Sellers: When do you drop your price?

Update: Sold it for $1300 (58% of retail), with buyer paying shipping. Super nice person, didn’t care about the box, manual, etc. Hadn’t heard of Atoll but liked my description in the ad and appreciated the information in the review linked to. Very satisfying experience.

Good luck.  I trade in my gear because selling doesn't bring good offers any more.

@dill That’s right. The seller originally had it listed at $1350 and I bargained for it because this was someone in my neighborhood and I made it very fast and easy for him. He wanted cash, fast for it. So, that's a factor. I guess we’ll see how it does at $1300. I am willing to wait.

Hi, ya I kind of echo some of the above comments.  it's a rare day that I will pay 50% of original retail price.  second owner and no original box, i'm not likely to pay even that.  Two considerations I keep in mind when buying:  if i don't like the item after 3 months or a year will i be able to sell it and for how much.  some items pose a much higher risk and i'm generally spending thousands not hundred.  ALSO audiophiles are becoming an endangered species - rare and dying out.  There are some exceptions with vintage Scott and Marantz equipment, but in general the demand and appreciation for much of this equipment is dying with us. say.

@sokogear Have not switched from tubes. Want a better SS amp to swap in/out with my tube preamp. Want a powerful enough SS amp so that if I want to try some electrostatics I have the power.

Rarely. I price my gear to sell and it almost always does at the asking price. Yes, I agree, the seller should do the research to come up with a price that's a win-win for buyer and seller.

Why did you go from tubes to SS?

Hard to keep up with all the advice but thanks.
I cannot get the original box.
I have gotten the repeated advice about 50%. Got it.
I have done research about past pricing and it varies a lot and there is not a statistically significant sample. The amp brand and quality are unusual but may tickle the fancy of the right buyer.
I have included a lot of information and reviews of the item.
I took Millercarbon's advice and lowered my price because of what he and others said. I had set the price too high — it wasn't unreasonable given the item but a bit off the mark. Now I'll wait.
I never said that I didn't want to sell the item here. I went first with a site I've used before and am comfortable with. Keep an eye out on AG for this wonderful piece, donvito. I'll make you a special offer.
5 days — I am patient and it is listed on AudioMart. @rushfan Your questions are answered earlier in this thread.

He has it listed on Audio Mart. He does not have it listed here!

It’s only been 5 days man, geez, be patient.
Have you also listed your item on US Audio Mart?
If you chose to, you can pay to upgrade the exposure of your item.
Might as well get as many eyes on it as possible.
If it was me, I would completely change your ad description.
Your telling the buyer what you want to do and how you feel about it.
We don't care.
Tell us about the ITEM. Describe your experience with it. Maybe what it matched up well with.

You frequent this site with many posts. Why would you not want to list here? Am I missing something?

Your item might take longer to sell simply because it is a less familiar brand. Conversely, I was wondering what brands sell more readily or command higher resale prices. A lot of good advice you're getting here. Educational thread for those of us who've never sold a piece of audio equipment .

Mike

I agree with millercarbon's 2nd paragraph. Ask a price that is fair and reasonable after doing some research and hold to it because if there are knowledgable buyers out there, they will know that and won't haggle just to shave a few bucks of one's price.   That is not to say that they can't or wouldn't make a counter-offer which you are free to accept or reject if you think it's close enough (or not). But just dropping the price on your own is negotiating against yourself and shows lack of confidence and buyers will pick that up.

I agree with millercarbon's 2nd paragraph. Ask a price that is fair and reasonable after doing some research and hold to it because if there are knowledgable buyers out there, they will know that and won't haggle just to shave a few bucks of one's price.   That is not to say that they can't or wouldn't make a counter-offer which you are free to accept or reject if you think it's close enough (or not).  But just dropping the price on your own is negotiating against yourself and shows lack of confidence and buyers will pick that up.

" Just for your information so that you know all used equipment is 50% off that's a given"
that is true 20% of the time 100% of the time

If there are any glowing reviews of your item, include a link. USAudiomart
is free. Not so here. Shark picks up pretty much everything so most
buyers look there first.
Maybe your question really is: "How do you price an item"?

Just for your information so that you know all used  equipment is 50% off that's a given.

I tried to sell a pair of speakers here a month ago. They were brand new, they didn’t work well with my amp but they were high end and decent speakers. Regardless what I listed it for, all the offers came in at around 55% of the original price. First I felt insulted. I didn’t understand why everyone’s offer was so low. Later I found out they wanted to flip it for a profit. Given that it was brand new, box, warranty and all, I still think it was disgraceful. I later figured that eventually someone will pay slightly more, someone who won’t flip it. It’s a matter of time. I would check how many of the same items are up for sale and if you want to sell, price it at the lowest or slightly lower than - and offer something extra

" You said this was your first sale on Audiogon.  I didn’t check but I assume you don’t have any feedback ratings."

The OP did not say it was his first sale on AG, he said it was his first sale. He does have AG feedback and the ad is on AudioMart.

