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Sealegs Inner circle The UK, Portsmouth 2596 Posts |
Normally when buying something sight unseen, second-hand, and with the understanding of caveat emptor a basic starting point is usually 50% of the price you'd normally pay if buying whatever it is new.
Magicians don't seem to come anywhere near this general rule of thumb. Of course anyone can sell whatever they like to whoever they like for whatever price. I don't understand though why anyone would pay only 10-20% less for something given the points I mentioned above. I've even seen magic effects being advertised 2nd hand here on the Café for more than you can go out and buy them from regular dealers brand new. What gives?
Neal Austin
"The golden rule is that there are no golden rules." G.B. Shaw |
MAKMagic Special user I got banned for one of my 555 Posts |
Other magicians are suckers?
Actually I think it;s dependent on the effect. If the gimmick is used, that's one thing...but Secrets are usually what your purchasing more than anything. Maybe the depreciation rule of thumb above applies to secrets less than standard consumer crap?
.:Michael Kelley
On the Level, By the Square |
Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Sometimes effects are produced in a limited run too - which consequently makes them very desirable to the buyer at a greater price, even second hand (i.e Wolf's, Collectors Worshop, Supreme, etc.)
Lyndel |
gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
It seems that the things I desire only go for 100s or 1000s of % higher than original cost. But then I'm in the collectibles market.
Supply and demand, too much money too little sense. Wait a little while till after x-mas and you'll begin to see magicians unloading old magic much cheaper.
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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Sealegs Inner circle The UK, Portsmouth 2596 Posts |
Collectables and limited runs are of course going to command a price (I've bought and sold such items in the past) but I'm not talking about those kinds of examples.
I've just been to MagicWeek's 'For Sale' section and offer up this from the most recently placed advertisements: FOR SALE: Kevin James Snow Animator IV for sale Bought for £990 plus shipping never used ... sell for £800 Triple action super ( electric ) chair with 3 functions for children adults & for coding.... brand new never used with spare fob was £380 sell for £300 I find it hard to believe tht anyone buying a Snow Animator is doing so in order to buy the secret. Again, I reiterate that I have no problem with anyone asking for any amount of money for whatever it is they are trying to sell; and I have no problem with anyone paying whatever they what for anything.... I just can't understand the thinking behind it. If I was buying a secondhand prop with all it's unknowns and the phrase Caveat Emptor ringing loud in my ears it wouldn't occur to me to consider buying it with just an approx 20% reduction off the original price. (And actually even with the £ in it's current really weaken position against the $ you could buy the Snow Animator iv brand new for less than the seller says they paid for it!) Maybe I'm just a cheapskate who doesn't know the value of things. Neal
Neal Austin
"The golden rule is that there are no golden rules." G.B. Shaw |
Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
You can have your suit back I stole from you at double the price?
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Sealegs Inner circle The UK, Portsmouth 2596 Posts |
You've got yourself a deal Rupert.
Neal Austin
"The golden rule is that there are no golden rules." G.B. Shaw |
Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
There is funny pockets on the inside and some elastic thing in the sleeve. I don't like it.
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DonDriver Inner circle 1790 Posts |
I get upset with the "Wanted to buy" adds and its still on the market.
What the magician is saying is "I want this effect but I'm too cheap to buy it from the creator and give him his due pay." Don |
Matt Watts Regular user 189 Posts |
Magicians are willing to put out a second mortgage for their craft.
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Sealegs Inner circle The UK, Portsmouth 2596 Posts |
I think maybe Mak Magic had it right...
Quote:
Other magicians are suckers I felt it appropriate to use his quote without the question mark at the end though. Neal.
Neal Austin
"The golden rule is that there are no golden rules." G.B. Shaw |
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