Msg: 5723 *Conference*

03-26-95 08:48:43

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : JERRY SCANLON

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #5716 ($$$$)

Excellent subject, Jerry.  This is worth open discussion so I moved your
message and my reply into the Conference for group work.  You asked:

 > One question.  I noticed a Mod102 in you for sale listing for a
 > couple hundred bucks.  And in your consignment list, it was like 450.
 > I got mine, in near-new condiition, at a yard sale for $3.  The only
 > questions I have, are, Is the reason for this the Large empty socket
 > in the underbelly, or was I just lucky?

Price is a concept not a reality.  There is no set price for anything in this
world.  This is "the reason" we must shop for "everything" we purchase.  Sole
source prices are more solid then multi-source pricing.  Model "T"s are
multi-source, i.e., free market compitition ... the foundation of our economy.

I understand that the Model "T" marketplace is multi-source and mark a starting
price on the high side of the market.  I can, and will come off that price when
asked.  If I am not asked then "that" is the price paid.  On the back end, I
have fixed and variable costs to consider ... I am a business.  An individual
has no bottom to price beyond emotion.

In your case, you are a knowledgable buyer.  You discovered, by chance, a Model
102 for $3 and realized its value "to you" was much higher.  I, too, have
purchased Model "T"s for nothing and sold them for fantastic profit.  But then
I have also purchased Model "T"s at mugh higher prices and made a whole lot
less, or broke even ... no profit whatsoever.  But don't cry for me.  It is a
free market.  We all have the "right" to prosper.  We all have the "right" to
fail.

A note about the (2)ForSaleAds and my consignment list...

I do not attempt to compete with members of this club.  Thus, I do not
"suggest" price, or delete ads with competitive pricing.  I leave this market
alone ... as I should.  On the other end, as a "broker" for others' goods, I
have an "obligation" to get "clients" the most I can for items intrusted to my
care.  Of course, there is no perfect in a free market.

Again, excellent subject, Jerry, and congratulations on finding a "treasure."
-Rick-