Why the truth is not in them ??

"...the Romans didn’t turn out so well in the end either. Nor the barbarians."

Nobody turns out well in the end. The goal is to do well along the way.

@cal91, Unless you lived under communism and had any personal experience with the amount of distrust within such a society, perhaps you should reserve the advice you are giving @millercarbon for yourself.

I sold to commercial accounts for over 30 years and can't deal with consumers. Whenever I sell something, I let a dealer handle it. If I've traded it in, he can either give me trade credit or take it on consignment. I even had a guy sell something because I didn't want to deal with registering as a seller.

Just by chance a dealer emailed me about an item I gave him on consignment saying he took it down from Audiogon because "a guy made an offer on the amp - we'll see if he comes through". He sells all the time on Audiogon and other sites, so you can see what it's like out there from his comment. It's worth paying him a commission to deal with the BS, shipping, payment processing, etc.

I also had a dealer sell something for me who "forgot" he sold it and didn't send me a check. I found out by accident when I stopped by his store when I was in the neighborhood. When he couldn't find it, he checked his receipts and said someone sold it and he didn't know. Then he tried to charge me 50% commission (I had agreed to 40% originally which I thought was high). He gave me a check (didn't have $180 in cash). Needless to say I deposited the check on the way home. Luckily it didn't bounce.

I agree with Miller Carbon on trust. It's hard to find, and I highly value it when someone just does what they say they will do.

Thoughts on commerce in the "Age of Mendacity":

SELLERS:
1) When you advertize "price firm" you must MEAN IT! Then buyers can evaluate your add and move on.
2) Otherwise, always build-in enough headroom to discount, ship, etc.
3) ALWAYS over-pack your shipments of electronics.
4) For Pete’s sake, if your stuff hasn’t sold in 60 days don’t you think a price adjustment is needed? Get aggressive! Get that money in your bank account where you can use it.
5) Remember, no buyer wants a bad review. Use it if you need it.

BUYERS:
1) Try to use Paypal for extra security. The fee is worth it.
2) YOU are responsible for researching price, specs, reviews, etc.
3) Think! Some day you’re going to have to turn around and become a seller--be honest!
4) Remember, no seller wants a bad review. Use it if you need it.

Just a note: Research "late stage capitalism" and realize that it was a PREDICTION by Marx that closely resembles what’s going on now. Doesn’t make me or anyone else a commie, pinko, or even a socialist. Some people try to think before their knee jerks.