Is It Common For Questions About Gear For Sale To Go Unanswered?

It's rare for me not to get a response in less than a day.

Your question isn't rude.

You asked a reasonable question but there are a few odd sellers here. Of course it's inexplicable if they don't respond, but I'd just shrug it off. If they were serious, they'd be happy to answer you.

Why not ask VPI what their B means? Could indicate “black”. What is “B stock” anyway? I’ve seen the term used but not defined. Anyway you probably don’t want to do business with a seller who won’t answer a simple question. Can you be sure he’s receiving your inquiries? If you’ve included an address or phone in your messages, Audiogon may block them.

@allenf1963 -

     My guess would be (IF the B does mean, "B Stock"): the seller doesn’t want to make that common knowledge, for obvious reasons.

                                                Caveat emptor

If it’s B stock, whatever that means, seller is obliged to disclose that fact. Do you know of any cases where any manufacturer adds a suffix B, when the product is from B stock? I don’t.

Large companies do.

Large audio companies? What does it mean? Damaged? Imperfectly manufactured? Can you provide a specific example?

If they don’t answer a simple pertinent question, you may be better to just move on, or ask again in case they missed your question.

The person in question has a lot of good feedback and is or was a dealer, so I would lean to asking again or as others said ask VPI.

Buying a B-stock product is a great way to get "like-new" products at a considerable savings. Every product has been thoroughly tested, repaired (if necessary), cleaned and otherwise renewed to original condition. Next it’s repackaged with original accessories included. When you consider that a factory refurbished B-stock product undergoes such rigorous testing, you might actually be buying something that is in many ways better than new.

The source of Factory Refurbished B-Stock product is retail returns to the manufacturers from their various retail partners. This means that when you buy Factory Refurbished 'B-Stock', you are very likely buying a product that has had no usage or issues, but comes with considerable savings anyways.

Units are cosmetically 'like-new'. Very minor signs of wear (minor scratches) may be present, although most units show little or no signs of any usage.

If you’re buying used, it doesn’t much matter whether the unit was originally sold as B-stock or not. It’s used.

dill

When you consider that a factory refurbished B-stock product undergoes such rigorous testing, you might actually be buying something that is in many ways better than new.

I’m sure some manufacturers do indeed subject every B-stock item to testing, although I doubt much of it is very rigorous. But I’m equally sure many can’t be bothered.

Can't say 'how' I know this, but with 100% certainty, there's no such thing as a Scout B (or Scout 21B).   Never was.   Not Black, not B-stock.

Jim   

Here ya go!

https://vpiindustries.com/products/scout-b-stock-1?pr_prod_strat=use_description&pr_rec_id=aceab6095&pr_rec_pid=7734345924824&pr_ref_pid=7718572064984&pr_seq=uniform

That's a SCOUT II.    Any item under the sun could be a "B-stock" unit.   There's no such thing as a Scout B.   PERIOD.

but Yogi has a point.  VPI do in fact sell B stock product, and the ad copy clearly states what you get as B stock.

He was asking about a "Scout 21B", of which there is no such thing.   The Scout 21 is a current model.

The URL someone posted to VPI's B-stock page is another table entirely that isn't a current model, nor is it remotely related to the Scout 21.  

There are no VPI models that use "B" after the name.

That's an EBay listing for a "B-stock(?)"...or "used(?") table.

Sellers can call them what they like, but VPI has no model designated Scout 21 B.

Shiit Audio, if you click on their ‘Deals’ product from their main drop-down menu defines ‘B Stock’ and other factory discounted items in much the same terms used by others. Their verbiage follows: 

“What is B-Stock and Closeout?
This is a place where we put all the stuff that doesn’t meet our cosmetic standards, or is returned from customers, or we found while cleaning out the shop (no kidding.) Everything we sell here is covered by the full factory warranty. However, all sales here are final. There’s no 15-day return period. There are no trade-ups. If you know what you want, that’s great. If you may need to try a few things, better to go with the regular product listings. 

B-Stock: These products may have minor cosmetic blemishes. No, we can’t be super-specific what they are, other than they’re minor. They may not even have any blemishes, if they’re clean returns. Those are also considered B-Stock. B-Stock is recertified and meets all performance standards. 

Closeout: These products are standard A-stock, but are past the end of their production life. As with B-stock, these products are fully tested and meet all of their original performance standards.”

