I constantly monitor my local Craigslist for guitars/amps. During the last year I have made some excellent purchases, but have noticed in the last few months that the quality of equipment is down, while prices are "day dreamer" high. Half the equipment I might be interested in can be purchased new for about the same price people are asking for their used, often abused gear. Used seldom is worth more that 50% the cost of new to me. Makes one wonder if this is due to an improving economy (less people having to sell), time of year (less interest), or something else I'm missing, like income tax time?

it's a matter of many things.

they think people are stupid- they put in the ad "sells new for 799.00". of course that is list price. you can buy the item new for 599.00 . and they list it at 500.00. i would rather pay extra for a new one.

they have no idea what things are worth. we all want more for our used gear, but reality says it is not going to be that way.

ebay is a better way of showing what something should sell for

It's at the point nowadays where good deals are mighty scarce and adequate deals have to be sought out like good deals used to be. For years, I haven't seen even adequate deals on E-Bay. Rather, it is an internet clearing house for music stores with MAP structuring and truly gouging prices on shipping. Even with "free" shipping, one can clearly see this cost is factored into the item price. The only genuine advantages of e-Bay are, if you are looking for something and having a hard time finding it, it'll usually be there where in most cases, it is sales tax exempt. I'm sure though that the latter will change in time.

As to the Craigslist thing and reinforcing the above, too many people are complacently paying the MAP. And because they paid an elevated price for whatever, when it comes time to selling whatever, their asking price by necessity will also be elevated. Factor in this miserable economy. You would think sellers would consider this and be motivated to unload at a 'reasonable' price whatever it is that they are trying to move. To the contrary, the vast majority want as much as possible for anything and everything and so, they become part of the problem by gouging too. Obviously, money or the lack thereof makes people do some mighty unreasonable things. The bottom line is, it isn't going to get any better in the foreseeable future which leaves only two diametric choices: Take it or leave it.

Remember the "old days" when buying new 'toys' was fun?

As always, this is merely IMO where YMMV.

_________________
You dig?

Here in the Midwest, I think CraigsList putters along about the same as always - an occasional nice guitar at a reasonable price, junk guitars at too high a price, various amps that are about 10% too high or too far away. And lots of old pianos, trumpets, drum parts and Casio keyboards!

Much the same situation as Goodwill auctions, actually, except those are auctions, so bidders eventually set the price.

If you are looking for "bargains," be prepared to look and look and look...

_________________
Dennis in CR
Rockin' since 1963

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crate-Half-stac ... 800wt_1185

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crate-GX900H-El ... 3f094ba9c0

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crate-GX900H-El ... _782wt_952

Look at these 3 amps, and tell me what's wrong. The best deal is on the best conditioned one. Sure, the first one comes with a cab, but it's a piece of $@!& all together.

_________________
1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

I think Martian pretty much nailed it. Ebay dealers have pretty much taken over as an outlet for the dealers to move more merchandise, while less private individuals bother to sell on the bay. I just got off Craigslist, nothing there but overpriced beginners stuff. It does seem harder to find an online bargain these days.