2. misc-audio
  3. 119626-70577

What's up with the ridiculous offers?!?

Is it just me or are the high volume of low-ball offers surprising anyone else?

Example: I list an item at 60% off what a current, desirable  component sold for new, and I get an offer for half (or less) of what I am asking! I've have been buying and selling high end audio & video gear for over 40 years and I know the value of gear, but I have never experienced such an destructive trend. I expect it from Craigslst or at a garage sale, but not from Audiogon.

I understand an occasional low offer, and it's usually accompanied with an explanation or apology for the balz it takes to make such an offer, but I am getting absolutely offensive offers for more than 75% of what I list.  

Are there any other sellers that would like to commiserate with me? Am I missing something? Is it just me?

- REV
va6007
zavato's avatar
zavato
903 posts
 
I guess no one here has ever been to a Middle Eastern Bazar

Or read Herb Cohen's book. 

Look, no one is forcing anyone here to sell anything or buy anything

Audio is my hobby, not my business. If I buy something, I would love to get a great buy. And let's face it, no on who has gone shopping and found something on sale insists on paying the higher pre-sale price. And when I sell I want to get a decent value. 

Remmber the pre-Internet days? It was so hard to sell stuff. You either put an ad in a local paper or sold to a dealer and got pennies on the dollar.
mesch
1,679 posts
 
On a related issue: 

When selling, I am now thinking of using the ‘make offer only’ approach. I am concerned that the ‘buy now’ option removes the option the seller has to refuse to sell to certain buyers, like those with no feedback and what you to ship to an address that differs from that posted on AG or Paypal.  


jea48
2,944 posts
 

Maybe what is needed is a free online Blue Book site for used audio equipment just like NADA blue book or Edmunds blue book for used vehicles. That would establish a common baseline for both the seller and the buyer to start from.

To the OP, call a B&M dealer in your area and ask him what he will give you for your used equipment.

geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
Just say no.  Or yes.  Whatever.
jl35
2,244 posts
 
not really an issue, just an annoyance and a reminder how much this site has changed...
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