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Classified Sales Very Slow - Why Do You Think

All of these things contribute, but let us be honest, price sells. Many, many ads are priced at or even occasionally above retail. The old fashioned rule of thumb that used stuff should be fairly close to half of new in value. There are exceptions of course, and some things, though rarely, even increase in value. But it is not realistic to expect to recoup the price of new, on something that is not new. Tis a rare day on the for sale forum to see anything remotely resembling a bargain. May offend some by saying it, but truth stands, and price sells.

Yes. As someone else mentioned there should be a justifiable price difference when buying an old product versus new. Even if its the same bullet just in the box from two previous marketing campaigns. I know, and you know, that box of Partitions from 20 years ago cost significantly less than it does now. Even though it's the same bullet, if I am going to pay the same price I want it in today's box and without the risk of shipping or a scam, etc.
 
For those contemplating an old car, are the tools still available to maintain them. I'm speaking of timing light, dwell meter, feeler gauges, etc.? Used to set the points with a matchbook cover.
yep, easier than it's ever been to work on or even do a frame up rebuild than its ever been. Seems every few years there's more and more places you can get factory replacement parts for old rigs but with all the interest in rebuilding old vehicles... supply and demand... demand is way up so there's folks looking to fill that niche.

Recently I was looking at getting back to a '77-79 Ford PU and while not cheap for one in good shape you can get one that has had a complete frame up rebuild as new for less than a new pickup. Sure you won't have all the niceness that a new PU offers, but you don't have all the electronics to break or the huge maintenance bills either.

While looking I got the bug and picked up a 2021 Jeep Wranger UL without really thinking it through. Now I'm seeing all the bells and whistles and normal maintenance costs and thinking this is one costly toy, buying it was the cheap part. Likely a mistake but I'll give it a try and see if I like it.
 
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The reason stuff isn't selling, is because the folks who are buying don't want to buy what is in the classifieds. Most of the younger generation with money are doing other shooting disciplines besides BR or F class... IE PRS, NRL, ELR, etc... Just look what people are doing on YouTube.

For example, there are some great custom rifles, but they don't have the twist rate, stock, action, or scope that is popular today (Origin, ARC, Defiance, etc). That doesn't mean they aren't a good or great deal and worth buying, but those configurations limit the buying market. The market of folks buying those is dwindling by the day due to health and money reasons not to mention death.

The other matter is an honest appraisal of an items worth. Don't be the guy who lets a '66 GTO rot in their garage until it is gone waiting for "top dollar" for a heap.

The economy and inflation play a role too but it isn't fair to blame that alone.
 
Going back even further, what looks like a dimmer switch on the floor was actually the starter button.
My ‘57 MGA had an ignition switch, push button starter, pull choke and if all else failed an actual crank that was behind the seats. Best yet no door knobs. Had to use a wire that was on the inside of the door.
Oh and the heater was like a hamster blowing through a straw.
 
A lot of the inflation isn't seen in the statistics. Go to Home Depot and buy a 2 pack of 20 lb Kingsford charcoal. They aren't 20 lbs anymore. They are 16 lbs. The price is the same. Yogurt containers have less in them, but the price is the same. Tortilla chips, cake mixes, etc. They can't get away with that on things like milk and meat and eggs because they are sold by number of eggs, or units of measure, ie gallon or lb.

Fast food restaurants cost as much as sit down restaurants used to cost. You can't eat at McDonalds for less than $10. This may be the one good thing that comes from this. Maybe people will quite eating drive through shit burgers.

my wife buys bottled water and she showed me one old bottle and a new one. Yup the new one was noticeably smaller. wtf...water???!!!! now that is corp greed at its finest.
 
Once the boomers are gone, the classic car market will implode. Watching the last few auctions, it's sliding downhill already. A friend recently sold a '65 Mustang, almost a completely restoration, and lost 15k.
I think you're right. I'm in my middle 40's and have always had a Chevelle (sometimes two or three at a time) since I was 17. Still have the 68 that I traded for when I was 17. I was telling a friend at work the other day exactly what you said. I can still see them being a sought after item for 20 years or so (maybe not that long). I feel after that, the value will go back down.

There will always be someone that wants them, but the number of those people will be a whole let less in the years to come. Honestly, I've about lost interest in them. I still love them, but can't stand working on them anymore. It just isn't as fun to me as it once was. Honestly I've been thinking of striking while the iron is hot and letting someone else enjoy mine.
 
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I think you are right.
It was “our thing”. Every generation seems to gravitate toward “their thing”.

I think that is one of the problems with getting more young shooters involved in Short Range Benchrest. It is simply not “their thing”.
Yep, We shoot "buffalo" matches at a local club and we barely have enough "old" folks to make it worth the effort to have a match. Cowboy is way down and will die when my generation is gone. 1000 yard benchrest is way down from what it was when I shot it regularly a couple decades ago. The action pistol matches in the area draw lots of folks. The younger generations are drawn to that and it is easier/less expensive than some other shooting sports.
 
Younger people don't have the connection to the pre 64 Mod 70's or the 57 Chevys. A new deer gun will shoot as good or better than the old Winchester at a lower price. That 57 Chev is $50k, you can get a lot of F-150 for that, it's more practical and rides better. Markets have changed, buyers have changed. A recent ad I placed didn't get much response, I'll give the treasure away, it is too much trouble to sell, package and ship for the few bucks I'll receive. My nephew, is the only young person I know that reloads, he doesn't shoot very much or hunt. What will I do with a life times collection of tools and treasure and lots of great outdoor gear (relatives at Eddie Bauer, I worked in a sporting goods shop). Take that old Mod 70, install a plastic stock, a 223 barrel and a long magazine, it'll sell.
I think your right. Been watching the pre 64 mod 70 prices at gunshows for about 15 years. Gotta say, I think the market for them is getting soft. I think the guys that really collected them are aging out a bit. I’m never out of the market and have started seeing them get in that 1000 dollar range for decent ones. Seemed to being a little more 10 years ago.
 
It wouldn't hurt my feelings if "collecting" determining prices went away altogether. I mean, honestly it's ridiculous. How someone who has 100 of this thing, determines what the 101st should cost.

And if the 100 was on the free market in the first place the price would drop. It's artificial scarcity. Like someone buying all the gold and diamonds in the world, and telling the rest of us they are priceless.
 
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Just a price thing ? Or a Location thing .
Went to Dinner a steak Restaurant High End Bend Oregon. Wedding Anniversary. Bill with Tip $400 .

In Chicago area with friends. Fantastic Italian Restaurant compete Dinner for 4 persons with Tip $238 ?

Lots of places trying to make up for COVID ?

Burger King for Christmas ?
 

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