Yes, it happens, but it happens in almost all sales fields, not just audio. Car dealers do the same thing. That doesn't justify it, but the buyer should do his homework, and let the buyer beware. One more thing, sometimes the MSRP changes over time. I've seen items list price rise over the years for the same model number (just like other fields). My amp list for $5950 when new in 1999, but I noticed that 5 years earlier the same amp list for $5450.
Does it bother me? Not really. I've been in this hobby for about 25 years, long enough to know how to do my homework on perspective purchases. Check out feedback, get the serial number and check with the maufacturer for origin dates and repair records, and if I find the guy/gal inflated the MSRP, I let them know what the true MSRP is, and move on.
Believe it or not, many times it's an innocent mistake. The seller just doesn't do their homework and find out the true MSRP. Most aren't trying to mislead, they just don't know. So they take an educated guess instead of spending the time to find out.
Does it bother me? Not really. I've been in this hobby for about 25 years, long enough to know how to do my homework on perspective purchases. Check out feedback, get the serial number and check with the maufacturer for origin dates and repair records, and if I find the guy/gal inflated the MSRP, I let them know what the true MSRP is, and move on.
Believe it or not, many times it's an innocent mistake. The seller just doesn't do their homework and find out the true MSRP. Most aren't trying to mislead, they just don't know. So they take an educated guess instead of spending the time to find out.