Is It Common For Questions About Gear For Sale To Go Unanswered?
I have been a member of the Audiogon Community for a few years, mainly as an outlier, but I have asked a few questions and responded to a few threads. Compared to most of the Members of this community, I fly way under the radar with my knowledge of all things Hi Fi, but I'm doing my best to learn. But one thing I've noticed (and I'm wondering if it is just common practice) is many times when I ask a question about a piece of gear for sale, I get absolutely no reply at all. Not an answer, not a request for clarification, not even a "go to hell and stop bothering me".
There has been a turntable listed for sale for quite some time that I have interest in, the listing is advertised as "Scout 21B Turntable Lo hrs current 2022 production". I've noticed the listing time has expired without it being sold at least once, I think because a Reserve hasn't been met. But it immediately shows up again with a new countdown clock. This is what I've posted in the "Questions For The Seller" section: "I asked this question once, but did not get an answer. Is this a "B Stock" turntable, and if so, what is the reason or reasons for it being B Stock. Thanks."
Is this a rude question to ask or does my question violate an unwritten code I'm not aware of? I've done quite a bit of research and looking on Hi Fi sites, and I can't find a VPI Scout 21 turntable that has the "Letter B" included unless it is B-Stock. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. If I'm correct, it seems logical that if it is B-Stock the seller should explain why it is B-Stock if asked. Nothing in the description identifies flaws, and the only picture is a stock photo from VPI. Help me out -- am I missing something in how items are listed or just being ignored.
Thanks and happy listening.
Thank you for everyone that has responded.
@lewm -- I did NOT include any information about myself in the "Question To The Seller", so I doubt Audiogon blocked my question. Considering I asked the same question 3 times (each time the turntable was listed and the listing expired). I did research VPI's website and found the same information regarding the B Stock that they sell. I knew that when I posted my question here, but I was seeking feedback from knowledgeable members such as yourself to make sure I wasn't missing something.
@jhajeski -- Indeed, I knew (or thought I knew, why I was asking here) that VPI did NOT sell any model called a "Scout 21 B" -- from reading their webpage the only conclusion I could come up with was it was a "B Stock" turntable. I'm very aware of what "B Stock" is (I've bought such from Schiit Audio), and as @dill wrote, yes you can get great bargains buying "B Stock". HOWEVER, there is a reason it is given a "B Stock" rating, and I find the ad to be rather deceptive if that is not pointed out. Almost every piece of gear with flaws, scuffs, or damage I've seen sold on Audiogon makes it VERY CLEAR and includes multiple photos so the interested buyer can see the flaws, scuffs, or damage.
I don't give a flip how many positive reviews or ratings a seller currently has, if they are selling "B Stock" gear without disclosing that information, or having the courtesy to answer a simple question about the gear (which based on everyone's feedback here I did not ask in a rude way and was not out of line), I find that to be a bullshit way of doing business and I'm glad I'm taking the advice of @cleeds and@rodman99999 -- steering clear and assuming "Buyer Beware" mentality. It's a shame, because I was ready to grab the VPI turntable in a heartbeat. It is a turntable that has great reviews and the price was attractive.
Thank you, again, to everyone that chimed in. As I said, compared to most members on Audiogon I'm a "newbie" (even though I'm 60 years old). I was into stereo gear in the 1970's and 1980's when I was in a rock band playing in the Southeast, but then college, marriage, kids, and building a financial corporation became top priorities. I retired in 2016 when a buyout offer was too good to pass up, so now my focus is back on the music. I still have every piece of gear I've ever bought going back to 1975, but I'm now in the "upgrade mode" and a new turntable is next on my checklist! Enjoy the music....you never know when it will be your last tune. |
If an ad for a used piece of equipment doesn’t have a statement of its condition, or the statement tells nothing meaningful, or tells the obvious - I’m gone. Same thing if the seller doesn’t respond to questions - I’m gone. If a seller cannot conform to the basic protocols of a used sale — up front, honest, no mysteries, answers all questions - on the internet of all places - then, to buy from that seller leaves you open to scams. |