Go to Audiogon blue book to see the average,or look on line at others for sale , 1/3 off is most likely not going to happen ,but gives you a 20% margin to bargain with.

You should  to state what type off equipment , how well known 
and the condition  , most all equipment doesnot even get $50% 
used . cables the biggest drop in price ,if it’s a well known hot product , like Wilson Audio , Pass labs, McIntosh and a. Few others keep their value very well ,the majority after 2 years 50% 
if you are lucky ,you should get the original box if possible 
people want all original packing materials.

One more thing.  You said this was your first sale on Audiogon.  I didn’t check but I assume you don’t have any feedback ratings.  Some buyers may be a little less likely to accept your representations if nobody here has dealt with you before.  You might consider selling a little below your expected price to gain some recognition as a trusted seller.

I've lowered it and will wait. 

You will get $900 for it in my opinion. You can get it quickly or get it down the line. It is a good amp though. Hey maybe I’ll buy it.

just takes one person who wants it, combined with do you really need to sell it...I put up an integrated a few years ago, on multiple occasions, with no responses at all...put it up a month later at same price and received 3 full price offers within a few hours...on Audiogon

I would take your time and see first how things go at least a month anyway

@yogiboy +1
@stereo5  +1
@jdoris  +1 

A lot of views and no offers clearly indicate pricing too high and/or not enough demand to generate offers near the asking price. Also, there does not appear to be much of market for that particular brand.   

If it were me, I’d start with what I paid for used equipment as my initial asking price (plus 10% at most); and then be willing to back off some percentage (10%-20%) off of that to move it. Presumably I’ve gotten some enjoyment out of the gear and won’t really leave much money on the table when I sell. 

With 300+ views in 5 days, why wait to start dropping price in order to spark some interest? Just my 2 cents.  

@cmsgolf Thanks. There is no mark. That is likely a camera related issue. I will correct it. Thanks for taking a close look. The manual is a PDF. I can mention that. I understand what you've seen on hifi shark and it's a good point. I left myself room to be flexible, and didn't want to start it too low, but I think you've convinced me, as have others.

@willgolf I hear you, and think you're probably right, too. More good reasoning to drop the price.

It appears as if there is a mark on the front face below and left of the aux  button. ANY mark on the face will make the grade a 7 if you go strictly by the rating scale. For many, over rating an item will be a red flag. It is a nice looking piece and 7 seems harsh, but that is what the rating scale states. It is always better to under promise and over deliver. As already mentioned, not having factory packaging causes it to take a hit. I also see no mention of an owner's manual. All of these things make a difference in price. When looking on HiFi Shark, I see these going from $1000 to $1300. The SE version is going for a bit more, but still not up to your asking price. You can let it sit there at that price, but I have my doubts that it will sell until you are within the range listed above. Good luck.

I have had a lot of success selling components but I do somewhat panic for no reason.  Recently, I sold a DAC.  I had 5 offers from one guy who also bid on something I had 5 years ago.  All Low ball offers and having to listen to him tell me that I will never sell it for the price I am listing it at.  I got 3 other offers....again all low ball offers.  It does make you think.  I think people automatically assume a used piece is worth 50% of the retail value even if it is less than one year old.  

I did get a decent offer after three weeks.  The buyer and I were both happy.  It really depends a lot on the brand.  If it is a known brand people will tend to pay more because they know they can turn around and sell it if they don't like and they won't lose money.  It is harder to sell boutique components.  

@stereo5  My feelings aren't hurt. I appreciate knowing why you won't buy my gear and perhaps others will see things the way you do. If so, I'll drop the price and change the title. That's good advice. I will wait a while and see how it goes. Will try to update folks so they can see how they're predictions bear out. (Betting pool in 3...2...1...just kidding.)
@dill  Excellent! An oversight. Thanks!
@donvito Didn't mean to do that, just have not posted it here yet. My OP didn't include a link or mention of where I was selling it; you saw that, right?

"There's actually a legal standard for this, which is applied in cases such as condemnation and eminent domain disputes."

cleeds -it's just audio gear. Pricing a 2nd owner piece of audio gear just 33% off retail and WITHOUT original packing is likely to  remain.....listed.

Others have covered the ground. My approach to selling begins with buying. The last time I bought something not in original shipping cartons it arrived on a pallet with bits of cardboard held together by twine. You could literally see more of the speaker than the box it was supposed to be in. Always keep your shipping cartons, always take lots of clear pictures, and always clearly state it will be safely and securely packaged in original shipping containers. These few things are worth big money in my experience. You don't have any of them. 

My psychology is quite different than most. I do sometimes put a little extra in the price but mostly I look around see what there is and price mine to sell. Because you can be sure someone out there is watching and waiting (what I do!) and when they see the price drop they don't leap they drool at the thought of..... the next price drop! Price drops are weakness. They show you are weak, the market is weak, maybe the piece for sale is weak too. Don't kid yourself, that is how it works. 

You’re using Audiogon to sell what you have listed on another site. Brilliant move!

I would also include a closeup photo of the remote.

