A little rant about refractor postings on Astromar

I've been looking at the classified ads for several weeks now - I'm looking for a new refractor and two things have struck me.

1 - why do people put up images that are blurry or poorly exposed and impossible to see? Very frustrating.

2 - why do people list the retail price of the scope? That information is easily found by checking any number of website where you can actually buy the item new and is often times LESS than the retail price they list! And people seem to forget that the scope is USED! Even if it is in EX+ condition the fact is it is not coming new from a dealer with the warranty etc. it's coming from an individual that has already used it and so why would you pay almost the same amount of money? Following this line of reasoning I should just buy a scope use it for a year or two and then sell it for almost the same and the "rental" on the scope would be about $5 a year?!? I guess it's a good deal for them if people are willing to pay it.

Anyway... that's my 2 cents.

-James

James,
Are you talking about Astromart? The photos I see are mostly pretty darn good. Of course you have to make some allowance for individual skill...some are better than others. I particularly like how many posters go out of their way to post photos highlighting existing blemishes.

What does bother me is that scopes like the one I own are listed at prices well below what I'd be willing to sell for (and even further below list) and still, they languish for days with no takers...or the seller repeatedly reduces the price until it's gone. The idea that APOs hold their value is now a myth, thanks to the Chinese.

It seems it's a buyer's market, for some scopes anyway. Maybe you should consider different models.
Bob

James,

By all means, buy new. We'll all be here when you sell used

Tom

yeah, when mint ex + TV 102s have been listed recently for $1,600 and they sell new for $2,300 I'd say it a buyers market right now !!!