Anybody having trouble getting near-your-asking-price for used gear ? (Plz. no hype)

It looks like everybody is experiencing the same thing I am. About 25% of MSRP (except one dealer here who gets 50% of retail on 19 year old gear).  To be fair dealers have financing, trade ins, etc. so maybe he did.  My dealer gave me $3000 credit on pair of Magnepan MG3.7s last week. I'm certain they would only bring $2000 in the open market.  Did 3.7 Maggies suddenly "appreciate" 33%?  Nope. In the Ferrari business these are known as "Mercy Sales" meaning WAY outside of the mean for unknown and unduplicatable reasons. In real estate the very high comp and the very low comp are thrown out when a certified appraisal is made. I think that is the same thing here. 

I have learned a lot from this thread. I have also lowered my expectations as a seller back to reality which, after the disappointment/chafing over my so-called "loss" I can clear out some really nice stuff in my basement and have some money to apply to my next purchase- a turntable and cartridge which I have lusted over for years.  Now to go about replacing all that vinyl my ex took on her way out.......

I have realized that enjoying my music comes at a price- a price I'm willing to pay. Come to think of it gear costs-per-hour are a lot cheaper than good seats at a 90 minute concert. 

I’ve been buying and selling on this and Amart for near 20 years now. I’m currently seeing record numbers of listings. During covid there were record lows. I’ve noticed that many buy and sell based on market conditions. Having a great year, dip into XYZ and scale up or down occasionally.

There also seem to be more brands (don’t know if this is fact) and less familiarity means people aren’t willing to pay as much.

I once made $6000 on a speaker purchase, and over the past two years, lost nearly $4000 selling a pair of Fyne’s and Forte IV’s. Neither very high end but that’s been my experience (purchased all used too).

Current used prices are insane for the most part and they are just collecting days on market. Best of luck, hold tight and buy smarter if you need to. Good luck!

Buy high/sell low is my motto.  

For my more expensive purchases,I typically buy new (old stock) gear.  That way, it comes with the warranty still in place, and the first depreciation hit largely already made.  On smaller purchases (under $1,500), I'll readily buy used.  What I see a lot of the time is that somebody has purchased something used, though, and they want the next person to pay for their use of he gear while they had it.  In short, they want to ride for free.  I find that annoying because most if my rides are not free.

I also agree with the aging demographic; nearly all guys, nearly all 50-75 years old, and the younger folks are perfectly happy streaming poor quality sound through their cheap IEM's, connected to their I phone.  Astonishing, but true, at least in my house... and community.

@yesiam_a_pirate If the comment about 19 year old gear was directed at me, I don’t know of any ARC REF 75 SE that were made that long ago. The model was introduced about 10-12 years ago and were discontinued 5-7 years ago. It is known as one of ARC’s best amps, in immaculate condition, and in the less available black chassis. Given market pricing, it was still a fair sale for both parties.

Also keep in mind that some people feel more secure buying used gear from a reputable dealer vs private parties that may not have experience documenting the quality of the gear they are selling or doing as good of a job packing, shipping and insuring items in transit, along with getting support beyond sale. For the right buyers, all of those are regarded as value in the final numbers.