How Much for Used Equipment?

[LCHIEN]

Thanks to Loring for a very good and useful discussion. I think I'll print that out for future reference.

well, don't forget that's just one man's general guidelines...
Surprised there's no other opinions.

[woodturner]

Surprised there's no other opinions.

You know what they say about opinions (Opinions are like _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - everyone has one, but no one wants to look at the other guy's)

When I buy used equipment, I am looking for a bargain. For a unit in apparently top "mint" shape, I might go 50% of actual retail, not MSRP. Most times, for used equipment, I would pay 10% or less of retail for used equipment. I've had too many issues with used equipment that had hidden problems or was misrepresented.

The exception is equipment I buy through the woodworkers guild - equipment sold by the club for the widow of a deceased member. If I knew the member and knew he was particular about his equipment, I will pay more to help out the widow.

[cabinetman]

well, don't forget that's just one man's general guidelines...
Surprised there's no other opinions.

I've bought and sold my share of used equipment. I find the retail price has little to do really with the price of used equipment. How desperate either the buyer or seller may be usually sets the scene. As a buyer, I wouldn't buy anything sight unseen. I will have a price in my mind what I think it's worth, and what I'm willing to spend.

In my wallet I will have nearly enough (but short) the amount of money being asked. In a pocket I'll have what I think is my best deal. It's not that I like negotiating, but it may come to that. So, he gives his price, and I pull out my offer (in big bills). If that doesn't grab it, I may dip into the wallet if I want it bad enough.

This works as well when buying a used motorcycle too.
.

[jussi]

70% of my equipment is from CL or garage sales. 20% from crazy deals found on woodworking forum. The other 10% I pay retail because it's stuff I need right away or never goes on sale.

I'm pretty cheap so I almost never pay more than 50% the lowest street price. Most items I buy are well below 50%. I typically use Amazon as a barometer. Plus you have the whole matter of being stuck with a tool that breaks. Most people understand that unless you put price is firm on the ad it usually implies that the price is negotiable. So if it's something I want but not necessarily need I typically ask if the seller will take a lower price. There are alot of woodworkers in my area however, so I have to be pretty vigilant when new deals come. Rss feeds and push notifications help alot. Typically a killer deal is sold within a few hours of posting. And obviously if such a deal is posted I pay the asking price. I also never come right out and commit to a sale without seeing the item first but if I'm really interested I'll say something like... If everything is as described and in good working order I'll take it.