I just find their definitions exceptionally clear (as are most of their documentation (although I wish they would flesh out their manuals a bit).

From the VPI site.

"These discounted "B Stock" tables may have minor scratches and blemishes, however their functionality remain at peak performance."

I find it strange that someone would list the turntable as B stock, but then refuse to acknowledge the fact.

it is very common. not acknowledging basic questions or giving BS answers to them, fake indignstion...its very common. 

Thank you for everyone that has responded.  

@lewm -- I did NOT include any information about myself in the "Question To The Seller", so I doubt Audiogon blocked my question.  Considering I asked the same question 3 times (each time the turntable was listed and the listing expired).  I did research VPI's website and found the same information regarding the B Stock that they sell. I knew that when I posted my question here, but I was seeking feedback from knowledgeable members such as yourself to make sure I wasn't missing something.

@jhajeski -- Indeed, I knew (or thought I knew, why I was asking here) that VPI did NOT sell any model called a "Scout 21 B" -- from reading their webpage the only conclusion I could come up with was it was a "B Stock" turntable.  I'm very aware of what "B Stock" is (I've bought such from Schiit Audio), and as @dill wrote, yes you can get great bargains buying "B Stock".  HOWEVER, there is a reason it is given a "B Stock" rating, and I find the ad to be rather deceptive if that is not pointed out.  Almost every piece of gear with flaws, scuffs, or damage I've seen sold on Audiogon makes it VERY CLEAR and includes multiple photos so the interested buyer can see the flaws, scuffs, or damage.

I don't give a flip how many positive reviews or ratings a seller currently has, if they are selling "B Stock" gear without disclosing that information, or having the courtesy to answer a simple question about the gear (which based on everyone's feedback here I did not ask in a rude way and was not out of line), I find that to be a bullshit way of doing business and I'm glad I'm taking the advice of @cleeds and​​​​@rodman99999 -- steering clear and assuming "Buyer Beware" mentality.  It's a shame, because I was ready to grab the VPI turntable in a heartbeat.  It is a turntable that has great reviews and the price was attractive.

Thank you, again, to everyone that chimed in.  As I said, compared to most members on Audiogon I'm a "newbie" (even though I'm 60 years old).  I was into stereo gear in the 1970's and 1980's when I was in a rock band playing in the Southeast, but then college, marriage, kids, and building a financial corporation became top priorities.  I retired in 2016 when a buyout offer was too good to pass up, so now my focus is back on the music.  I still have every piece of gear I've ever bought going back to 1975, but I'm now in the "upgrade mode" and a new turntable is next on my checklist!  Enjoy the music....you never know when it will be your last tune.

Your question being  about b stock is why you’re not getting an answer. Find out what makes b stock b stock and you’ll know why you aren’t being answered. 

If an ad for a used piece of equipment doesn’t have a statement of its condition, or the statement tells nothing meaningful, or tells the obvious - I’m gone.

Same thing if the seller doesn’t respond to questions - I’m gone.

If a seller cannot conform to the basic protocols of a used sale — up front, honest, no mysteries, answers all questions - on the internet of all places - then, to buy from that seller leaves you open to scams.

Yup, leave him along if he can't be bothered to reply.

Is the seller for that 21B  here?

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=vpi+scout21

That’s certainly a red light in my book. 

The seller for this turntable has the ad on AudiogoN, is a longtime member and has excellent feedback. See link below.

VPI Scout 12B

I even take exception to a private seller using that term.  "B-stock".   Being in the industry, I can say that B-stock is (like A-stock) a manufacturer's term to grade their finished product.   "Used", "Demo", "Damaged", are not synonyms for B-stock.

I have this happen on a different item.  I take this as a "I really do not want to sell this " as the seller is no longer paying attention to his ad. Frustrating but do not lose sleep over it.

@donvito -- It appears to be an identical ad, but from different cities in Florida and different usernames.

@dill -- "The seller for this turntable has the ad on AudiogoN, is a longtime member and has excellent feedback. See link below. VPI Scout 12B"

I don't care what rating or number of sales they've made.  If they are selling "B Stock without disclosure and not answering the question regarding if it's "B Stock", I feel that is unethical and bull. What's even more strange and question-raising is the virtually same ad is on Audiogon and HiFi Shark, but under different usernames and city locations.   Exact verbage and photos.  Shady to me -- but maybe has an explanation.  However, the seller won't reply.

