2. misc-audio
  3. 1077415472

Why was Audiogon started?

I had always thought that Audiogon was started to allow audiophiles to sell their pre-owned equipment as well as have discussions about everything audio in the discussion forums.However, over the last two years, it has appeared to me that Audiogon has become a Haven for "direct-selling" manufacturers and a refuge for high-end dealers. As an example, I recently bought a new item from a dealer and it didn't work out in my system. I tried to get a return authorization from the dealer, but because it was a special order( a lot of dealers don't stock items that they carry to keep inventory cost down)the dealer couldn't take it back, unless I upgraded to a more costly item. At this point, I was either stuck with the item or could take another option to re-sell it on Audiogon( where the dealer also advertises heavily).I put the item up for sale on Audiogon( much to the chagrine of the dealer as I advertised it for much less than I bought it from the dealer( It was now a used item)I finally sold the item after a couple of weeks and a few "price-reductions" . After marking the item as SOLD, I got a friendly e-mail from the previously mentioned dealer who asked me to kindly remove my ad now that I had "sold" the item. I e-mailed the dealer back and told him that I would remove the ad, but only after I had shipped the item and the buyer had received the item and acknowledged that all went well, hence making the sale final.I'm just concerned that the original intent of starting up Audiogon might be turning into a chaos of commercialism. Any comments in agreement or disagreement would be appreciated.
sherod

Showing 3 responses by jes453dc3

jes453dc3
65 posts
 
I'm sorry, Elizabeth, that you don't understand my value of time, but this doesn't give you the right or an excuse to call me a Bigot, to question how I spend time with my Family (who I'd rather spend time with than dig through dirty boxes at a Thrift Store), or call my value of time "vile". Thank you for feeling sorry for me, it's very telling.

Suggesting that I have an "illegal immigrant" as a housekeeper shows who has stereotypical and racial traits. Don't hate me because I'd rather pay someone to dig through the Thrift Stores for the 18 cent gem, or because I can afford to pay for the $9.82 service. It is you that has the restrictive mind set. You've determined the value of time and you seem happy with it. Good for you, I'm sorry if I've offended you. You may never understand my value of time, that's okay. I gave examples of my value of time in your thread. You keep hunting the records, Elizabeth, I'll keep buying them from the folks that do.

Audiogon has provided a great service for people like me to find good records at a fair price.
jes453dc3
65 posts
 
The problem is not Audiogon's, it is yours by purchasing an item without being certain it would work in your system. From what you've disclosed, it was you that neglected to insure a return if the item didn't work in your system. Is this Audiogon's fault? No.

Once you found out that item would not integrate in your system, the dealer offered you an up-grade path which you denied. You took the option of selling the unit used on Audiogon. (Your choice, not Audiogon's, not the Dealers) Used items sell for less than your NEW purchased price. Anyone that has ever bought a new car knows that you lose money the minute you drive off the lot. You realize that in order to sell the item, you must sell it at a price according to a "used" item. You lost money. Is this Audiogon's fault? No.

The whole problem seems that you are upset because you failed to get a RETURN AGREEMENT from the dealer that you'd bought the item from. You lost money and it pisses you off. Fair enough, it would me too. But, the problem is not Audiogon's, it is yours. The dealer contacting you and asking that you kindly remove your used item ad after marked SOLD, further upset you, because it is a reminder that you lost money on the original deal with the dealer, because YOU forgot to get a return agreement if the item didn't integrate well in your system.

In no way is Audiogon at fault here, nor is the dealer. A lawyer would tell you where you made your mistakes, though you could re-read my explanation above and save yourself a few hundred dollars.
jes453dc3
65 posts
 
I just offered the facts, Elizabeth, not an angry response. I just have grown tired of the whole "I've been taken advantage of" and "I'm a victim" outlook that many have in today's society. Grow up. Take responsibility for yourself. From my veiwpoint, the whole situation could have been avoided by asking for a Return Agreement with the dealer. Tell me I'm wrong.

I made a reply to your post regarding $10 records here at Audiogon that you spend hours digging through dirty boxes to buy for 18 cents. My response was that some value their time more than their pennies. Let me make it simple for you; If you work part time at minimum wage, you will have the time (and perhaps the desire) to dig through dirty Thrift Stores. If you work hard for a better living and make suitable income, you will not have the time, and likely no desire to dig through the Thrift Stores. It is a mindset, Elizabeth. One that you may never understand.
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