What frustrates you the most about seller’s for sale ads?
Audiogon has been in existence for over 20 years now, and if you are like myself, you probably have read thousands of for sale ads. When I read most of these ads, I always feel like the seller is leaving out vital information about the actual product (unit they own) they’re trying to sell. Some sellers are spot on when they sell something. They describe the unit in full detail, but most don’t. To me that’s a red flag and frustrating. For myself, the most frustrating thing is most ads leave out equipment age. If I’m buying something used this is vital info I want to know. If a seller doesn’t know the age of the unit don’t rate it 9/10 and later telI me I don’t know the actual age. One retailer, I will not mention names, always gives you 3-4 paragraphs of how great of business they are, and leaves one sentence at the end to describe the actual product being sold. LOL
Bingo equipment age for sure! Some products like my recent A21 have been out 15+ years. Obviously one 2 years old is going to be much more wanted than a 10+ year one. When they don't mention the age I tend to assume it's old.
My biggest issue with many for sale ads are lack of pictures. So many sellers do not show the back of whatever piece of equipment they are selling. I think it pretty important to show as many angles as possible. I personally like to see connection options.
When selling speakers,I think it is of equal importance to show the rear of the speaker,as well as the front with the grills off. The first thing I think of when looking at speakers that are only pictured with the grills on is the seller may be trying to hide something. I'm a cynic about these issues.
My problem is when reading the for sale ads, the would be purchaser doesn’t seem to comprehend what they are reading. When I post that the price is firm and I get offers all over the place for much less, it makes me wonder if these people can actually read.
I posted a pair of speakers for sale and others were asking between $2800-3000.00. I very aggressively put my price at $2000.00 with local pick up only as the boxes were so big that shipping was in The $700-800 range. If the person wanted them shipped, they would have to make the arrangements. I was astounded when I was offered $1100.00 for the speakers and the person wanted me to pay the shipping from Rhode Island to SanJose, Ca. Shipping was a little over $800 so I would have reaped $300 before PayPal fees.
I pulled the ad and sold it locally instead at my asking price. So, don’t just blame the sellers, the buyers are a very unique bunch.
My problem is when reading the for sale ads, the would be purchaser doesn’t seem to comprehend what they are reading. When I post that the price is firm and I get offers all over the place for much less, it makes me wonder if these people can actually read.
i certainly agree and sympathize on this point you make
why is 'price is firm' so hard to understand... ridiculous the number of times i have stated that and it is ignored
I second price. Many individuals feel their used equipment is worth far more than reality. With the exception of some brands, you are lucky to get 60% of MSRP!
This is tangential to what you’re asking but there are things in ad descriptions that leave me scratching my head.
“Built like a tank!” — That creates an image for me of something huge, loud, covered in dirt and dangerous. Maybe that’s the truth but that’s not what I’m usually looking for in a piece of gear.
“If you’re reading this ad you already know…” — I’d guess that is supposed to flatter the potential buyer but, for me, it’s seldom true. Most of the ads I read are for gear I know nothing about, that’s how I’ve learned about the gear I do know about.
“I’ll probably regret selling this…” — Then I’d advise against it.
If your selling speakers take a picture of them with the grills off. And always a pic of the back of a piece of gear. If your selling tubed equipment list the tube complement. And a good description including the age of the unit if you know it.
As a seller, I expect people to A: be able to read. Read the ENTIRE description. Then B: do due diligence BEFORE offering. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been offered X amount for something, agreed on the terms and then asked a slew of questions. Ask prior. Simple. As a buyer, I go into purchasing an item after researching it, to include reviews etc. I do not expect a seller to add additional info other than condition and any issues. I don’t need to waste time reading a 14 paragraph dissertation on the awesomeness of cryo-treatment. The real problem is most people have no idea how negotiation works. Nor, the value of a commitment. Verbal or otherwise.
When consider buying something on usaudiomart, I always ask whether or not the price is firm. I don't make any offers before the seller says that I can. Here on Audiogon it is clear, yes or no. Yeah, pictures of speakers with grills on is a good way not to sell them.
I hate the whole “if PayPal add 3%” most people use PP , so build it into the damn price! How about “ if not using PP deduct 3%” That will never happen because everything being sold is “the best ever”
What amazes me is people trying to sell high dollar items, they won’t even bother to dust or show a clear picture.. How hard is it to wipe down a component for a clear picture ? I also want to see the serial number, many don’t show. Also the age of the component! One person was selling some speakers, they didn’t show the one speakers front baffle, if you looked closely, you could see a crack between the drivers in the wood, only the other speaker baffle was clearly shown that wasn’t cracked.. imagine receiving these speakers only to have one cracked because they weren’t honest with their presentation.. Most sellers I have dealt with are pretty honest.. most..
Dealers that use this site to sell products at retail price, or "call for pricing". Dealers that state, "WE TAKE TRADES!", then when I offer an item that is only a few months old and in mint condition, they reply, "Sorry we won't take that."
There is one East Coast company (I won’t name) that sells often here but their prices are so high that I always know it’s them. I remind them occasionally that their prices are double the "average" price on the Audiogon Bluebook. They tell me they don’t care because business is good for them, but I see their items sit here for many months before they sell, if they sell. Very often, their products are flawed in some way, but they still ask ridiculous prices. If you’re a frequent shopper here, you know who I mean.
Not telling the truth about why they are selling. Seller gives rave reviews from previous reviewers to substantiate sale but the item is for sale anyway.
If they were so enamored with the reviews, why sell especially after owning the piece for less than a year?
