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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 1 response by listener57

listener57
730 posts
 
Thanks for posting your experience, so others can be aware of potential shortcomings in buying, and selling on Audiogon. You are correct that the dealer was out of line telling you when to mark an item as sold. It's up to the two parties involved to decide when the deal is completed. "It ain't over, 'til it's over."
There cannot be such a well ordered, and maintained site without some aspect of commercialism. If you ever have to get a website up, and running, and maintained, the cost becomes significant. Member fees are reasonable, because members who are hobbyists do not have to pay for it all.
I think the commercialism is increasing, but entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of our economy, and there is a lot of interest in the advertisements, and links provided. I don't know where the line is crossed into a chaos of commercialism, but there continues to be plenty of room for ordinary members to exchange questions, and answers, and even say good words on behalf of the components we find to be great, but undiscovered, or underappreciated. That might well be termed a chaos of personal opinion, and that's fine with me. It gives us as much clout as the business people on this wonderful Audiogon site.
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