When I purchase here on Audiogon, I will never pay more than 50% of retail price and if there is no original box, I don’t put in an offer.  Not trying to hurt feelings but you won’t sell it at that price.  It is not a well known brand and I see nothing that would make me want to buy a 2 owner piece of equipment at only a third off. If you are a motivated seller, drop the price and edit the ad title to say new lower price.  That in itself will get you more looks.

@lalitk  Thanks for the verbiage. Changing it now.

@hilde45,

You can always say, ‘Rated 8 conservatively due to 2nd ownership’. Once you post better pics, people can see it’s in immaculate condition. But all that won’t refrain some people to low ball you :-)

Stick to your guns, it will sell. Most people do appreciate quality, well maintained gear. 

tablejockey

Value of anything is in the eye of the buyer, not the seller or anyone here ...

That is really not quite true. There's actually a legal standard for this, which is applied in cases such as condemnation and eminent domain disputes.
Financial value = what a willing seller will accept from a willing buyer.

Value of anything is in the eye of the buyer, not the seller or anyone here.

If you're not getting bites be prepared to eventually adjust pricing that gets closer to 50% of MSRP. Not having original packing doesn't help in perceived value.

Only classic gear has a chance of holding value. Even the esoteric stuff isn't immune to this reality.

+1 on jperry on erring to the side of underrating condition.
It's a personal choice, but I find good value in forgoing some money to forgo some hassle.

I would really like to rate it eight and a half! So many people are making very good points and I think I'll just wait a little while and see what happens and then perhaps just drop the price and the rating a little bit. I truly believe it is an excellent shape but I see your points and I do want to sell it but I am not in a hurry. I appreciate you passing on your experience to me. I am not churning gear I am simply moving to a better amplifier, solid state.

@big_greg 

I usually underrate items I sell to avoid discussions about the rating. The Audiogon scale in addition to appearance states 9/10 is “light use”. I would not rate something as light use unless I was the only owner and knew personally that the use was “light”.

Again, just my opinion.

As others have said, no rush to drop price, of you are not in a hurry.
That said, +1 yogiboy, jperry.  Unless it is a "hot" piece, in basically new condition, I'm looking to pay around minus 40% or less for used kit.
For a second owner (condition therefore 8 tops, usually) piece, introduced in 2014, minus 33% certainly seems ambitious.
Personally, although I don't churn kit, when I do sell, I ask on the low side; things move fast, with happy buyers, with less haggling.  Worth passing on a few bucks for me.

I often keep things listed for weeks or months before dropping the price. I'm never in a hurry to sell things though, it's always something that I've made an upgrade from and want to find a new home for. 

If you need the money or want it out of your house right away, drop the price every few days and it will sell. 

Otherwise wait for the right buyer to come along.  There are people that browse ads daily and there are those that only look when they decide they want to buy.

Here are some things I do when selling.

- Use hifishark to see what similar items have been listed for and start with my price in the middle of that range. 
-  Always price things a little higher than what I actually want for them.  If I get my asking price, that's a bonus.  If someone wants to play "let's make a deal" then I've left some room for them to feel like they are a super duper negotiator.  Know beforehand what the lowest is you'll accept.  If they ask "what's the lowest you'll go", don't tell them.  Tell them to make an offer and consider it based on your pre-determined limit.  Stay in the driver's seat, but make them feel like they are getting a good deal.
- Take good photos.
- Be descriptive.

I disagree with the person who said rating it a 9 is not realistic because others have owned it.  I use the Audiogon rating scale and grade the condition on... yes, the condition.  If it's been taken good care of and is in good cosmetic condition, it doesn't matter how many owners, at least not in terms of grading.  Some people are interested in the "history" of the item, how many have owned it, how it was kept, if there were smokers, pets, etc. (which are all valid), so keep that in mind.

When buying used gear, unless it's a really highly sought after piece and hard to find, I rarely pay more than 50-60% of the original retail price.

Yogiboy -- good points. You're definitely not bursting my bubble. I'm starting at a higher price point because I think it's really a diamond in the rough. Those dual mono power supplies are pretty rare, and the company is kind of boutique-y but with a solid reputation. I will lower the price if it lags.

Thanks lalitk for the advice about the box.

Thanks elliot, I'll consider getting it further out there. And brightening the photos.

Thanks, jperry -- I especially don't want to mislead with the rating. Cosmetically and functionally it's in very close to perfect shape so that is why 8 seemed too low, but you make a good argument. Will probably adjust as you say.

1. You bought it used so it sure didn’t cost you the list price
2. No original boxes
3. Not a household name in this country
4.That model came out in 2014
I hate to burst your bubble but you will be lucky if you get half of the list price!
https://hifipig.com/atoll-electronique-in200-se-integrated-amplifier-cd200-se-2-cd-player/
But good luck with the sale!

+1, @jperry. 
Lot of people are reluctant to buy electronics without original box. Buy a box from FedEx with packaging material that allows good protection and post pictures on your ad to increase your prospects. 

There are people out there who want something unique.

Why limit you customer base. I would get it on eBay and Canadian sites.

MANY people don't know about or check 'audiophile' sites.