PDP 11/44

[Kuenzig Books, John F. Kuenzig]

Richard wrote:
> What I've noticed on this list is that the people here have a tendency
> to undervalue what other people are willing to pay for vintage computing
> gear.  Whether that's because they are just too cheap to pay a higher
> price or because they are living in a past-time when vintage computing
> collecting wasn't popular (I paid $100 11 years ago) or whatever, I
> don't know.  However, it has been consistent observation in my experience.
>
>   
I've found this same sentiment uttered on many collector listserves and 
suspect it is related to another phenomena (not cheapness).  Since most 
on each list are active participants in the collecting community in 
question (vintage computing here) they are much more aware of the 
opportunities, where they are likely to crop up, and often get a 
favorable price from sellers who are willing to sell for less money and 
aggravation than selling normally requires.

Many ebayers aren't tied into this underground, and will pay more since 
that is the major (only?) place they can buy material.

I also buy/sell/collect microscopes and other scientific apparatus.  
I've noticed this same tendency in myself - feeling that many seller 
prices are outrageous given what I've been successful buying things for 
in the past.  But I've come to realize that I know what constitutes a 
good value, and only buy in those instances I think I'm getting a good 
price (or at least a workable one).  So I don't cast bad words on those 
sellers anymore - they're just pricing based on their experience with 
how rare something is - no more and no less.  Unless of course they're 
crooks.  <grin>

Best,
John