Fair price for Audio Research SP9

[R. Mallow]

Hi all,

I've found a source locally on an ARC SP-9 (the first version, not mk ii or iii) from a fellow audio enthusiast who's agreed to let me audition it later this week. I'd like to make him a fair, reasonable offer. Of course, I don't mind getting a good deal if he offers, but I don't want to lowball him or to get ripped off.

Many ebay/usaudiomart/audiogon/etc. listings seem to go for around $800-900, and my impression is that 2/3 of the ebay price is a good rule of thumb for local sales. That would put fair price at something like $550-ish. Does that seem like a reasonable ballpark amount, or am I over/underestimating here?

I would welcome any advice you could offer.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Blue Shadow]

If others are buying them for 8-900 why would your purchase of one at 550-ish be a fair offer? you have the benefits of using it in advance of purchase, evaluating the condition in person and letting it go without purchase all for the Discount of $350 off the going rate? Such a deal. Remember back in the day when one went to the store and played with the gear and possibly go to try it at home over the weekend? That was at a price premium compared to the warehouse buy unit unheard. your 2/3rds yardstick is kinda punitive. I know the bay gets 10% and that would be on the price plus shipping and the guy is gonna have to pack it up but maybe he has some coins figured for that. If he takes other payments than pp, he doesn't get the next 3% cut off his chunk, too.

700 minimum is a fair opening price for a fully functioning, clean unit. But to avoid getting ripped off, don't pay more than you can sell it for on the bay after all the fees. Let him open the negotiations if you are so worried about a few bucks. Maybe do that before you try it so if he is firm in the 775 range and you won't go 650 then there won't be a deal made.

 

[R. Mallow]

If others are buying them for 8-900 why would your purchase of one at 550-ish be a fair offer? you have the benefits of using it in advance of purchase, evaluating the condition in person and letting it go without purchase all for the Discount of $350 off the going rate? Such a deal. Remember back in the day when one went to the store and played with the gear and possibly go to try it at home over the weekend? That was at a price premium compared to the warehouse buy unit unheard. your 2/3rds yardstick is kinda punitive. I know the bay gets 10% and that would be on the price plus shipping and the guy is gonna have to pack it up but maybe he has some coins figured for that. If he takes other payments than pp, he doesn't get the next 3% cut off his chunk, too.

700 minimum is a fair opening price for a fully functioning, clean unit. But to avoid getting ripped off, don't pay more than you can sell it for on the bay after all the fees. Let him open the negotiations if you are so worried about a few bucks. Maybe do that before you try it so if he is firm in the 775 range and you won't go 650 then there won't be a deal made.

Thank you for your perspective.

I mentioned 2/3 because I've searched a number of threads across the various forums and came across that recommendation before. However, I was also of the opinion that it may not be best practice, which was the impetus for posting this thread.

With that said, I believe that one consideration in making a lower offer is that an ebay listing brings higher prices because online sales cater to buyers specifically seeking an item and thus willing to pay a premium price (cp. looking for an array of appropriately priced items with decent reviews, then purchasing according to the best available wrt price/performance). I also think that in many cases ebay represents a high water mark even when compared with, for instance, listings on audiogon or usaudiomart. That is, while he could sell it at the ebay rate, he'd likely be waiting for a long while. Taken together, I thought it might have been appropriate to make an offer at further discount beyond the 10% ebay fees.

In any case, I certainly will have him lead the negotiations if at all possible, and avoid low-balling at $550. Thanks again for your feedback.

 

[markshan]

If others are buying them for 8-900 why would your purchase of one at 550-ish be a fair offer?

He said why. First, the $550 cash is close to the $700 with eBay and Paypal fees. Second, he is afforded some protection from eBay and Paypal that he doesn't have from a cash deal. He is actually exactly correct as I see it. It's the same reason I list records lower in BT than on eBay.

 

[slowpat]

To give you an idea, I paid $650 several years ago, on CL 4 hours away (an AKer helped pony expressed it to me.). One listed for $850 a few months back. Good luck, value depends on the 6922 in there as well, if Bugle Boys or Telefunkens, pay the asking price!

