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Audiogon Ethics

I have been an Audiogon member for a couple of years and am very fond of the idea that we are building a community of audiophiles based on trust and honesty. I recently saw a sales ad for a piece by a member who I sold an identical piece to a few months ago (I can't say it is my original piece but it would strike me as odd that someone would own two identical units). If the seller is indeed advertising the unit I initially sold him, he is misrepresenting the condition of the unit (e.g., implying that he purchased it new and that its age is less than it actually is). My question to everybody on this list is what, if anything, to do about this?

I am concerned about the implications of dishonesty for our community of audiophiles in general. I believe this question merits discussion among members. I look forward to your responses. Thanks.

Volker
drv
kthomas
911 posts
 
That is a bit strange - why would the person be an original owner of something they also bought a used copy of? Sometimes I think people shop these sites enough to buy and sell pieces they feel they can make a profit on, and it would be quite possible to have bought more than one copy of something used that is turned around and sold. The situation you describe is hard to come up with an explanation for other than that the seller is mis-representing the piece

That said, I don't think there's much you can do or should try to do about it. As much as we all want this to be a completely honest environment, it probably isn't, and every buyer needs to do everything possible to protect themselves. If somebody claims to be the original owner and a buyer really cares about that, there are ways to verify the claim. -Kirk

angela100
435 posts
 
It seems the first place to start is to simply ask the seller if it is the same. I haven't read anywhere in this thread that this has happened. All the guessing and assuming guilt - is wasted, negative energy, to me.
Just my 2 cents.... aj
tjs1956
5 posts
 
I strongly believe that the information contained in an individual's Audiogon ratings is critical in determining whether you want to do business with that individual. Over time, the rating should reflect the integrity of that individual which, to me, is the ultimate safeguard all of us have on this site.
msnloeth
57 posts
 
I don't sell anything here but I have made some purchases. I am very capable of investigating an item before I buy it. I don't really like the idea of other people trying to protect me or trying to police other people's ads. I don't think you should be concerned about what someone is selling unless you want to buy it. Everyone on this site should be an adult and able to handle their own transactions. If you sold the item it isn't yours anymore and really none of your concern.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Perhaps we can all protect ourselves by posting serial numbers on all items listed for sale or auction? This would also monitor items that have mysteriously disappeared. In those cases where someone has had an item refurbished by the factory or other means, let them provide documentation.
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