To buy or not to buy a used cartridge?

I think cartridges are perhaps the riskiest used purchase. They are quite fragile/delicate devices.

You have to be real careful to be certain of the condition.

Thats what I meant by properly inspected Viridian. I agree with you on the Soundsmith approach , I just can,t understand why seller's wouldn't do that themselves before selling it as you might end up keeping it if your price is correct for 400 dollars more to have a virtually new Koetsu cartridge or proof all is good for the sale. Not having to wait for the retip to a potential buyer versus not finding out something you thought was good to go that needs the service would get a better price as well I would think.

Having purchased 9 used cartridges here on Agon (and 1 on ebay), I can attest that it is no more risky than other used component purchases. Feedback check is essential here. I have received one cartridge that was not as described (and no, it wasn't the one from ebay believe it or not). On the other hand I have received a few components (mainly power amps) delivered with shipping damage. I am more leery of having heavy items shipped than buying used cartridges. Buying anything used is always more risky but overall I think well worth it. As far as how many hours the seller claims his cart to have, I only use this as a guide, not realistic unless he claims to have logged hours. I think most sellers here on Agon are pretty staight forward.

Buy new and know what you're getting

Based on my own experience I don't think there's any more risk buying a used cartridge than with any other type of equipment here on the Gon. I've bought stuff over the years that was often misrepresented as to condition, suffered because it was packed poorly, or damaged by the carrier. It's not unusual to have to resell a $3000 component for $500 less than the price paid because it was scratched and somewhat beat up and the box looked like hell. The risks are not greater, probably less, when buying a used cart from a trusted member. If you trust the seller, and he tells you the cart is fine, and knows approximately the hours on it (there's a lot of latitude here anyway since it takes years of normal usage to put on 1000 hours) then why not save hundreds, or even thousands? Cart shipping is safe and easy--no risk there compared to speakers or amps or fragile digital players. Over the years I've bought used carts on the Gon many times: a VDH Grasshopper 3, VDH Frog, Allaerts Mc1b, Benz Ruby2, Koetsu Rosewood Sig, Grado Reference and a few less-significant others. Every one has performed up to expectations (other than the Koetsu which had been VDH retipped--but the seller disclosed this) and I still use them all today.

Sorry for taking so long to state the obvious. But I believe it comes down to trusting the seller, just like with all other types of gear.

BTW, I plan to sell some of the above-named carts over the next few months. I mention this now because I don't want to appear disengenuous later. Everything I said is true irregardless.