Retail?

As as seller I would feel an obligation to not be deceptive, and that listing the current MSRP wich is several thousand more than it was when I paid for it used on Audiogon 3 years ago is deceptive in intent, it is purposefully concealing a material fact, namely the "New" price for the particular item up for sale at the time it was made and sold. I am perfectly alright with a seller trying to eek out more in the sale by saying that now it would cost you X to buy it new today - that is honest dealing IME.

As a buyer I always do my homework, which is why I spot this trend of what I preceive to be unearned, unwarranted windfall profits and I simply don't do business with folks that are not upfront. I might actually choose to buy the piece if they were honest about it.

I'm just saying....

The original MSRP is irrelevant.

Ever see an ad for a house that includes the build price? Is that seller being dishonest or deceptive?

I'm out.

Audio equipment depreciates (unless it becomes a vintage collectible), real
estate appreciates - the analogy you make doesn't work for me. Let's just agree
to disagree on this one.

"As as seller I would feel an obligation to not be deceptive, and that listing the current MSRP wich is several thousand more than it was when I paid for it used on Audiogon 3 years ago is deceptive in intent..........."

Intent to do what, try to sell it for the current market value? Isn't that all that matters, the current market value? Like Audiofeil says, put your emotions aside, feelings have no place in a business transaction.

You're really beaten this thing to death, it's sooooooo irrelevant.

Doesn't the manufacturer set the suggested retail price to help protect the brand, and offer some assurance to the dealer that the investments made by them are somewhat safe?

For instance a Wilson dealer pays 40 to 50% of MSRP. Wilson expects the dealer to maintain a certain territory and not discount the speaker more than say 10% of MSRP.

This keeps the brand strong and the dealers investment worthwhile and all parties are drinking wine and kissing.

If a dealer goes rogue and starts ignoring territory and selling speakers at 40 to 50% off MSRP (Still making many thousands) this puts all the other dealers and Wilson at risk. The rogue dealer becomes dealer of the year until his speakers start showing up all over fleabay and Agon at cheap prices.

In my mind this is more of why a MSRP price exists. I agree with the above though, that it can help determine the age of a product.