Equipment Prices

[PaulKreider]

I don't normally rant or anything, but something has ruffled my feathers. Now is It just me, or do the prices of used equipment baffle anyone else? I'm not calling out anyone its just something I've noticed. It seem a lot of hobbyists ask a large amount for used equipment, while in other hobbys, prices typically drop pretty fast on anything used. I work at a motorcycle shop with my uncle posting used and sometimes practically new parts, and the prices diminished astronomically. A tire and wheel assembly for example, from the factory would cost $500+, but to turn around and resell it you'd be lucky to get $150. But say a hobbyist posts an Mp60, 1 year old and they only reduced the asking price by a mere $50 of what it would cost to get a brand new one, seems to leave me confused. Most equipment you would think should depreciate at a much higher rate, but for some reason reefing equipment people ask a lot more for than in my opinion Is worth.

Does anyone else feel like this?

 

[jokervueboi]

I totally agree. If you look at some of the pricing on those MP XX vortech pumps that's 2-3 years old, they're like $30.00 cheaper than a brand new one. LOLLLLL. Might as well fork up that $30.00 for the new one and get the latest ones. The thing is, People actually BUY IT! LOL. well i hope when i sell mine i'll just lower it $30.00 too.

 

[PaulKreider]

And the fact that this equipment has been exposed to salt water, one of the most corrosive environments, bewilders me.

 

[JMSKI333]

It's funny you say that because I was thinking the same thing this morning. I was just looking at used Product X this morning and after a quick google search I come to find that it is only $15 cheaper than New product X. I would expect at least a 25% price difference or more.

 

[PaulKreider]

Exactly, I'd expect a price drop just due to the fact that its not coming from a store. You cant buy a car drive it home from the dealership and expect to sell it for what you just paid.

 

[jokervueboi]

Try selling your car back at 90% of your purchase price back to the dealer. LOL. I don't like selling my equipments. I use it till i break it. Never know when your current DP equip might break, have a backup.

 

[aslmx]

LOL.... I look at aquariums like my motorcycles. I have a KX450 that I know has more then $7000 in it and I would be lucky to sell it for $3000. I have money pit hobbies.

 

[GHill762]

many things declince rather quick, but your mp60 exampe is a tough one.. those vortech pumps hold value really well.. everyone wants them. prices of used equipment wouldn't be as high if people weren't willing to pay, more people willing to pay for used equipment means that you can re-sell things at a higher price.. if it hasn't sold in a week, lower the price.. that's how a market works

 

[cdness]

It is all about supply and demand... You think it is a high price so you walk away. Another person thinks it is a good bargain at that price and buys it. They just helped set market value. By not buying it, you did as well.

I too believe that some people do think their stuff is worth more than it is. This goes for livestock as well as used equipment.

For example, locally I sold my 75G tank with custom oak stand, sump, return pump, skimmer, lights, closed loop jets and pump, with all plumbing and helped move it and set it up for $450 total. Then I hooked him up with corals to boot just to make it a sweeter deal for him. I recently saw a 75G non-drilled on a stock stand that had been dry for 3 years. It had stock freshwater lights and glass tops. They had it priced at $900 and when I asked if they accidentally added a zery to the listed price they thought I was nuts asking for a 75G tank for less than what they were asking for... I said good luck and went on my way...

I another market, I can't even give my used stereo equipment or computer equipment away...

We all set the market. If you don't like the price, don't buy it. If you think it is affordable, buy the item. Just remember that market price is where people sell their items so set the market accordingly...

 

[ontop27]

It's funny you say that because I was thinking the same thing this morning. I was just looking at used Product X this morning and after a quick google search I come to find that it is only $15 cheaper than New product X. I would expect at least a 25% price difference or more.

Don't suppose it was a two year old battery backup was it haha

 

[JMSKI333]

Don't suppose it was a two year old battery backup was it haha

No comment... Lol no it wasn't.

It is all about supply and demand... You think it is a high price so you walk away. Another person thinks it is a good bargain at that price and buys it. They just helped set market value. By not buying it, you did as well.

I too believe that some people do think their stuff is worth more than it is. This goes for livestock as well as used equipment.

For example, locally I sold my 75G tank with custom oak stand, sump, return pump, skimmer, lights, closed loop jets and pump, with all plumbing and helped move it and set it up for $450 total. Then I hooked him up with corals to boot just to make it a sweeter deal for him. I recently saw a 75G non-drilled on a stock stand that had been dry for 3 years. It had stock freshwater lights and glass tops. They had it priced at $900 and when I asked if they accidentally added a zery to the listed price they thought I was nuts asking for a 75G tank for less than what they were asking for... I said good luck and went on my way...

