Do you sell equiptment for less than what its worth?

[untamed]

What a strange question... I sell stuff for the price that I think someone will want to purchase it for.

[Whatigot]

great poll question.

I'm cheap because I work hard for my money and take it very seriously, at the same time, people who have bought anything from me will know that once I have purchased something and used it to the point where it's no longer useful to me I enjoy passing it on to someone who wants it or needs it for a nominal cost if any because by that point I will have gotten my value out of it.

Some people have no concept of depreciation and like to feel like the item they spent money on is still worth the amount they'd initially put up...maybe it's pride, maybe it's greed but either way it's a mentality that even in my frugality i just don't get.
The bottom line here is that when you buy new, you get a guarantee, a receipt and the satisfaction of being the first person to "break it in" and a product that is untouched and free of operating issues. I also think it's very funny when people take the tax they paid under consideration when selling something used, like they are going to claim the resale of it on their next returns or something..lol.

It's also up to the consumer to make sure they are getting a good deal, I know when I buy stocks in the open market, which is the epitome of the capitalist system as described above it's buyer beware, do your own due dilligence and blame yourself if you paid too much.

The other thing to consider is that when it comes to reefing/aquaria, there is such a strong community here that it makes it hard to want to profit off of someone who is just trying to do the same thing as you and you KNOW it's expensive so why not help out while and where you can.

[mark]

When it comes to sales, as said before, something is only worth what you get for it.

[justinl]

When you sell stuff, the trick is finding a balance. What is it worth? Would you buy it for the price you are suggesting? For me, I like to be generous and take a loss. Ive met a lot of really generous people in this hobby and I respect them for that. It shows that you care more about the hobby and the people participating in it than you do about a few dollars in your pocket. I think that's cool.

Being generous if often a reciprocal process. you reap some more subtle benefits from it as well. that's karma.

[ElGuappo]

Ahh yes Karma, the most evil Mistress of ALL.

Originally Posted by justinl

When you sell stuff, the trick is finding a balance. What is it worth? Would you buy it for the price you are suggesting? For me, I like to be generous and take a loss. Ive met a lot of really generous people in this hobby and I respect them for that. It shows that you care more about the hobby and the people participating in it than you do about a few dollars in your pocket. I think that's cool.

Being generous if often a reciprocal process. you reap some more subtle benefits from it as well. that's karma.

[vazgor]

the way i see it if you were gouged when you bought it and you know you were gouged then trying to gouge the next guy just makes you as bad as the last guy.makeing money to suport a store and employies is one thing i understand but someplaces just go over and above if you get my drift.
so that being said im not in it to make money off fellow reefers so when it comes too selling stuff i no longer use or need then resale will be way lower than cost.
well thats my two cents hope i didnt upsent too many people my last post on my opinion was kind deleted for it's political correctness or should i say lack there of

[Snappy]

I recommend people actually do some research on what it is they want to buy first and see what it would cost new and then weigh the options about buying it used. I find a lot of people think that if they are buying something used online then the item should be almost free. For example I have a light fixture for sale at what I think is a very fair price at $550. When I bought it I paid $1300 for it, only used it for a year and the MH bulbs that retail for over $100 each (x3) were replaced and are basically brand new. As far as I'm concerned the asking price is already lower than it should be so to me that is a great deal. I'll keep it before I sell it for an even lower fire sale price. Perceived values change from person to person but IME you generally get what you pay for whether it's new or used.

[Zylumn]

If it is used you have to sell for less than what it is worth. I agree with Snappy's statement you need to research what its cost is brand new. When I purchase something it all depends on my needs. A pump breaks down and I don't have a replacement I go buy brand new. Now if it is for a future tank I will only buy if the price is well below it's worth as I have time unlike most people that are selling. I have given more fish stuff away than sold and to me I prefer it that way.
Kevin

[ElGuappo]

Well i am giving away a 30 G tank as i jsut dont have room anymore. why would i want anything for it . i had pirahnas in it for 12 years i would have to say its paid it self off. have one taker as of now but am waiting for reply on mon to say if he wants it for sure. another interested party but no statement as to wether or not interested . dimensions on the origanal post.

[Slick Fork]

Some great comments here,

I've only sold a few things of mine, Some of it I've asked a fairly high price and got it, other stuff I just about gave away. For me it depends on the condition, and what I feel the market will bear. I figure if I ask an outrageous price on an item, it won't sell and that's a good indicator that it's time to lower the price. If I find a fantastic deal on something that I need I will buy it and once I'm done with it I don't mind selling it for what I paid for it if I can.

That being said, there's a big distinction in my mind between buying something, using it and then getting all or more of your investment out of it and just scouring the buy and sell pages here, lowballing people and reselling immediately for a quick buck. There was a member west of me who was doing stuff like that, buying here (waiting until the member was desperate to sell before making an offer) and then you'd see it advertised in the local free classified paper at a significant mark-up. Fortunately I caught on before I sold her anything.