Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/03/20

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Re: Resale value? Not an issue
From: Walter S Delesandri <walt@jove.acs.unt.edu>
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 1999 18:53:44 -0600 (CST)

The same thing with Audio and Amateur radio, Mark.....these 
"collectibles" attract the sector of the public that thrives 
on "dealing"....There are three groups...those who "hoard" -- 
who'll never part with a piece until the estate sale, those 
who buy with the intent/knowledge of not using (or using once 
or twice) and selling/trading, preferably at a profit (however, 
these folks are so "obsessed" that they'll buy and trade from 
habit, even breaking even or losing a little, to get the "fix")

I have traits of both.....:) :> :) :0)!!!  

I'll buy things "for keeps"....my M4, some radio gear, etc falls 
into this category...I'd only sell or trade in a financial 
emergency (maybe not then, based on my past history!)  The VERY 
few times I've sold from this "stash", I've regretted it later.

However, I've also bought cameras and radio/audio (at SUPER bargain 
prices, less than 25-30% of market value, at the MOST) INTENDING 
to trade/sell for things I want....this is the only way I've afforded 
much of my gear, particularly radios... I'll buy a "collector" 
or interesting piece, at auction or estate, ONLY to trade it for 
a "keeper"....or worse, money to pay bills!

Amateur radio has seen an EXPLOSION in "dealers".....people who 
actively pursue equipment with ONLY the future deal in mind...
I'm sure we have those here, lurking, but they usually prefer to 
buy from uninformed parties (CERTAINLY not the LUG...) so as to 
maximize profits...

But be honest.....wouldn't you buy a Leica piece that you HATE....
for $100?  If you KNEW you could turn it in 48 hrs for $600, in a 
no-hassle cash deal?.....I don't know many who won't!!!...it'd be 
dumb......

I >HATE< "collectors", "Dealers" (the small time 'trash pickers', 
NOT legit Leica dealers), people who "drive up the prices"...etc.
But I also admit that I'm out for number one....>I< want the 
mint M4 with three lenses from the widow woman for $200.....
And who knows, I "might" resell it....:) :> :}....for big bucks 
for something I want/need......

Ask yourself.....I recently sold two M2 bodies that I bought 
YEARS ago for $150 apiece (yes, that was common in the 70s, on 
this old crap)....did I do the "right" thing and sell them 
for $125?....they're older now, you know?.....hehehe....you BET 
I did....

Walt

On
Sat,
20
Mar
1999, Mark Rabiner wrote:

> "Andrew M. Moore" wrote:
> > snip Resale value? Not an issue. This lens is a keeper.
> > --Andrew
> This Is the first I've heard of this sentiment which I am very fond of.
> All this buying and selling... I also say; you buy it, you keep it, you
> marry it. You don't trade it in the minute it's not the latest thing.
> It's yours! You have portfolio pieces that you shot with it!  
> You can't take it with you. Let em fight it out after you're dead. 
> All this buying and selling makes me puke.
> I never buy something with half the idea that I'm going to trade it in
> for something else in the not too distant future.
> Mark Rabiner
>