In article , RJH
wrote:
On 25/03/2016 09:20, Jim Lesurf wrote:


The problem is the traders who provide no way to even talk to them, or
find out where/who they are.


It is a shame - I wish there was more opportunity for communication, and
it can be disconcerting.

Yes. When it comes to buying things like music or videos I quite often want
to discuss the versions available with a seller. Extension of being able to
examine them in a real shop when I'm not sure which version to choose. It
also tests the knowledge of the sellers.


But the ebay traders and the like can simply take the hit - some have
upwards of a million transactions with feedback - so probably many more
than that.

But of course many second-hand dealers are far smaller than that and may
simply have some boxes of items in their back room. For them, having more
lines of accessibility may be wise.

To build in the capacity to deal with cheques, written
correspondence, technical assistance and a phone help line for example
would cut slender margins further.

But of course finding a dealer who *will* talk to you may then lead to the
customer being more likely to buy at a higher price *and* come back to that
dealer as their first port of call when they want something else.


There are many other downsides, but cost and ease of use seem to rule
the day. Maybe it'll start to slide back . . .

I suspect it will in due time. I doubt *every* trader will do so. But I
expect some of the smaller ones to realise there is a niche set of
potential purchasers who would pay more and come to them if/when they do.

BTW wrt 'historic', I just bought the new Hi Fi World magazine and found a
nice article on the Armstrong 600s. :-)

Jim

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