Ham Operator GREED

[jpnorth]

Well I am going to say what I am sure many Hams visiting this and other swap sites are thinking. Why the hell are most of you guys selling USED, sometimes VERY USED equipment for 80-100% of new prices. Ham radio is on the decline for several reasons one of them is the access to AFFORDABLE equipment. Anyone asking 90% for a well used piece of equipment should be ashamed of themselves. They are doing themselves and more importantly the Ham community a huge disservice. I have been into ham for 30 years and it was not always like this. I can honestly say I am disgusted and the level of greed exercised by a growing number of hams. Anyone thinking of buying used equipment should do a little research and you may find that MANY of the people selling used equipment on this site are asking almost new prices. And if they say it is still under warranty, you better check that out to because the manufacturer may not transfer warranties. So is it worth it to save $50 dollars on a piece of equipment selling for just over $700 new? I can site COUNTLESS examples. One being the FT 857D which sells for around $700 (with the separation kit) new if you look around, while some on the site are/were asking almost the same price and the radio is 2 years old! If you want your equipment to be worthless in 10 years keep the prices high so no up and coming hams can afford equipment and not get into the hobby. If you are not selling antiques or collector radios/equipment chances are that prices go down. Just because you paid $500 for something 5 years ago does not warrent you selling it for the same price or more. Thanks but I think I will buy new from now on! Shame on you and you know who you are!

Thanks
Dan
VE6ZM

See / search on this title: New Ham Old Ham Gets Ripped Off- the above activity is alive and well in 2013~!

[kg8lb]

Greedy people gripe more loudly about prices than anyone.

[KA3TGV]

Don't mind the high asking prices. Their near universality nullifies the market, as do unscrupulous business practices practiced by what strikes me as a critical mass of buyers and sellers, not just online but also in person. Just enough to screw up the market. Net result? Not much changes hands. And this in a hobby that has probably seen its better days.

Guess I'm greedy. I decline to pay very much for anything, even when the prevailing wisdom indicates its a good deal. The trading prices of old ham radio equipment inform me this is one more asset class bubble. The modern American way of doing business is s-p-e-c-u-l-a-t-i-o-n. Despite my miserable miserly ways I've still managed to nearly displace myself from my own house with BA gear.

But when I pass on in 25-30 years hopefully the Executor has the good sense to order an extra-large dumpster. Because by that time that's all it will be worth.


73

Doug
W3DBB

[KM4AH]

I think the cost of top of the line new equipment has gotten so far out of reach that it has driven up the price of nice used equipment.

I think it is a little off to belittle somebody for selling something at a price somebody is willing to pay.

I think those complaining the most about not being able to get a score are the absolute worst to try to buy something from.

[W4ITG]

I agree with all sides here. I've already had this discussion on QRZ.com and was told I was bit@$!^# too much. The deals are out there you just have to be patient. IC706MKIIG'S go for pretty much $550-$800 for a used one. I got lucky and found one for $450.00. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time & to be truthful wasn't at that time looking to buy anything. I just happened to overhear A QSO on a repeater and jumped right on the opportunity. The guy was even nice enough to hold it for me for a week so I could get the money. So not all hams are greedy just the majority are in my opinion. I'm not saying you shouldn't get everything you have coming to you price wise but come on people give us a break.

Mark W4ITG