With real world inflation running about 12%, if it was calculated the way it was during Jimmy Carter's time, many people are putting unnecessary purchases on hold. I know I am. On the flip side, some would think that, "Hey, I'd better buy this or that before a price increase". As others note, many are dealing with the post-Christmas season headache of bills coming due, paying what seems like 35% more for groceries, watching gasoline increase again, and pointing a baleful eye towards tax season, wondering if it will be good or bad for them. Late Spring into Summer, when people have a better handle on finances, is more of a buying time. so hang on.
I wonder how much @carey1110 's observation that all us older guys are pretty much set and figure no reason to buy much more and just be happy listening to music? The 30 and younger crowd only seem to back into listening to music accidentally when they build a home theater system. Even then, the stuff they listen to doesn't exactly lend itself to even wanting to hear it on a good system.
Are the days of people actively listening to music and enjoying it numbered like shortwave radio, which has pretty much died? I hope the future isn't that bleak but prove me wrong.
Has anyone noticed a slow down in sales?
Usually when I list something on Audiogon I sell it within a week but lately a lot of zero activity even after checking blue book. Notice any slow down?