Re: Fair price for this system?

[somebody@here.where]

rubywand@aol.com wrote:
>In article <5cb8bk$36l$1@newshound.csrv.uidaho.edu>,
>maas931@owl.csrv.uidaho.edu (Michael Maas) writes:
>>There's a local pawn shop that's got a //c with monochrome monitor (the
>>12" - not the 9"), and imagewriter, and some software. I've been quoted a
>>number of prices for it, the most common being $75. What would be a
>>fair price to try to talk them down to, or should I go for the $75?
>>
>>Better yet, is there a web site that tracks used Apple ][ prices?
>>
>>
>
>     Regarding a web site's tracking of used Apple ][ prices:
>comp.sys.apple2.marketplace is fairly good because it is a place where
>stuff is actually sold. On the other hand, used Apple2 prices vary
>tremendously and these variations are widespread. (That is, there are
>lots of places selling Apple IIe's for $50 or more and lots of places
>selling them for $20, etc..)

I disagree.  Comp.sys.apple2.marketplace has outrageous prices that
tend to benefit the buyer.  We have a bunch of comp.sys.apple2 regulars
who sit around, recommending nickel and dime prices to newbies
because of personal greed.  :)  What better way to get those desired
computers and peripherals, especially because we actually use them and
the seller won't.

On the other hand, I have seen buy and sell at local user groups and
BBS's.  Here, the prices are set slightly lower than catalog prices
from reputable used hardware resellers.  I consider these fair to both
the buyer and the seller.

If I wanted to sell peripherals, I would NEVER do it in csa2.marketplace.
On the otherhand, buying from the place might be a good thing, if you
want rock-bottom prices, BUT you may get burned, so buyer beware.

Come on, let's face it: we recommend these shit prices because we
want to push down the price of hardware!  HOW else would people be able
to sell hardware to knowledgable A2 types at double csa2.marketplace
prices within a week or two of for announcement (locally as opposed
to on usenet).


>     One of the chief factors in pricing is location. If the stuff is
>where you can pick it up with minimal hassle, it is 'worth more' than
>stuff you have to hunt for or order via mail.

I agree with respect to csa2.marketplace, but some refurbishing places
are reputable (and ask for more).  For example, while Sun Remarketing
sells a IIe for $90 and Alltech sells a IIgs System for $500, they
will promptly replace the item if it is defective!  You can't say that
for csa2.marketplace.


>     Regarding the specific deal you mention: $75 would be a high
>price in Houston, Texas and many other U.S. cities because schools have
>been dumping Apple2 computers, drives, monitors, ... at school sales and
>user group swap meets. $35 is about the most a IIc with mono-monitor
>would go for.

Considering that a pawn shop is probably not going to have a
replacement AND that they are looking for a quick buck to unload
the system, you may want to offer $35 as a bid.  But know that the
inherent value of the system is worth at least $75.  In otherwords,
if you end up bargaining a $45 deal, be happy about it.  What you
hear on usenet is not representative of the true value of the
hardware.


>     You mention a 12" mono-monitor. Today, large size is a negative
>attribute for a monochrome monitor. The 12" monitor has nearly zero
>market value. (Most shops would regard the space taken up to display
>the 12" monitor as wasted.)

That depends if you are going to use it for AppleWorks.  The 9-inch
IIc monitor is small for this while the 12" monochrome is nicer than
the AppleColor RGB if you want to do primarily monochrome text
software.

You might want to make Rubywand's argument to the pawn shop, but
remember that the monitor IS worth something.


>      In your home, it takes up space which should go to a color
>monitor.  A 9" monitor would be better and a 7" better yet. The whole idea
>of the IIc is compactness. A large non-color monitor defeats this advantage.
>You might as well get a IIe.

True.  Except that the IIe does not have any built in hardware ports
like the IIc.


>     Similar concerns apply regarding the ImageWriter. Even if it is
>an ImageWriter II, you are talking about a large, heavy, obsolete
>printer. It has very little market value.

I'll bet that you can go around and sell that ImageWriter II through
a local BBS's for-sale board for $35, at least (more if you are willing
to wait).  The ImageWriter II was still on Apple's price list as of
last year.


>     $75 is too much ... for you to ask for carting away the system.

If I were being honest, $75 is about right.  If the pawn shop owner
is no friend and knows not about the true value of the hardware,
then you should bargain low (remembering that if you succeed, you're
getting a deal--if it works).


>     If you like the seller, want to spend some money, and feel
>generous, offer $40 for the whole ball of wax. If the system includes
>IIc Tech Reference, BASIC, DOS, and ProDOS manuals, offer $50.

If the system is complete and has AppleWorks and other software as
well as the manuals, printer, monitor, and computer all in working
order, $50 is a steal but $75 should still be considered.

-Scott G.