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Condition of speakers for sale

Admittedly, it’s been a while since I’ve shopped for speakers on audiogon.  Probably close to ten years or so.

Now that I’m in the market again, I’ve noticed what seems like a common theme.  There are many many ads that say things like “mint condition”, or “very clean”, or even “flawless” only to point out deep scratches, larger chips in corners, and just plain damage in the photos.

In my past life buying and selling, it seems like we were more honest in ads.  Some might argue that the photos are being forthright.  While this is true, why are sellers using words like “mint” when they clearly aren’t?  If it was just users with no feedback, that’d be one thing.  But it’s also long time users doing the same thing.  Anyone else noticing this?
s7horton
11 responses Add your response
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
I try to judge by what I see and read with reinforcement from the sellers feedback. On any large pur have where I have questions I make sure to start a dialog with the seller and make phone contact. Additional pictures if needed etc.

Many times sellers will use liberal terms to attract views and therefore more eyeballs and potential buyers who may not mind a few love taps. 😀 
Post removed 
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
seller feedback 
photos... high res photos
pick up in person if possible to see before you own...
adg101
1,063 posts
 
Noticed even on The Music Room (TMR) site, they seem to be a little liberal on their ratings once in awhile too. At least they do add great photos which are worth more than a rating number. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,825 posts
 
Yeah, what *are* they doing to get speakers so beat up? 
Post removed 
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Speakers and components with moving parts are difficult to judge their condition apart from outside blemishes unless you have a listen or close inspection. Electronics on the other hand are easier to check if they have been tempered somehow. 
Seller feedback, communication, status, would help up to a point.
Every seller has to promote the listing using the right words that catch the eye. When a component is claimed mint or near mint and you see faults what you have to do is skip. 

G
Post removed 
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,151 posts
 
Neither. It just appears that he truly doesn’t know anything about the speakers.

Oz
thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,452 posts
 
Would not buy speakers from most clowns on audiogon.
Especially floorstanders.
Probably have kicked in woofers from those giant shoes....
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,405 posts
 
Well, I have sold 6 pairs of speakers here over the past 13 years and all my customers have been extremely satisfied.  I also don’t consider myself a clown.   Are you?
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