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In Reply to: We are doing that Mr. Kuller posted by jdarby on March 21, 2007 at 10:13:12:
when one actually buys the piece under test, that is the ultimate compliment that a reviewer can have about a component. Even though some have debated on this, I could care less if the guy (gal) gets a good deal in order to save return shipping, scratch and dent, at cost, whatever. Their buying the product is a statement that it is not only an excellent value, but that it made such a difference in their system that they had to keep it.
Follow Ups:
that reviewers cannot buy every product they review. I have a pair of speakers I'm reviewing right now that I would love to buy, but I can't.
First off they weigh about 400 lbs each - they are encased in granite. With the large stands filled with lead shot that makes them about 400 lbs per side. Do I want to move those around every time I review another speaker? No...also, they cost about $7k. But that means I could buy them for a lot less, right? No again. They are sold directly so they do not have a distributor's and retail markup. I MIGHT get 10% off. Same with the Halcros I just finished. Should I buy those, too? How about the 2 $10k tables I'm evaluating right now? Ouch. Bill Gates I am not.THe fact is, there are not many components that have been here that I would NOT love to buy, but I have not purchased one. THe funny thing is, the one thing I have purchased is cables - you know, the things that everyone has tons of laying around.
> Their buying the product is a statement that it is not only an
> excellent value, but that it made such a difference in their system
> that they had to keep it.Or they think the product is rubbish but will be able to sell it on at a profit if they give it a glowing review.
How can a consumer determine where a reviewer sits between these two extremes?
Yes, I know some publications have their own extra rules to tone down the extreme I put forward. Just substitute whatever the rules are and the question will still stand until the reviewer plays by the same rules as the consumer. Then your point would indeed be a very persuasive one.
The industry policy is that even if we do buy something, assuming there IS a significant discount which is not always the case (read my post above, we are require to hold onto it for a full year before we think about selling it. The average component depreciates about 40 to 50% in a year, so where is the killing? Ads on Ebay and Agon are not free, either.The time it takes to advertise it, answer questions, negotiate if on Agon or not selling on Ebay, pack it, ship it....all that takes time. Not worth a hundred bucks to me to do on regular basis. I own I financial advisory firm. I can think of many ways to tie up money for a year that will give me much better returns....
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