Well, the seller indicates: "current 2022 production model with super lo hours" that indicates a used item and the "B" might stand for Black as it does in the Music Direct ad below. My guess is he just assumed the "B" would indicate the color.

https://www.musicdirect.com/equipment/turntables/vpi-scout-21-turntable-black/

"It appears to be an identical ad, but from different cities in Florida and different usernames."

That’s not unusual, as many sellers use different sites when selling gear. The user name is of no relevance!!

People are funny.  Sometimes I get a reply in minutes and sometimes never. Anyway, that might be the reason it didn’t sell the first go round.  Some people think that all they have to do is put up the ad and people will fall all over themselves to get the item.  🤷‍♂️ 

@dill -- I will assume the best intent. Maybe they did mean "Black", but in the Music Direct ad example the word "Black" is spelled out leaving no doubt. Every other time I’ve seen "B" listed in an ad for gear it meant "B Stock". If so, fine, but I’d like to know what the flaws are and not guess or be surprised. If you know the person, I’ll take your word for vouching for them. Thanks.

@donvito -- Thanks for making me aware of sellers sometimes using different Usernames. I can see that happening -- a Username is already taken or there is one close to the spelling. However, I’m stumped why the location city would be listed different. I can’t figure out why a seller would advertise it differently. Oh well, not for me to know I guess.

Well new ones are $3300 so you would save 1100 bucks as his BIN price is $2199. So is 1/3 off retail worth blemish or two to you? BTW: The turntable is available in white and walnut colors too. I do not know the seller.

Allen, I DM’ed you….reach out.  
jim

Do not buy from rude or uncaring sellers is a rule to live by.

By the way, just occurred to me rereading your post, you say the ad reads “lo hours”.    B-stock gear is NEW, not gently used for 20 hours.   That’s called “used” or “demo” (if a dealer).

That is not correct, not new. B-Stock items which may have been opened and used for demonstration purposes, photo shoots, refurbished, etc. and may have minor (if any) cosmetic damage. They will have a sticker over the serial number and on the outside packaging stating B-Stock.

I disagree but that’s all good.    I think different companies may have different definitions.    

I was relating my experiences in the audio arena with several well known companies all here would recognize.

10-4

@dill -- "Well new ones are $3300 so you would save 1100 bucks as his BIN price is $2199. So is 1/3 off retail worth blemish or two to you?"

Therein lies the entire crux of my original post, @dill. Like everyone else, I’m all for saving money, especially if an item is "B Stock" with just a "blemish or two" as you put it. But if the question is asked on three different listings and all you hear are crickets, you have no idea what the blemishes are or where they are located. A small scratch on the underside of the plinth that you can’t see unless you flip the turntable upside down? Take my money.....PLEASE!

On the other hand -- A huge, deep scratch on the top of the plinth? A chunk of the plinth chipped away where it was dropped? Places on the front or side where the lacquer has chipped off? All of these "blemishes" can be on gear and it still be sold as "New B Stock" according to several audio gear sites I’ve researched. "Defects that don’t affect the sound or operational ability of the gear" as it is stated.

Now ask yourself the same question: "Would you buy high end gear with such defects or blemishes at ONLY 1/3 of the price taken off?" The answer to that question is going to vary from Audiogon Member to Member. But you can’t answer that question if the seller refuses to respond. That was the whole point of my post, which at this point is beating a dead horse. The seller won’t answer my question, and the resounding opinion from the Members who have replied to my post is "Run, don’t walk, away." That is what I am doing. I’ll find someone else to take my money.

@jhajeski -- I'm sorry, but I did not receive a DM from you.  Was it sent on the Audiogon site?  If so, where do I look for it?  I'm still a newbie trying to learn how the Forum works...sorry! 🤔

I think you would be better off buying new from Music Direct or the like. The extra 1100 bucks will buy you piece & comfort, over and out.

Just messaged you again.    
If it doesn’t go thru, we can try email.   
 

JH

Click on the 3 horizontal lines, then click on your handle, then dashboard, then messages 

Allen if u want to connect, post an email or whatever you’re comfortable with.  

Email me at reburialdwindling130@simplelogin.com