The Evolution of Audiogon

Early B.

Just my observation, but it seems to me that audiogon has changed somewhat over the past couple of years. First, there appears to be a lot more items for sale, but the prices, in general, appear to be steeper. It's harder to find a good deal. I used to be able to list stuff on the 'gon and it would sell within a few hours. Now, I'll be lucky if it sells at all, despite reasonable prices.

I wish they'd upgrade it a bit and allow stuff like sorting by cost, "buy it now" option, separate the sold items from the stuff that's still for sale, allow regional searches, improve the estimated shipping cost thing, provide an instant messaging option, give discounts for multiple listings at one time, and offer memberships with improved forums, articles, etc. Seems like they could make a lot more money.

OK, I'm done wasting time. Back to work...

Skynut

Videogon will not display pictures on my pc for some reason.
Audiogon needs a regional search for people who want to go get their items.

As for slow sales I think that is a sign of the economy.

ohskigod

Skynut wrote:

Audiogon needs a regional search for people who want to go get their items.

you can search by zip codde, particularly if you only enter the first 2 digits of your zip. (or others around you if the first 2 is different. I use 07 (north Jersey) 08 ( central jersey) and 10 (NYC Metro area)

it isnt perfect, but its far better than nothing in the local search department.

Skynut

Thanks, I forgot about that.

criverajr

Earl,

I think it has changed also, their seems to be alot more hi end gear floating around, good deals don't last long. I have had only good dealings with Audiogon, most of my sales have gone through rather quickly, but you still need to be careful.

CRj

Early B.

I found the zip code search thing. Kinda weird, but works OK, I guess.

Agree, I haven't had any bad experiences on audiogon. Sales and purchases have gone rather smoothly. The only screwups have been related to shipping damage. I'm now a bit hesitant to buy speakers online and have them shipped. The insurance is virtually worthless.

criverajr

Earl,

I try to buy local, even driving to meet someone is better than shipping.

CRj

Zen Dragon

Early B. wrote:

I wish they'd upgrade it a bit and allow stuff like sorting by cost, "buy it now" option, separate the sold items from the stuff that's still for sale, allow regional searches, improve the estimated shipping cost thing, provide an instant messaging option, give discounts for multiple listings at one time, and offer memberships with improved forums, articles, etc. Seems like they could make a lot more money.

OK, I'm done wasting time. Back to work...

Well, like anything else if the demand is there, then someone needs to fill the need.
There may be room for a new on-line audiophile site. If it is jazzed up to address the weaknesses of audiogon it may take off. It is always difficult to unseat the incumbant, but not impossible by any means.

criverajr

I think true and true brands move on Audiogon, other stuff just sits. An example is Rotel or B&K, if it's priced right it will move. Most guys their overprice their stuff and then come down, if you see an add with firm pricing it may sit awhile, but I have gotten some nice stuff off Audiogon. Videogon is way overpriced usually the same item as Audiogon but at a higher price.

CRj

Early B.

Zen Dragon wrote:

Well, like anything else if the demand is there, then someone needs to fill the need. There may be room for a new on-line audiophile site. If it is jazzed up to address the weaknesses of audiogon it may take off. It is always difficult to unseat the incumbant, but not impossible by any means.

Oh, you better believe I've thought about it! It would be a lot slicker than audiogon and far more user friendly than audioasylum. My site would include lots of consumer education and audio information for those folks who are new to mid/high end audio.

I'd also have facilitated forums by "experts," not just anyone posting junk and stupid opinions they have no clue about (kinda like what many of us do here on the Polk forum:p). To pay for it, I'd have reasonably priced ads so small audio companies like Dodd, McAlister, etc. could sell their stuff.

Zen Dragon

Could be an interesting venture. The "experts" on your facilitated forums would obviously require compensation in many cases, or be invested in the venture with a share of the returns.
I mean the love of audio is one thing, and will carry some ways, but people do need to make a living.
If there was enough of a following it may be possible to charge some minimal listing fee as well.

Early B.

Zen Dragon wrote:

Could be an interesting venture. The "experts" on your facilitated forums would obviously require compensation in many cases, or be invested in the venture with a share of the returns.
I mean the love of audio is one thing, and will carry some ways, but people do need to make a living.
If there was enough of a following it may be possible to charge some minimal listing fee as well.

Nah. I'm talking about folks like Dr. Spec who may have a particular audio specialty and simply enjoy sharing his knowledge with others, very much like he's been doing on this forum without compensation. I guess the best term is "moderator," someone who can cut through the BS of some people's posts and keep the discussion going in the proper direction.

Some moderators could be e-tailers such as Dr. Hsu or Tom from SVS. They benefit by exposure to a broader audience as the experts in their field and can indirectly build their own sales volume.

My focus would be on mid-fi (however you wish to define it), not the real expensive gear that is way out reach for most people, like $50,000 speakers.

Anyway, I'm just bullshittin' right now. Got too many other irons on the fire to seriously consider pursuing this one.