An interesting trend

[pmrid (Peter)]

I’ve been watching the classifieds on IIS lately. And have noticed what seems to me to be a new pattern of sellers emerging. Many sellers seem to be very new to IIS with post counts in the teens or below. And I have wondered why that may be. It occurs to me that it may reflect people working from home or in lockdown who have dabbled in astro but found it didn’t suit and are selling their equipment. That’s pretty sad if it’s true.

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Peter, not sure that it is a recent trend as I am sure I have seen many sales from either new members or "dormant" members in the past. Perhaps there are more now.
What is interesting is that items (especially goto mounts) seem to be moving fast at present.
Another recurring theme from the classifieds is "complete astrophotography setups -will not split" being sold. Invariably they end up being split up or unsold as your idea of a great AP setup can be very different to many others.

[Drac0 (Mark)]

Or maybe selling to upgrade as I did.

[xelasnave]

As each day goes by new stuff is manufactured and so the "stock" of gear grows and I would expect adds to increase as well.
Alex

[Nikolas (Nik)]

Yep this whole selling as one instead of splitting them up really grinds my gears, as one person's treasure is another person's bits and pieces onne size does not fit all
also unrealistic prices

[Stephane]

I have a feeling that some (not many) are selling for profit. Most items sell at about 70% of retail price (depending on age & condition obviously) which I personally think is both reasonable and fair. This allows newbies like me to buy second hand and sell later down the track when I want to upgrade with only a modest loss. IIS is fantastic for that, not to mention the great advice I get from experienced astrophotographers.

Stéphane

[Ausrock (Chris)]

Originally Posted by Nikolas

Yep this whole selling as one instead of splitting them up really grinds my gears, as one person's treasure is another person's bits and pieces onne size does not fit all
also unrealistic prices

Nik, don't let it "grind your gears", everyone who sells has different reasons for doing so, I have had to seriously consider selling my gear due to health issues but am trying to hang on as long as I can, BUT, those same health issues would make it far far more easier to dispose of everything in one hit as opposed to the logistics of parting it out.

[Nikolas (Nik)]

Originally Posted by Ausrock

Nik, don't let it "grind your gears", everyone who sells has different reasons for doing so, I have had to seriously consider selling my gear due to health issues but am trying to hang on as long as I can, BUT, those same health issues would make it far far more easier to dispose of everything in one hit as opposed to the logistics of parting it out.

I understand that Chris but when you see something you really want and they say "sorry won't split items" it grinds my gears How many people sell off for health reasons however?

[astroron (Ron)]

I usually sell for half price from new.
I lose some I gain some.
As far as I know no one has been disappointed.
As a friend said anything is only worth as much
as someone is prepared to pay for it.
Cheers