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How to make your first sale at agon

First of all, I apologize if this post is in the wrong topic, but I thought that since I'm trying to sell an amp this might be the right place to post. Will be happy to move it to a different topic if needed.

So I have been a (relatively) active forum user for a number of years, but have only bought maybe 2 or 3 items here. Never sold anything. Usually, when I'm looking at the items for sale here I always review the seller's information, specifically how many items he or she has sold in the last 12 months or longer. If that number is zero, I generally ignore due to the high-risk factor.

Ironically, I am now finding myself on the other side of the equation :)
I have a Parasound A21 amplifier in pristine condition that I want to sell since I've decided to buy an integrated amp. But I have no idea how to post my first ad on agon and provide some sort of comfort that, despite the lack of any track record as a seller, I am a legitimate seller and will stand behind any transaction.

How did you guys make your first sale? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
128x128arafiq
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,665 posts
 
Thank you for the great advice everyone. Looks like I just need to stop worrying and post the ad. Key points that I gathered from this thread:
1. Clear and big pictures
2. Rate conservatively (I’m thinking a 9) -- the unit is in flawless condition, but I’m the second owner, so does that make it an 8?
3. No transactions outside of audiogon
4. Highlight the fact that I have been an agon member for almost 7 years and contribute to the forum discussions regularly.
4. Price attractively -- now this is the million dollar question. I am seeing used A21s priced at $1400-1600. But I have no idea if this is what they actually sell for in the market.

BTW, ebm, thank you for posting on this thread. I just don’t know what audiogon would do without you.


folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Regarding rating -- 9 is really "brand new in box", 10 is for unopened items. 8 is in reality as good a grade as you should see for an item that's really been used so I think it sounds like appropriate in your case
rjsmith1's avatar
rjsmith1
4 posts
 
Thanks to all for this thread. My situation is a big step worse. I just signed up at Audiogon to sell my home theater equipment. It's a moving sale with Bowers and Wilkins front (CM10S2), center (CM Centre 2 S2)  and rear surround speakers (CM6 S2), a small Martin and Logan sub, Yamaha Aventage separates, a 75 inch Sony 4K monitor, a rack and a few other odds and ends. I suspect it should be offered in 'bite size portions', such as pairs of speakers, etc. I totally get that the Audiogon community would not have any reason to trust me. I bought all of this equipment from Magnolia AV and had them set it up and calibrate it. Does this mean that I should be consigned to eB@y purgatory? 

TIA 
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Does this mean that I should be consigned to eB@y purgatory?

No, there are many selling options, and eBay is just one of them.
You could list this on Audiogon, US/UK/Canuck Audiomart, Audio Asylum, AudioShark, Audio Aficionado, What's Best Forum, local Craigslist or newspaper among other alternatives.

Just make an ad, describe it and price it right, and sell it.

The main problem I see with inexperienced sellers, is that they tend to over-value their goods. Don't worry, there is a cure for that, your items won't sell.
It's not because you have little or no feedback, it's because you have priced your gear too high.
Realize that this is a buyer's market, and has been for about 3 years now.
Even sellers with much feedback like myself are having tremendous difficulty selling gear in this market.

Great time to be a buyer though!

Good luck!!
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,665 posts
 
Just a quick update ... before posting an ad on audiogon,  I thought I'd give craigslist a shot. sold the amp for $1400 cash within 3 weeks of posting. once again, thanks to everyone for their wonderful advice.
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