 

[Blue Shadow]

To give you an idea, I paid $650 several years ago, on CL 4 hours away (an AKer helped pony expressed it to me.). One listed for $850 a few months back.

These units have gone up price in that time. I guess I follow the II and III more but 650 several years ago seems like a fair deal on both sides. I don't know if the first version has stop trending up or not but the III has definitely jumped a number of hundreds in the last 5 years.

 

[slowpat]

These units have gone in price in that time. I guess I follow the II and III more but 650 several years ago seems like a fair deal on both sides. I don't know if the first version has stop trending up or not but the III has definitely jumped a number of hundreds in the last 5 years.

That’s too bad because it would be nice to upgrade to a II or III .

 

[blhagstrom]

I wouldn’t put much stake in “forum talk”.
Just because it’s on the Internet, doesn’t mean it’s true or correct.

As a very active seller on eBay, I speak from direct experience. I can pull top dollar, even topping the high water mark with desirable gear in relatively quick time with little hassle.

Good desirable gear can be priced high on eBay by knowledgeable sellers with a reputation of filling orders quickly and delivering goods as described.

In fact, pricing high indicates confidence by the seller in the product. Given that a seller actually knows what they are selling and knows and speaks to the condition without s lot of BS.

Now, that said, face to face dealing is another situation entirely. All secondary market is subject to any variation. It’s a one-of deal between a seller and a buyer and anything can happen.

The seller may ask under market because they are unaware. They may know the market and ask that price. They may just want to cash out quick and throw a deal. They may be unaware and expect way too much.

Yes, ebay takes 10% including shipping.
PayPal get 3% + $0.30 transaction.
Packing has a cost, digging up a box and padding and tape and the time involved to do that and pack and get it to a drop point.

I see that as a 20% cost of business.

There is also the added cost to buyers in shipping. So the sold price you see is actually less than market is paying.

2/3 eBay price as “fair” may be a bit optimistic if not insulting unless they are your brother-in-law.

4/5 eBay price is a bit more in line with market price if you really intend to be fair.

 

[superdog]

Yep.Certain quality hifi brings top dollar.Sooner than later in most cases.

 

[trinhsman]

I occasionally find speakers that I will enjoy and then sell to a local guy that has a booth in an antique store. My rule of thumb with him is I need to make the money invested back and he needs to sell at a 50% profit. He’s never not taken a set of speakers from me. Now to the OP post. His rule on pricing is to sell at or slightly above the EBay price. Reason: The buyer can actually touch, hear, and see the item they buy. So, if selling on EBay for 8-900, and you can listen to the item, then 8-900 is a fair price.

 

[Blue Shadow]

. Now to the OP post. His rule on pricing is to sell at or slightly above the EBay price. Reason: The buyer can actually touch, hear, and see the item they buy. So, if selling on EBay for 8-900, and you can listen to the item, then 8-900 is a fair price.

Value added for having a 'storefront'. The mail order should be discounted but since there is so much skimming by the online operations this isn't what normally happens.

 

[markshan]

I occasionally find speakers that I will enjoy and then sell to a local guy that has a booth in an antique store. My rule of thumb with him is I need to make the money invested back and he needs to sell at a 50% profit. He’s never not taken a set of speakers from me. Now to the OP post. His rule on pricing is to sell at or slightly above the EBay price. Reason: The buyer can actually touch, hear, and see the item they buy. So, if selling on EBay for 8-900, and you can listen to the item, then 8-900 is a fair price.

That's very different than a CL deal.

 

[tubeornotube]

Being a big fan of ARC..I have had the MKII and currently have an MKI.. As a CL deal you never know what the seller is thinking..
he could have a price in mind and is phishing for an offer,,He could just want a fair price and isn't after top dollar..
Make him an offer..If he is gentlemanly enough he will counter whereby now you bargain..Nevertheless at a suggested 800 to 900 US
the SP-9 is remarkable and well worth it.
I had my MKII over 20 years with no issues..

Matt...tubeornotube