1. Home
  2. misc-audio
  3. 1077415472

Why was Audiogon started?

I had always thought that Audiogon was started to allow audiophiles to sell their pre-owned equipment as well as have discussions about everything audio in the discussion forums.However, over the last two years, it has appeared to me that Audiogon has become a Haven for "direct-selling" manufacturers and a refuge for high-end dealers. As an example, I recently bought a new item from a dealer and it didn't work out in my system. I tried to get a return authorization from the dealer, but because it was a special order( a lot of dealers don't stock items that they carry to keep inventory cost down)the dealer couldn't take it back, unless I upgraded to a more costly item. At this point, I was either stuck with the item or could take another option to re-sell it on Audiogon( where the dealer also advertises heavily).I put the item up for sale on Audiogon( much to the chagrine of the dealer as I advertised it for much less than I bought it from the dealer( It was now a used item)I finally sold the item after a couple of weeks and a few "price-reductions" . After marking the item as SOLD, I got a friendly e-mail from the previously mentioned dealer who asked me to kindly remove my ad now that I had "sold" the item. I e-mailed the dealer back and told him that I would remove the ad, but only after I had shipped the item and the buyer had received the item and acknowledged that all went well, hence making the sale final.I'm just concerned that the original intent of starting up Audiogon might be turning into a chaos of commercialism. Any comments in agreement or disagreement would be appreciated.
sherod
jes453dc3
65 posts
 
The problem is not Audiogon's, it is yours by purchasing an item without being certain it would work in your system. From what you've disclosed, it was you that neglected to insure a return if the item didn't work in your system. Is this Audiogon's fault? No.

Once you found out that item would not integrate in your system, the dealer offered you an up-grade path which you denied. You took the option of selling the unit used on Audiogon. (Your choice, not Audiogon's, not the Dealers) Used items sell for less than your NEW purchased price. Anyone that has ever bought a new car knows that you lose money the minute you drive off the lot. You realize that in order to sell the item, you must sell it at a price according to a "used" item. You lost money. Is this Audiogon's fault? No.

The whole problem seems that you are upset because you failed to get a RETURN AGREEMENT from the dealer that you'd bought the item from. You lost money and it pisses you off. Fair enough, it would me too. But, the problem is not Audiogon's, it is yours. The dealer contacting you and asking that you kindly remove your used item ad after marked SOLD, further upset you, because it is a reminder that you lost money on the original deal with the dealer, because YOU forgot to get a return agreement if the item didn't integrate well in your system.

In no way is Audiogon at fault here, nor is the dealer. A lawyer would tell you where you made your mistakes, though you could re-read my explanation above and save yourself a few hundred dollars.
khaki8
206 posts
 
Not sure what your sour grapes are about. Audiogon continues to offer more and better opportunities for 'philes to buy and sell equipment.
Trust me if you owned Audiogon it would go the same way...the way that makes you more money. Everything evolves in order to flourish. Stagnation leads to....
PS. How bright a phile are you if you expected the dealer to take back the product you purchased and didn't like?
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Curious, the angry response by jest45...
And the sour grapes comment from Khaki8.
I did not read any such stuff in the original post.
I am sorry that some AudiogoN'ers have a need to lash out at folks posting a simple question, and explaining why they are asking it.
Like my post about the overpriced (IMHO) LPs, some turkey decides to insult me and boast that his 'concept' of wealth and time were beyond my comprehension. I wondered if he is mearly being sarcastic? Or truely thinks this sort of stuff. I felt sorry for what a jackass he paints himself to be!
Anyway, listener57 said it best.
And jest45:take a chill pill dude.
sherod OP
1,681 posts
 
Khaki8, No sour grapes here regarding not getting a return authorization from the dealer.I accept full responsibility for my purchase. I don't blame the dealer for not wanting to take the item back.I wouldn't want it back either. The point I was trying to make was when I was trying to make a sell on Audiogon, the dealer e-mailed me asking to take my ad out because I, the private seller, became competition to that dealer. In addition,, I believe my low asking price was making that same dealer item which he was advertising appear to be fairly expensive.
driver's avatar
driver
746 posts
 
Seems to me the intent of the original post had to do with a dealer emailing Sherod & asking him to remove his ad. Even though the dealer had previously sold the item, he had already completed the transaction, so no longer has any control over it nor any say about the ad.

As to the other points raised, A-gon is known for buying/selling audio & the commercial aspect is part of what goes on here. Another activity that goes on here are knee-jerk responses to posts that are presented in a less than helpful manner. I see jes45's post as a denigration of sorts that has added nothing to the original intent of the thread. Same goes for the Khaki8 post. Seems like the preferred mode here is ganging up on somebody to tell them what a dumba$$ they are for trying different gear. That's part of what A-gon is all about-letting those involved with this hobby have a place to buy/sell/talk about audio gear.

I first came to A-gon to buy gear & have found a great place to fine tune my system through a series of purchasing & selling equipment. That there are dealers here only adds to the choices & although I have a local dealer I support, if I was searching for an item he didn't carry I would probably look to A-gon for a recommended dealer.
More to discover