Since the price of used equipment (especially the premium stuff) is often close to the price of buying new, what is the incentive for buying used? I realize that there are exceptions to this assertion, but more often than not I see people paying up for the used stuff. Does it make sense to buy a several year old premium refractor (likely without warranty) to save several hundred dollars over the cost of a new unit. I guess the answer is that to some it does. Just thinking out loud. What are your thought on this topic?
Used or New?
Started by Peter10, 02/19/2004 11:21PM
Posted 02/19/2004 11:21PM
Opening Post
Posted 02/20/2004 01:13AM
#2
Peter:
A couple of thoughts. First, certain "premium" stuff does indeed sell for as much or in cases more than the same would cost new from the manufacturer. Astro-Physics refractors with their extremely long waiting lists are one example. That, however, represents the exception rather than the rule in my experience.
While many sellers ask in their ads for what looks like a premium or "near new" price, I've found most to be extremely flexible. Often these are folks that (1) need to sell in order to fund another purchase or (2) have simply found themselves with too much equipment they never have time to use. Sellers in this category usually deal considerably from their original asking price.
It never hurts to ask if a seller will accept less for an item. The worst they can say is "no," and unless you bother to ask, the answer will de facto be "no" anyway.
Happy shopping.
Jim
A couple of thoughts. First, certain "premium" stuff does indeed sell for as much or in cases more than the same would cost new from the manufacturer. Astro-Physics refractors with their extremely long waiting lists are one example. That, however, represents the exception rather than the rule in my experience.
While many sellers ask in their ads for what looks like a premium or "near new" price, I've found most to be extremely flexible. Often these are folks that (1) need to sell in order to fund another purchase or (2) have simply found themselves with too much equipment they never have time to use. Sellers in this category usually deal considerably from their original asking price.
It never hurts to ask if a seller will accept less for an item. The worst they can say is "no," and unless you bother to ask, the answer will de facto be "no" anyway.
Happy shopping.
Jim
