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Inexperienced Seller Question

It’s been a long time since I sold anything here, and I’ve only ever sold a few things.  The last time was a turntable about 9 years ago.  Despite me spending about 2 hours working on the packaging UPD managed to crush the stylus on a MC cartridge.  The buyer was super understanding but dealing with UPS was a nasty experience.  I also don’t turn over components, being very happy with my current setup.

  However I have a pieces that have been in my basement for years.  They were supplanted by upgrading.  I had thought we might get a second home and would use them there but we have decided to be long term renters in retirement instead.

   Anyway I am looking for advice from previous sellers, just general tips.  The world of the scammers has gotten so sophisticated and criminality increased in brazenness.  I also don’t know if shipping has changed.

  First up is a Parasound JC1 Preamp.  I benched it for a tubed preamp a few years ago, just preferred the tube sound.  I had to replace a tube a few months ago and found that the Parasound, which I put back in, wasn’t working in one channel.  I had it serviced at Deltronics in Chicago, asked them to recap anything and fix the potentiometer on the volume knob.  It sounds great now.  I had forgotten how quiet this unit is.  I still prefer the tubed sound and would like to sell.  Per AI these units are going for around $1200 (it cost me $4K new then, and news are going for around $5.5K).  I would be happy to get around $900 if it’s a hassle free transaction.

   I have the remote, not the box, and the sale will be strictly as is.

   I realize that as a seller I will have no feedback, since I have been so inactive.  How would one deal with that?

  Any tips from veteran sellers?  And is Agon the best place to sell?  The site market place doesn’t seem nearly as active as it did 10 years ago.

 

mahler123
mitch2
4,739 posts
 

Here are a few thoughts:

  • TMR as mentioned is not a reasonable idea if easy and safe are your priorities over maximum return
  • Audiogon is still good but I find USAM to be easier and reliable
  • To help with pricing, go here (link), enter the item you are selling and look up for sale and sold/expired listings for the listing prices being asked by others
  • Take good pictures
  • Package securely, and double box if possible
  • Sell to buyers with good feedback - stipulate that in your ad. You don’t have to sell to someone just because they say they can pay. If you don’t like the communication with a certain buyer, or don’t feel comfortable, then don’t sell to them
  • Payment by cash, money order, check (wait till it clears to ship), or PP (but not F&F)
  • Spell out your terms such as no overseas sales, no proxies,  no buyers with negative feedback, and your required pmt methods
  • Ship by a trackable method and insure your shipment
  • Maintain good communication with your buyer until you know everything has worked out

Good luck

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
6,120 posts
 
  • TMR as mentioned is not a reasonable idea if easy and safe are your priorities over maximum return.

 

@mitch2 , sure you mean "...not an unreasonable idea..."

mitch2
4,739 posts
 

Yup, thanks for the pick-up!  

I actually had "not a terrible idea" but decided to sound more positive - screwed that one up! surprise

mahler123 OP
3,998 posts
 

Thanks to all who have responded.  Lots of helpful responses.  This is a JC2 Preamp and yes, I do think AI inflated the price for new, as a quick Google search seems to indicate that around $4.2K seems to be the norm.

  I’ve been playing it it a bit since plugging it back in, now wavering on selling…did I mention that this unit is unbelievably quiet?  I love my Cary SLP 3 and I never really cared about the slight noise of the tubed background until now.  The Cary makes all the instruments just sound a bit sweeter…argh!

 

I’ll see what TMR offers.  I think my wife will stroke if I use Craig’s List, so many scamming stories.  Fb Marketplace might be worth checking 

chayro
3,092 posts
 

TMR may work out well if you trade in against something they sell. I sold them my Audience AR6T and they gave me a very fair price towards an Isotek. You will take a big hit on a consignment, but it is worry free. If the buyer returns it, it’s their problem, not yours. To me, it’s worth the lack of hassles. 

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