Retailers, especially those with a brick-and-mortar store, have to support their overhead which includes staffing, rent, cost of goods, advertising, and all sorts of other expenses. That’s why you would typically get about 50% of what your trade-ins would sell for. Also, I gather from perusing listings on Audiogon and similar sites, retailers will tend to have slightly higher prices than individual sellers, as it is necessary to cover the above-mentioned expenses. The rest of us only have to contend with Audiogon and Paypal fees, and negotiate who pays for the shipping, all of which is a lot simpler/cheaper than supporting an ongoing business. I agree with the consensus here that you would do best to sell as an individual. Just like the real estate market though, look for comparables so you have a realistic idea what you can expect. Getting the price right can be tricky.
Trade in value to a dealer
I have some items I would like to liquidate and reinvest the proceeds into upgraded equipment. I have no feedback on Audiogon and wouldn't enjoy selling if I did. I am interested in experiences you have had with trade in value to a dealer. Let's say I have an amplifier which I would normally sell for $3,000 and a set speakers which would sell for $1,500 if I were to sell them to an individual. What expectation might one have if trading these items in on more expensive pieces?
I have no experience in this area, but in comparing it to the automotive market, I would be getting a wholesale trade in value. Do most audio dealers operate on the same basis, wherein they feel they must make a profit on the inventory they receive via trade in, or might they allow a fair market value if they are making a profit on the item I am buying from them? I am sure it varies from dealer to dealer, but am interested in other's experiences. Should I expect to take a big hit? Or maybe just a slight cuff? Thanks.
I have no experience in this area, but in comparing it to the automotive market, I would be getting a wholesale trade in value. Do most audio dealers operate on the same basis, wherein they feel they must make a profit on the inventory they receive via trade in, or might they allow a fair market value if they are making a profit on the item I am buying from them? I am sure it varies from dealer to dealer, but am interested in other's experiences. Should I expect to take a big hit? Or maybe just a slight cuff? Thanks.