I another market, I can't even give my used stereo equipment or computer equipment away...

We all set the market. If you don't like the price, don't buy it. If you think it is affordable, buy the item. Just remember that market price is where people sell their items so set the market accordingly...

What kind of stereo and computer are we talking?

 

[ReeferMan420]

I sold my first ever tank, a NanoCube 24, maybe 2-4 years old. I redid the seams and cleaned everything out made sure there weren't any leaks. I posted on craigslist and asked $200 but also included all the pumps I had (4). 2 Koralia powerheads, a wave maker, cleaning supplies and supplements, a unopened bag of substrate, digital thermometer, food, and the biggest thing was my JBJ chiller which was probably on its last legs anyway. I did a lot of Mods to the hood added new lighting and fans so I felt that was a pretty solid deal. I saw the same cube (used and looked nasty) just the cube alone on CL for about $500. It blew my mind.

 

[cdness]

What kind of stereo and computer are we talking?

Nothing recent anymore... It is all older stuff at this point. I figured I would attempt to sell it awhile back but people were offering me less than a tank of gas for the car stereo equipment. The computer parts were video cards, motherboards, etc. Gaming equipment from a couple years before I was trying to sell it. I am still using it and it runs what I need it to this day. I guess it was a sign to just keep it all.

 

[lmccluer]

On most aquarium supplies being sold used, I agree, most are outrageous prices. However, things like high end lights, high end skimmers and high end pumps, as said before, unless they are older than 5 years will usually garner a close to retail price.

That being said, I've seen lots of sellers on CL here us KS, list trial systems, saying for example I paid $3500 for this and it's only 3 yrs old, I want $2900 firm. Now I wouldn't pay that, but there is as Barnum said, a sucker born every minute. You know there's someone that's just getting into the hobby that's going to say look honey, this guy spent thus, but only wants this, and it all works because it's still set up, and he will help us set it back up.

Probably 70% time here, I think the prices are way to high, but as has been said, if it doesn't sell at that price, they will either lower it or wonder why it never sells. And by the way, I told someone once they were asking to much, and I was called everything but my true heritage!!! Won't do that again!!!!

 

[Sacohen]

As the saying goes a product is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

Most of the used reef equipment I have seen and bought have been way below new prices.

When I got back in the hobby about 1 1/2 years ago I had a certain amount that I did not want to go above for a used tank, stand and hood.
I found a 55 gallon, with, stand, hood, PC lights, Sump and the basically the whole setup to get it up and running. Nothing fancy, no chiller or controller for $100. I had seen many others asking a lot more for less stuff, but I didn't want to pay it so I passed it by and went on to the the next one.

On the other hand I had a used 15' trampoline that we bought new for lets say $200. My wife stopped using and placed and ad on Craiglist for $250 thinking they would at least talk us down to the $200 we paid for it, but someone wanted it real bad and called with in 15 min of the ad going up, paid the asking price with out negotiating and took it away.

 

[ronnie]

On any thing that is not less than 20% retail, I'll buy new. Every time. No exceptions. The value isn't there.

 

[Electrobes]

Perusing the used market for reefing items I too feel the same. I do it all the time, but lately it seems since about a year ago or less everything has kept it's value some how. I witness people paying for items, some of them not 5% lower than the retail price and I just think, "wow".

Maybe I just need to sell my own items!

It kind of reminds me of the current used-car market right now. Honestly, at some of these prices, I would just get a new car versus a used.. the price is actually that minimal.

 

[vetteguy53081]

You bring up good point. Yes they are and especially owning a pet store, some persons are crazy. What you spend and get back in return differ greatly. A rue is generally half or less of what you paid, not what the item costed or you feel is what it was worth. EVERY item I have ever sold used was gone within 24-48 hours. Why is that? FAIR PRICING IS THE ANSWER.
This is even if item is new in box! If new , return it to store. It will take the same trip to the store as it is t your home, in fact store is more secure and easier to find!

 

[phys]

They shouldn't be sold any
where near their original price!! No warranty? That should drop the price in half immediately!

 

[sqcube4me]

ha ha i like the one where the guy nickel and dimes someone to buy there system n then turns around and flips it for a 100% profit .. those make me laugh .. n sells parts at just below retail ..