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

Agree, if he’s a "well known individual " he makes money at this. No reason he should insist F&F .... I would pass

If you use PayPal friends and family and the equipment is bad, good luck trying to get your money back and I speak from experience. I always use it the right way and pay the 3% fee that the cheapskates are trying to avoid. Why use F&F just to save a few bucks, unless you are the gambling type?

Many do not use PP goods and services because if you recieve over $600/yr, paypal is required by law to send you, and the IRS, a 1099. that in itself isn't a problem since you probably lost money on the used equipment so you won't pay taxes.  but it puts you on the IRS radar and you are always at risk of the IRS being difficult.  everyone is afraid of the IRS.

Whether a seller buys insurance is frankly, none of your business.   The seller is responsible to deliver an item intact and if not, remunerate you.  They may buy insurance if they think it is a good business practice (it isn't) or just choose to take responsibility themselves (aka self insure).  you asking them to buy insurance is meddling in their business and frankly stating that you don't trust them to be financially responsible.

Jerry

I have only used F&F for small purchases such as inexpensive cables. Otherwise, it's an absolutely reasonable default for a buyer to not get shanked.

Not to put too fine a point on it but: How could it possibly be otherwise?