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.
abnerjack

Showing 2 responses by hgeifman

My best guess is your retailer is not going to offer you a high trade in value for your equipment regardless of what you buy.  You might ask your retailer if they would accept your equipment for a consignment sale (fees could be 10-20% of sale price).  I also do not feel comfortable selling my used equipment on Audiogon.  I have used both retailers listed below to sell my used equipment with success:

Echo Audio
Sometimes they will buy the equipment from you or accept it for consignment.  They are very selective on what they accept and I suggest you call them to discuss. 

https://echohifi.com


The Music Room
Depending on the audio used market, they might pay cash for your used equipment or accept it for consignment.  They will tell you if they feel your equipment will be hard to sell.  Once you agree on terms, you ship the equipment to them and they handle everything.

http://www.tmraudio.com


Consignment sales might get 50% of retail minus the fees charged plus PayPal, etc fees. The price you get really depends on the brand you are selling and how marketable it is.  I sold a well know interconnect cable and was luckily to get 30% of list.  The successful selling of used audio equipment depends on the brand, model, condition and age. Timing is also important and you cannot be in a hurry.  For example, it took me over 5+ weeks to sell my Luxman 590ax integrated amplifier and we had to lower the price.  On the other hand, my Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC sold in 2 hours since it was in high demand.     
I have never used Audio Solutions listed below but you might want to ask them if they are interested in your used equipment (cash or consignment). 

http://theaudiosolutions.com

MCINTOSH, AUDIO RESEARCH, CARY, MARK LEVINSON, CHORD, BOWERS & WILKINS, KRELL, CLASSE, CLEARAUDIO, SME, VPI, REVEL, MAGICO, MARTIN LOGAN, MAGNEPLANAR, SONUS FABER, WESTERN ELECTRIC, TELEFUNKEN, ROGUE AUDIO, MUSICAL FIDELITY, NAIM, SEQUERRA, MARANTZ, SHUNYATA, NORDOST, TARA LABS, KIMBER, PURIST..
.
IF YOU HAVE IT, WE WANT IT!! ALWAYS ON THE QUEST FOR GEAR, GEAR AND MORE GEAR!!
We BUY anything HiFi, Reference, Two-Channel/ Multi-Channel, Sources, Speakers, Speaker Cables, Interconnects, etc., etc.....!!!