Has buying and/or selling audio gear changed?


Hi Everyone, I've been a longtime observer on Audiogon but this is my first post.  I recently ran into a situation that was new to me as I've recently sold some of my gear and I'm in the process of replacing it.  I've used the normal websites (Audiogon, US Audiomart, TMR, etc) and those transactions have been smooth without any issues.  I normally use PP Goods and Services as well as insurance with shipping.  However, I recently was on a website of a well-known individual in the industry who has a piece of equipment that was reasonable priced.  No, it wasn't a "too good to be true" price but was in the ballpark of what one would expect.  As we were ready to finalize the sale, he informed me that he only does PayPal F&F and he won't insure the product for shipping stating this is now the industry standard and it was non-negotiable.  Is this the new standard and all my other recent transactions were non-typical because I used PP Goods & Services and made sure the shipping had insurance to try and provide some protection?  I don't live close enough to buy the gear in person and I've bought and sold across the US and never had a problem but always used Goods and Services for peace of mind for the unexpected issue or problem.  For the record, I'm only interested in conversation that is related to what the industry standard is, not the individual involved here.  Let me know your thoughts.      

128x128listenup23
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As a seller, I don't accept F&F either. But I always kind of absorb paypal fees and shipping charges and insurance, I might just slightly increase the price I would agree to.  Shipping before even depositing a check would be great in ideal world. I am sorry, I am not rich and wouldn't do it.

@curiousjim Not that I know of.  $9k is most I've done.  

@viridian I think that is good insight.  In addition to the disenchantment, I think most of them didn't understand it.  Even the paypal website has it wrong (as I posted above and was corrected with an IRS link). 

jerry

@viridian I bought my first set of "good" speakers on AudioMart.   It was from a guy in San Francisco (about 400 miles away).  We met at a gas station on I-5 in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the winter with 40 mph winds, it seems like the surface of Mars.  We loaded 2 person-sized boxes into my truck and I gave him 22 Ben Franklins--a lot of money back then.  M3si's.

Jerry