Hello, This information is so good. Sometimes people have to sell things for other people and do not understand audiophiles. Other times it sounds like the seller is trying to mislead people to get there “junk” sold. I really hope Audiogon takes this thread to heart and sets up recommendations. I.E. grills off and lots of pictures especially damaged areas. Also, year manufactured. That should be below the price. Think about it, some of this costs more than a used car. Age of tubes, and finally it all includes PP. When you go to a store do they typically say 1% for credit card? No, if you pay cash they keep the profit. PP protects both. Bottom line is we really want certain gear but we are afraid to pull the trigger due to being scammed. Another reason Audiogon needs to step up and set this up. It’s 2021, lets allow more pictures included in the listing price or charge $1 more for the listing to help augment this. It will be less headaches for Audiogon because they will sell more, have to deal with less complaints, and more customers in the near future.
What if the speaker grills do not come off by manner of design? I listed a pair of GE Triton Ones for sale here, clearly stated my 2K price was firm, I even said its a fire sale price. I kept getting asked to see the speakers with the grills off. When I told a perspective buyer they don’t come off, I was called a liar. The same with the price, I stated FIRM yet I got prices from $1100.00 to $1900.00. What part of firm can’t you people comprehend?
I was also asked many times the age of the speakers yet in my ad, I said I bought them brand new in January 2015. If you can add, you would know the speakers were 6 years old. I was asked if I had the boxes and packing and it was clearly stated I had everything in the ad. I also said in the ad I will not help with shipping so don’t ask.
Almost every offer I got wanted me to split the shipping. When I told the people that I was sympathetic to the high cost of shipping and that was why I was selling the speakers for 2K instead of the 2800-3K that others were asking, I was told I am being to greedy!!! I then changed the ad to local pick up only unless the purchaser arranges their own shipping and I still got questions like how much to ship to Memphis, Austin, ect.
So, before you complain about the sellers, I think you purchasers need to rethink and do your homework before putting in an offer. This last transaction of selling the GE speakers and all the rediculous questions wore me out completely. I am very glad I sold them locally and I now have nothing else to sell. Thank God!
You people completely wore me out, never again will I attempt to sell a big ticket item here.
As a seller, I expect people to A: be able to read. Read the ENTIRE description. Then B: do due diligence BEFORE offering. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been offered X amount for something, agreed on the terms and then asked a slew of questions. Ask prior. Simple. As a buyer, I go into purchasing an item after researching it, to include reviews etc. I do not expect a seller to add additional info other than condition and any issues. I don’t need to waste time reading a 14 paragraph dissertation on the awesomeness of cryo-treatment. The real problem is most people have no idea how negotiation works. Nor, the value of a commitment. Verbal or otherwise.
jeez geof - what you say would be way too sensible, too logical and too correct an approach by any buyer!! - what is wrong with you????
I hate it when lazy sellers simply copy/paste the stock manufacturer description & specs for the unit, especially when it’s lengthy. Anyone can easily look up the product specs in a second. I don’t want that, I want the SELLER’s history with, and description of, the particular unit for sale. Of course a good seller will anticipate the kinds of questions informed buyers will be asking, and answer them in the ad - cater towards the informed buyers, not tire kickers who don't even know what they're looking at.
And of course, lack of photos, or bad photos - bad lighting, dust caking everything, etc. You can be sloppy in private but at least try to conceal that in your sales ads.
I am with Stereo 5 on the grill thing. I have owned 3 different pairs of speakers where the grills were attached with caulk by design. It was not a trivial thing to remove them, you would be risking damage to the speaker and/or the grill, and they were integral to the design. For the most part, I agree that pictures should be taken of speakers without grills when possible. In some cases it is not. I guess if that is not acceptable for some, they should look elsewhere.
One of my peeves is when the condition is not properly rated. You see an ad stating 9 of 10 condition. Then when you look at the pictures there is a scratch on the front face. Depending on the size of the scratch, that piece is a 7 at best.
My speakers I just bought were a solid 7. Guy scratched them right before he shipped on the damn face!!!!! I would consider It a 6 now although overall they look really nice. Wow pissed me off. Got a couple hundred off but would trade that to not have the scratches for sure!
I've owned two different pairs of Harbeth speakers. I never took the grilles off and I would not if selling them. First, they are difficult to get off, secondly, they are voiced with the grilles on. The buyer would simply have to rely on my feedback.
# of previous owners and age of the product not being listed. I recently offered 70% of MSRP for a Used Bakoon amp....guy didnt even respond. His add states "No lowballers". Didnt realize 70% for used was lowballing! LOL Some people need a grip on reality.
Back in Oct 2020 sent a message via ad here on agon in public "ask seller a question" it was never answered. Now in March 2021 the ad for same item is reposted by same seller (dealer ad) that says "Just taken in on trade". 5 months later Just taken in! What's more is the same question I asked was answered by dealer now. Wow
When a dealer says new retail is x when it's NOT. From same ad above dealer says new retail is 20k when in fact it's only 16k. Why lie when it's easy enough to verify.
This is a very useful thread Appreciate everyone’s input
planning to sell a pair of speakers shortly and i don’t intend to open the box What would you suggest for listing a new unopened box item ? obviously i can’t take photos
On a couple of occasions, I saw a dealer offering a used or demo product at an incredible price. When I contacted him, he told me that the product sold a few days ago and for some reason he wasn't able to take the ad down, but he would be able to work with me on a new one. Nice try!
The other thing I find weird is that some ads have been running for months. They disappear after 30 days only to reappear a few days later. The funny thing is that the asking price is always the same. Don't understand what the deal is there. See Sonus Faber or Manley amps as an example.
My favorite is when tube sellers offer NOS tubes that are supposedly new in a box and never mounted-- showing tube pins that are corroded and bent. Nevermind the labeling having rubbed off...decades ago!
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