AudiogougeD

cryotweaks · « **on:** 16 Nov 2004, 07:50 pm »

I am not sure whether to be really irritated, or if this is considered normal.

I recently sold my Denon 5900 on AudiogoN for a very good price.
Upon my inspection I rated it a 9-10 I thought it was in perfect condition cosmetically and performance wise. The buyer asked if it was "mint", I said "yes", and he agreed to purchase.

A day or two later, the person buying it sent me an email complaining that the bottom (yes the bottom) of the unit had scuff marks on it. These were obviously from the Stillpoints vibration dampers I used on the unit. In case you aren't familiar with the Stillpoints, at the top are ceramic balls that rotate, and that is what scuffed the bottom of this player.

Now I think I am being gouged by this person. They want a price adjustment, and claim they have contacted the Denon rep for a quote on one.

Is it me or is this person just a little too picky? Does anyone here scrutinize the bottom of their equipment that closely, or does this sound like someone trying to make a good deal even better?

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 08:16 pm »

I think that is way over the top. I wouldn't let that dude push you around, since that is utter silliness. I may say no I won't give a discount and if they get pissy say you'll refund them their money less shipping and then amend and sell you equipment elsewhere. I think this is a scheme some use to bicker a lower price. Truth is that wouldn't warrant a lower price.

cryotweaks · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 08:18 pm »

That is exactly what I was thinking. Has anyone here ever scrutinized the bottom of a piece of audio equipment? I mean in this case, its stamped sheet metal.

Mad DOg · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 08:29 pm »

Quote from: JoshK

I think that is way over the top. I wouldn't let that dude push you around, since that is utter silliness. I may say no I won't give a discount and if they get pissy say you'll refund them their money less shipping and then amend and sell you equipment elsewhere. I think this is a scheme some use to bicker a lower price. Truth is that wouldn't warrant a lower price.

i agree...tell the dude to send it back less shipping...his complaint is simply unreasonable...the marks aren't on any normally visible surface...

Carlman · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 08:29 pm »

If I open the box upside down.. or turn it around to get it out of the packaging material, I'll see the bottom... but not necessarily 'scrutinize' it.. unless there's something else wrong and I'm trying to figure it out.

'Mint' means 'mint' which means no scratches anywhere and very light, if any, usage. If I bought a 'mint' piece of gear and saw little scratches anywhere, I'd think it was 'near mint' condition but not 'mint'.

However, if they were on the bottom, I wouldn't really care. That would definitely make it a 9/10 vs. 10/10, though. If the unit appeared to have been used a fair amount, I'd be a little more aggravated.

If the guy got a really good deal for even an 8/10 player, then I'd tell him where he could shove it. But if he paid a little more and was expecting a perfect piece of gear that looked, worked, and felt like brand new, then he has a reason to quabble... at least a little.

nathanm · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 08:33 pm »

The buyer is being an %#@#(l. First of all, there's probably no such thing as a "mint" condition anything, unless you are there at the Denon factory and pick up the thing off the assembly line. And how can it be "mint condition" - it's not a coin, it's a piece of electronics! Secondly, if a person WANTS flawless merchandise without a spec of dust on it, well then why are they buying a used piece of gear? Buy it from a dealer and then whine about scuffs.

Maybe his rack shelves are mirrors and he listens sitting 1 foot away from the rack fretting about scuffs?

cryotweaks · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 08:43 pm »

Is $999 for a Denon 5900 a good price? Scuffed bottom and all?

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 08:43 pm »

Ask the would-be A-gon buyer if he'd ask for a discount on a toothpaste tube with a dent in it if bought new.

Sounds to me you're just getting unduly grilled, Mike, by a guy that likes to invites trouble into his life. Bummer

Mad DOg · « **Reply #8 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 08:46 pm »

Quote from: cryotweaks

Is $999 for a Denon 5900 a good price? Scuffed bottom and all?

i think so...if he doesn't think so, then he should return the unit to you...i'm sure there are others who wouldn't mind the scuffs underneath for that price...

cryotweaks · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 08:51 pm »

Here is his last email.

> Hi Mike,
>
> A refund is not necessary, but an adjustment would be a nice gesture,
> if you would be willing. I'm not sure what a bottom plate will cost,
> but a Denon rep will be contacting me either today or tomorrow with a
> quote. Talk to you soon.

Here is my reply:

My gut reaction is no, I will not adjust the price. Quite frankly you received an excellent price on the unit already.

The high average for Denon 5900s sold on AudiogoN to date is $1840, the lowest price, before your deal, was $1080. You got yours for $1030, shipped via Fedex Two-day service. An excellent deal even for an 8/10 player.

The scuffs are on the bottom. Unless you have it sitting on a glass shelf, underlit, beneath eye level where it can be examined by everyone I don't think anyone will notice.

If the scuffs bother you that much, send it back in its original packaging and condition. I will refund your money less shipping and any damages it may have incurred while in your possession.

JoshK · « **Reply #10 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 09:03 pm »

Sounds fair to me. He is just trying to tire kick you. Screw that.

tex-amp · « **Reply #11 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 09:13 pm »

I sell on audiogon as a last resort due to the prevalence of type A geeks like that.

Carlman · « **Reply #12 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 10:10 pm »

Quote from: cryotweaks

An excellent deal even for an 8/10 player....

That seals it to me... he's definitely being a dick. He clearly got an excellent deal. I thought your email was perfect! To the point, honest, etc... while adding a subtle hint that you are irritated with him.

You didn't leave him with much left to whine about. I can't believe he's doing the ol' contacting the manufacturer bit.... what a dirtbag.

I really hope he goes away soon. Best of luck with it.

-Carl

jpsartre · « **Reply #13 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 11:53 pm »

Maybe he's not really an @$$%%^&. The fact this person contacted Denon for a quote about changing the bottom plate

hints on a very obsessive personality. I still wouldn't give him a refund but I'd recognize the fact that what is trivial to some may be important (albeit weird) to others.

hmen · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 Nov 2004, 12:10 am »

Maybe he wants to suspend it from the ceiling directly over the listening position and stare at the bottom while it plays

The guy is being a dick.

rosconey · « **Reply #15 on:** 17 Nov 2004, 12:50 am »

ive been a dick before- but thats on a scale i can only envy

zybar · « **Reply #16 on:** 17 Nov 2004, 12:56 am »

Quote from: jpsartre

Maybe he's not really an @$$%%^&. The fact this person contacted Denon for a quote about changing the bottom plate hints on a very obsessive personality. I still wouldn't give him a refund but I'd recognize the fact that what is trivial to some may be important (albeit weird) to others.

If a person is that anal, they shouldn't being buying used gear in the first place.

No matter how well maintained, USED is USED!!

You want it perfect? Buy it new!!

The guy got an excellent deal and Mike's e-mail was well written and his actions fair.

If the guy continued ot e-mail me, I would say take it elsewhere.

George

pjchappy · « **Reply #17 on:** 17 Nov 2004, 01:28 am »

. . .I would have told him to go fuck himself. . .sorry, but that's me. . .

p

maxwalrath · « **Reply #18 on:** 17 Nov 2004, 01:31 am »

If he still gives you a hard time you could direct him to this thread, in which you've beem more than kind and others have spouted their feelings. Maybe that'll help him realize he might be taking this a little too far, especially on an amazing deal.

I bought a used cd player off you a while back (maybe May) and it was great, the transaction couldn't have been smoother.

edit: on second thought don't bring him here.

Marbles · « **Reply #19 on:** 17 Nov 2004, 01:58 am »

Quote from: rosconey

ive been a dick before- but thats on a scale i can only envy

Hey man, don't underestimate yourself