I've been buying/selling/trading rods n' reels for 30+ years. I largely buy at yard / garage sales, flea markets, 2nd hand shops, etc. I rarely pay more than 25% of retail value...usually even much less than that.
People, IMO, are completely deluded if they think that they'll even get 50% for USED gear. I refuse to pay that kind of money. And I have consistently found VERY GOOD deals for a LOT less money!
For example, I once paid only $10 for a Cabela's rod w/ a retail value of $150. I recently got a Griggs 9' / 6 wt. fly rod, with an Okuma reel and line in LIKE NEW condition, for $20. And those are just two of literally HUNDREDS of deals that I've personally encountered. It's not to brag. It's just to say that if you spend the time looking; you will find really good deals everywhere.
I see the same stupid "high price" mentality on Craig's list ALL of the time. I like to buy DVD's too. But, I am not going to pay $30 for a set, that I can easily and readily get on eBay for UNDER $10 (often including free shipping). So, why would someone think that I would be happy to drive all of the way to wherever they live; to pay OVER 3 times what other people sell the same item for???
Why do these knot heads think that they can get full retail, just because it is "still sealed", or "has the tags". A prime example is a guy on eBay, who repeatedly tries to sell Fenwick rods in the $300 range. Good rods, yes. But, $300 is NUTS!!! I own 8 Fenny's; but I've never pain over $20 for any one of them. Sorry, but that kind of "pie in the sky" thinking my friends is ILLOGICAL LOGIC!
Here is the bottom line: something is "worth" only what people are ready, willing, and able to pay for it. Period. And asking retail prices for USED items, is simply about as dense an idea as there is.
