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

TMR for the most part is pretty awesome.  If you are selling big speakers and don't want to deal with the shipping hassle, they are a godsend.  They pay shipping to them, they schedule the freight shipment (if needed), they pay you F&F when the item sells, they deal with any customer returns (you still get paid even if the customer returns it).  Last time I they even shipped me a pallet and straps for a speaker shipment at no charge.  I sold a fairly esoteric amp through them a few months ago and it sold for much higher than I was expecting.  Their 35% cut of the consignment is a fair price to pay in many cases.

I have not bought from or sold to TMR, but I suspect it is growing in popularity as a buyer because of the aging demographic trend of audiophile hobbyists. When I first got involved in this hobby twenty years ago, lugging large, unwieldy boxes that often weighed more than 80 pounds to FedEx or from my building’s mailroom was easily doable. I practically thought of it as a de rigueur aspect of the hobby that was necessary to find bargains and sell them at a minimal loss if they didn’t float my boat.

Twenty years later, my ability and willingness to do what I used to do, e.g. driving to the next state to pick up a 90lb VAC Phi 200 from a seller or carrying a similarly heavy Plinius amp to FedEx a few days after buying it used, are gone. Thankfully, I’m very happy with my current setup, so I have been fairly inactive in the hobby for the last decade. But I can understand the appeal, especially among older audiophiles, of selling to TMR, which takes most of the legwork out of selling used audio equipment.

I rarely post, just lurk, but I wanted to post in support of TMR.  I've bought a couple of things from them.  Both times made reasonable offers (ie. not low-ball), and they accepted both times.  Both pieces were received well boxed and the condIition was as described.

Their business model is THEIR business model, whether one thinks it's reasonable or not.

If you are a buyer, you have the choice of buying equipment "X" at whatever price (and you can make an offer that can be accepted or rejected).  As a seller, you have the choice of selling your equipment at the price they offer (and you can negotiate that as well).  If you're a consignor, you can accept or reject their terms.

Their model allows for buyers, sellers, and consignors to avoid the time, hassle, and potential exposure to scammers.  These days, the issue of scams is extremely pervasive, and is very high on the list FOR ME.  One can decide for themselves what level of safety and convenience is worth any 'loss,' or extra expense, and proceed accordingly.

I’m greatful for the feedback.  My goal for my post was to do some research on “price discovery”.  I have long held that most sellers hope and pray for the greater fool.  My suspicion, confirmed by the overwhelming response in favor of selling to TMR, is that used high-end gear is worth 1/3 or less of retail. 

I recently sent in a request for my 2 year old anthem mca-525 amp not being used in perfect condition low hours, the price they offered me was highway robbery, I sold it for 68% more on ebay than TMR offered me. They are in business to steal your equipment, turn around and mark it up almost double...

I have purchased several high end amps from TMR and must say they have a great sales program, 90 warranty, great packing, fast response, great communication, highly recommend to buy from, but not to sell to, unless your desperate for cash.