level is not the same thing as an economic collapse. Restaurant prices are going up like gasoline but people are eating out in droves. What you really ought to look at is not what people asking for gear but what they’re paying for it. If people aren’t getting the prices they think they’re going to get they have the option of leaving it in the closet. Recent sold listings for the Oppo 205 on eBay seem to range from $2500 to $3500, which is not surprising for something that’s perceived by its cult as a classic. If I were selling a piece of used gear I’d check what the item is going for and price mine a little bit lower. What gets me are these booksellers who act like a book becomes a priceless collector’s item the minute it goes out of print. My personal policy on auctions has always been to decide how much you are willing to pay for something and bid that.

lanx0003
676 posts
 

50% off msrp is a fair starting point for a one year old piece of gear.

Wait until the buyer throws the low ball on you to think about what you have said ...  

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