It is not just used equipment that has slowed
down.As a dealer,just about anything that would be
considered"hi end" has just about come to a dead
stop.No doubt the Hi End market shrinks
considerably every year,and a good deal of "brick
and Mortar" stores have become a memory.When you
have major store like SBS trying to dump Krell on
the internet you know things are not all that
hot.Besides the fact I see more and more items
being sold here as"New" that are not even suppose
to be sold on the net.Most dealers including
myself are going through a much harder time than
last year.
Whatever "Hi end "items that do sell,salesmanship
has become a key word,even on the net.I have never
gone through as many emails requesting info on a
particular piece,explaining details,answering
questions,before a sale might be closed.I think
since 9/11 and the slow recovery of the economy
has put a damper on buying any luxury items
ie.audio/video products,jewelry,ect has become a
more though out decision.
Looking at my personal emails from clients I am
getting offers that just would never even have
been considered legitimate last year at this
time.Even here on Audiogon I see items going for
less than they should be.With the problem of
inventory by manufactureres,lack of stock by
distributors, and the general nervousness of the
consumer I think this is going to be tough year.
I think outlet stores like PC richards,Circuit
City ect move merchandise but at a much less
profit margin.I have been in to # of them and they
will actualy knock off the asking price before the
customer even asking.That would never have
happened last year.On top of that you have
products that are anticipated,with great fanfare
and they just do not come.I can think of one
particular item that I have had presales for and
the wait has just been too long and the customers
are asking for their deposits back.
I am sure it will turn around,but the question is
when.
