Yes, of course, there are certain items, particularly vintage ones like the Garrard and Thorens mentioned, where you will have to pay more, and it would be worth it to do so. And there are other exceptions that don't have anything to do with the actual value of the item, as someone mentioned. However, the 50% rule I stated does hold true for the vast majority of products out there in any high end industry, whether it is audio, jewelry, cars, what have you, and many people in all of those industries will agree with that. Yes, you will see people here on audiogon paying more, but they certainly don't have to, and in the vast majority of cases shouldn't be. You also see many items not selling either here or on ebay because they are priced above this mark. Very often, the seller has to come down to near that 50% before anyone even bids. Is this a hard and fast number? No. Is it a good general rule of thumb? Yes.
Buying used vs. New
Does anyone have reservations about buying used?
I used to swear buy it until recently. I bought a preamp that arrived with a humming problem from the transformer because the delivery company dropped it. Fortunately, I had bought it new and the store was able to replace it. I was just thinking, what if this was used, I would be out of luck in terms of getting it fixed. Also, I bought a used piece of equipment on Audiogon a few years ago that is now giving me trouble. It is out of warranty and was fairly expensive, and now has issues. Now I'm seriously considering buying new, even though my money will only stretch about half as far.
I used to swear buy it until recently. I bought a preamp that arrived with a humming problem from the transformer because the delivery company dropped it. Fortunately, I had bought it new and the store was able to replace it. I was just thinking, what if this was used, I would be out of luck in terms of getting it fixed. Also, I bought a used piece of equipment on Audiogon a few years ago that is now giving me trouble. It is out of warranty and was fairly expensive, and now has issues. Now I'm seriously considering buying new, even though my money will only stretch about half as far.
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- 60 posts total
- 60 posts total