Pricing used aquariums & related goods

[ajm1961]

I regularly browse the classified on this site as well as UsedOttawa, and I am often surprised at the asking prices. Quite honestly, there are so many aquariums and supplies for sale at any time - which seems to be the norm in this hobby due to the "turnover rate" of hobbyists as well as a tendency to upgrade tanks size - that in my opinion, most should look at setting a price in the 50% value range of the same goods when new, unless the set-up is truly unique or in pristine condition. Perhaps allowing for a 10% negotiating buffer, setting a price at 60% of the "new+tax value" seems reasonable.
In comparing new to used value in many ads (even taking into account the 13% tax), I often find the asking price is in the 75%+ range - no wonder some people are "low-balling" the seller!
In the end, the law of supply and demand prevails - are most sellers getting anywhere close to their price? Looking at the number of renewals I see on UsedOttawa, I doubt it...
What are your thoughts? Have a touched a nerve with anyone? Do you share my view?

[gordomtb]

Totally agree with you.I see that some peoples are thinking it is "pure gold" and ask just insane price.
I say anywhere between 50%-70% depending on age,condition and warranty is appropriate.For sure it could be well under that too.

[Darth]

I agree people think they "spent" this much or it costs this much new, yes that was new, and you have used for "x" amount of time, and should hopefully gotten your monies worth out of it. Even though whatever it is your selling may be in good condition it is still used, if I buy a tank from a retailer and bring it home and a week later it leaks, I can bring it back if I buy it used, I will be hell bent if the seller will take it back. If I wanted to pay close to retail I would buy retail and bask in all that comes with it. I find most things on here from livestock to hardgoods are over priced for used. I understand, you have grown out this livestock and have paid to feed it, or paid for the equipment, but again at the same time you have had your enjoyment from it, and that is why you had it. I know I had a point in here somewhere before I rambled, so basically don't sell something used for next to new pricing 

[Hookup]

99% of the stated reason that the classifieds lost the ability for anyone other than the seller to post replies to was "price policing".

Yes, many time I've shaken my head at asking prices, but as far as I know the person may have gotten their asking price and who's laughing now?  Asking for 75% or 90% of the paid price makes it easy to skip and move on IMO.   

My 90g corner tank sold for an insane 20% (approx) of the paid value... so it touched a nerve, but I think when you sell really big items (physically or cost, or worse both) you take a much bigger hit... people who can afford $2000 for a used tank can usually afford $3000 for a brand new one....   not always, but as an observation.


As you stated in the original post... supply and demand pretty much takes care of it.... cutting off the public responses to classifieds keeps the noise level down and the rest is history...

[ajm1961]

Just to be clear, the intent of my thread was not to question the policy of disallowing site users to post replies to seller posts on OVAS classified. This is also not allowed in other public sites, such as UsedOttawa.
I was just posting my observations about seller prices in general, perhaps secretly hoping that it could serve as a reality check for some sellers (not all). In fact, many ads here are much more realistic than on public sites, probably because sellers know that this audience knows more (or should know more) about hobby pricing in general.
Anyway, thank for sharing your view.

[garnpet]

I doubt that this is restricted to the aquarium hobby.  I'm sure that most sellers over price their goods while all buyers under price what they want to purchase.  Human nature.

[Darth]

I doubt that this is restricted to the aquarium hobby.  I'm sure that most sellers over price their goods while all buyers under price what they want to purchase.  Human nature.

true that! Nothing beats ebay though, you can buy it for 10 cents, but it costs $300 to ship!!

[ajm1961]

Got some PMs from people thinking that I was perhaps aiming my "seller's reality check" to them. For the most part, I find the prices asked on OVAS to be fairly reasonable. In fact, I have bought many items from members, and I thank them for the fair transactions. Perhaps I should have directed my post mainly towards UsedOttawa - I have found many sellers are asking close to new prices based on my calculations. Again, I consider that 50-60% of the new price is reasonable given the market, unless the item is truly unique. And I suppose that those who don't sell will eventually bring their price down to what the market will bear.
Anyway, sorry if I offended anyone.
Cheers to all!

[robt18]

My favourite move is the 'I paid well over $1000 for this set up' when selling a 20g set up with single T8 light and HOB filter. Maybe if you inlcude food, conditioner, livestock, power and water bill costs for 15 years it was that much... I think these people mainly hope that no one will check retail prices and figure its reasonable.

The one opposite I find of selling online is the unreasonably low price people offer for fish online. Breeding fish (for the most part) takes quite a bit of work thru water changes, growing of parents and fry, lots of feedings etc., and then people are usually unwilling to pay more than a few dollars for anything. I've bred many fish that sell for about $10 a piece in stores, and been told that I'm unreasonable for asking $3 each for them homebred, which are of equal quality as the ones at an LFS (possibly even better).

Support your local breeders people! More support to them means they might actually be willing to try to breed more interesting or rare species. I know I had several fish I'd love to try to breed, but they're $40 a piece, I would need to buy 5 or 6 to get a colony going, and then people would offer to buy fry for $5. Not too motivating... support local breeders and support the fish keeping hobby!

[presto]

The problem is people fall in love with their "baby" and don't want to let it go cheap. I've noticed this with houses, cars, and firearms too.

The problem for the people in love is there is tonnes of aquarium stuff for sale cheap so unless someone needs it now, next week will always bring a new deal. Currently the supply is high.

I think a dollar a gallon and 50% or less for equipment is common. I sell this way to get rid of it and get someone else started. I wouldn't have what I have without OVAS deals or UsedOttawa deals.

As mentioned, $3 per bred fish is a great deal (less than 50% of store price) and in line with what I think things should go for.