Rule of thumb for used digital componants?


I've always thought 60% of retail is typically a fair price if a component is desirable. Are there any circumstances when buyers would pay more than 60% of retail? I understand if you want something bad enough you're willing to pay for it. Any thoughts?

larseand

I don’t think there is a rule. Once you have decided to make a move on a new component, then patience is in order and keeping abreast of the market. You will know when a deal pops up, and then move fast. 

Too many variables for a “rule of thumb”.  The world of digital components is still on the move, with new products and manufacturer upgrades of existing products coming out that make certain existing products less desirable and therefore less valuable.

Age, popularity, reputation of the manufacturer, market saturation, and more can all affect the going rate of used products.  I always check HiFi Shark (you can also ck A’gon Bluebook), which shows the listing prices (not the actual sale prices) of the items that were sold, in order to put myself in the ballpark of how much I should consider spending. The market saturation is important to know whether the item is something that comes up for sale every week, or once a year. If a certain item does not get listed very often, you need to jump early and/or pay more or otherwise you might not have another chance for a while.

It's possible I shop at the wrong retailer. I just don't see many discounts from MSRP on new equipment, fully warranted.  Discounts seem to be few and far between.

It's possible I shop at the wrong retailer. I just don't see many discounts from MSRP on new equipment, fully warranted.  Discounts seem to be few and far between.

When you say retail, are you talking about MSRP, or are you talking about the price we really pay for new gear?  60% of MSRP may be closer to 75% of what the seller actually paid new, and be far too much to offer for used?  

used market goes up and down.  but if I see something I want I won't hesitate to pay 60% of retail.  Others will wait and offer less.  My goal is to buy it in front of them.

Jerry