I'm the OP, and I certainly didn't mean to start a flame. I fully expected, making what I thought was an obvious point, that buyers would nod and move on, and that sellers would at least pause and consider my point. (I also fully expected posts from people who (1) can't read; (2) can't write, and (3) can't think; so thanks guys for not letting me down in that regard).
I was simply making the point that Audiogon transactions are just like buying used cars. There's a radical asymmetry of information between buyer and seller. The seller has a significant information advantage over the buyer; just wait until cars from NY and NJ start showing up in used car lots. That being so, it seems to add insult to ignorance to give a reason for the sale, since buyers have no independent reason to believe it, and every reason to doubt it (i.e. the seller is trying to make a sale after all).
However, I do stand corrected by the good folk here who claim to be trying to be helpful and upfront - I'm sure you are. But, no offense, why should anyone believe you who understood the transactional logic? Just disclose the item's true condition, and let the buyer make a decision without having to second guess your motives.
Those buyers who say they really want to know the reason for the sale: well, I really have nothing to say to you.
Happy buying, all!
I was simply making the point that Audiogon transactions are just like buying used cars. There's a radical asymmetry of information between buyer and seller. The seller has a significant information advantage over the buyer; just wait until cars from NY and NJ start showing up in used car lots. That being so, it seems to add insult to ignorance to give a reason for the sale, since buyers have no independent reason to believe it, and every reason to doubt it (i.e. the seller is trying to make a sale after all).
However, I do stand corrected by the good folk here who claim to be trying to be helpful and upfront - I'm sure you are. But, no offense, why should anyone believe you who understood the transactional logic? Just disclose the item's true condition, and let the buyer make a decision without having to second guess your motives.
Those buyers who say they really want to know the reason for the sale: well, I really have nothing to say to you.
Happy buying, all!