I'm a little perplexed/surprised by TMR and who sells to them.....

I've bought a couple pieces from them and it was fine. They def end up being on the expensive side due to a) an initial high price as compared to private sellers, plus b)sales tax and more recently c) very high flat rate shipping.

I tried to buy the B&W sub they've had listed on and off since February last week. It's an expensive, odd ball sub that is only controlled via a B&W app which could lose support at anytime as B&W has changed hands every few years over the last decade. They slightly discounted it and insisted on charging $400 for shipping from CO to me in NY. I'd just sold and shipped two similar sized and heavier JL subs further west of CO for $130 each- insured. The $399 they were charging was absurd. Flat rate, when its hugely above actual cost isn't a fair model in my opinion. The combo of the 8% sales tax which was about $260 plus the unnecessary additional shipping cost of $270 on top of the actual $130 shipping cost made the purchase over $600 more than it should have been. I bought a pair of REL s812 from USaudiomart and moved on. Days later I saw that TMR marked down the B&W sub slightly again. Had they just moved another few hundred dollars on the total price for me it would have been in my living room instead of still in stock and being marked down. I also felt the salesman I was working with had no decision making power and was taking hours between emails to get back to me after having to check with someone on every question. It gave me plenty of time to continue to look elsewhere and ultimately buy the REL (with no tax, competitive shipping and fast transaction process).

When TMR buys an item outright and pays you when they receive and inspect, they can then sell for whatever they want...somewhat different when they take on consignment and seller gets percentage of actual sales price...the salesmen I've dealt with have been knowledgeable and quickly decisive...

I have dealt with TMR twice recently. Both times were great. I was selling a turntable that when they received, there was an issue with the motor not keeping a constant speed. They said it was taken care of by their tech and no charge.

As far as the issue with 1099’s I was advised that the threshold had been changed back to the $20,000 and 200 items sold before one would be issued at least by eBay. Not sure how other establishments would report unless it is up to you to self report!!!!

You say "The same sellers who list their used gear for 30 or 40% under MSRP and refuse legitimate offers from qualified buyers" these legitimate offers are very often insultingly low offers and I get tired of it and I always list my equipment at a reasonable price. I won't give low ball offers because I don't want to insult anyone but boy it sure seems like most offers are and that's what makes selling to someone like TMR so tempting. I've sold to them and I've bought from them,they are very easy to deal with

Hey saugertiesbob,

I own a pair of those really fine B&W subs and paid my excellent dealer 10% off of retail. My system is low six figures, most bought at high discount.

The room compensation software is world class and those subs may be the highest quality product they sell.  

Worried about B&W going out of business?  They are one of the largest, longest lasting companies in the industry.  Doubt that you own anything from a more stable company.  

Good listening...