More on disposition of radio collections - reflections from a semi-old collector

[Mark Gilstrap]

Hi,  I'm new to the list.  I didn't intend to jump in before getting a good feel for the tone of things, but this particular topic piqued my interest.  I hope I don't offend the old timers by my abruptness.  

I've been looking on e-bay for a few weeks now to find a receiver for my son.  I'm not sure I've found anyone other than folks "hawk"ing someone else's dreams for some fast cash.   And I think maybe they are appealing to collectors, not users.

I would love to buy my son something in which he will find pleasure (or at least workability?), but I can't be sure anyone I have run into on e-bay is willing to be responsible even for their own descriptions (caveats aplenty!) 

I saw FS items in the archives here.  I've also looked at Universal Radio and another web site that shows ranges of dollar values for typical used units.  It seems like there is a presumption, even statements, that e-bay will cost you more, but I'm not yet convinced of that.  In fact I haven't seen anything go for close to the sorts of prices I see in these mentioned sources.  Maybe that's a reflection of their quality?   

I don't mind paying a fair price,  but how does one know?   Is this Boatanchors community tight enough that one can trust that the posted FS prices will represent good value?   Are there ever evaluating interactions like "whoa, fella, what justifies that price?"

I'm open to suggestions as to what units and attributes to look for.  I want to provide Peter with the ability to have some certainty as to the frequency he is listening to since he has used my Uniden portable with digital readout, so I think a sloppy bandspread unit would not be very attractive after that experience.   

Thanks!  
Mark Gilstrap
Owasso, OK

> From: Jim Simmons <orion at DATASYNC.COM>
> Date: 2006/04/03 Mon PM 01:00:52 EDT
> To: BOATANCHORS at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
> Subject: Re: More on disposition of radio collections - reflections from a semi-old collector
> 
> Ron, for those who enjoy the thrill of making an old radio "come to life"
> then passing it on to someone who will treasure it was not included in my
> original comment.  My critism was about the hawks who exploit and take
> unfair advantage of the situation solely to make a huge profit.  Believe me,
> I'd much rather give my S-line to someone who would treasure and use it than
> have it go to someone with nothing more than ebay and big dollar signs in
> their eyes.
> 
> Jim N5MSJ
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Boat Anchor Owners and Collectors List
> [mailto:BOATANCHORS at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV] On Behalf Of Rinkie & Ron Pollack
> Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 10:58 AM
> To: BOATANCHORS at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
> Subject: Re: More on disposition of radio collections - reflections from a
> semi-old collector
> 
> My 2 cents worth on the disposition of old radios (Please, not radio's-no
> apostrophe to make plural!).
> 
> I do keep a somewhat up to date list of my collection of about 75 major and
> (mostly) minor pieces of gear.  And my brother, a "reformed" ham, has it,
> along with condx and approx. value. But if a lot of it goes for less than
> value, then so be it.  I have bought a number of estates at far less than
> value because the survivors wanted it all out before selling a house, did
> not have time or energy or knowledge to deal with it.  As this is a sideline
> business with me, I'm entitled to a reasonable profit for the cleaning,
> evaluating, fixing, and the expenses and time involved with the sale.  The
> fact that I have bought these items reasonably means that other collectors
> can enjoy them reasonably into the future.  If my situation is similar to
> others, I would guess that the value of most of our collections, even at top
> ebay prices, is a small fraction of the value of our estates.  If my family
> realizes a couple of thousand less in total and someone is willing to carry
> all of it away at a lesser price, I'm sure my family would be happier,
> rather than trying to deal with dozens of individual items, not to mention
> thousands of small parts.  It's worth it to me to have someone enjoy them,
> as I have, at a reasonable price.  If your family is counting on the value
> of your old boatanchors for their support after you have shuffled off this
> mortal (tank?) coil, then buy more life insurance!
> 
> In my never to be humble opinion.
> 
> I enjoy everyone's comments.  Keep 'em glowing!
> 
> Ron K2RP
 

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