Price guide for vintage computers

From: Eric Chomko <vze2wsvr_at_verizon.net>
Date: Mon Oct 29 19:49:29 2001

Tony Duell wrote:

> >
> >
> >
> > Ernest wrote:
> >
> > > Has anyone considered that creating a price guide might do more harm than
> > > good. What do you think that thrift shops (for example) would do if they had
> > > a price guide? Jack their prices up to match most likely, on items that they
> >
> > Price guides don't buy or see things, people do. If the thift shop or anyone
> > else for that matter marks something and nobody buys it, then the guide is
> > wrong.
>
> Yes, but unless the price is _rediculous_ then somebody is likely to pay
> it...
>
> I know a person who paid _thirty times_ what I paid for an indentical
> machine (but mine was in somewhat better condition). And we bought the
> machines within 2 months of each other. Now admittedly I think I got a
> good deal, but equally, I think the other chap paid rather too much.
>

I often think about what my $1 expenses would look like to Bill Gates
based upon our collective individual worths. 30 times? With the Gates
analogy, YOU overpaid!

>
> If the prices are low, then everybody (however little spare money they
> have) has a chance to get some interesting machine, if they happen to be
> in the thrift store (or wherever) when it comes in. If the prices are
> high, then it becomes a rich man's hobby only. I, for one, would not be
> happy if that happened.
>

But its not a rich man's hobby as there is plenty to go around. In the
context of Apple I computers it IS a rich man's (or woman's) hobby.

>
> > The guide is just a guide, it's goal is to be accurate not allow you to buy
> > things
> > cheaply or have someone else sell too high.
> >
> > >
> > > might have sold for less if they didn't know better. I guess my point is
> > > that having a price guide available online might lead to higher prices. I
> > >
> >
> > Is that so bad? Don't you want your collection to go up in value?
>
> WHy would I?
>

Why would you want anything to go up in value? Answer me that and I'll
answer your question.


>
> I've never sold a classic computer in my life, and don't intend to (OK,
> there have been instances when somebody has sold 2 identical machines
> together, and a fried and I bought the pair, one each. Of course we paid
> half the cost each as well). I collect these machines because they're
> interesting to repair, to program, to use, to interface, and so on. Not
> because I intend to sell them in 10 years time and retire on the money.
>

I'd like to see the chap that retires on his classic computer collection.

>
> In fact I'd be very happy if all classic computers had no financial value
> at all. I'd still collect them for the reasons given above.
>

I believe you. But it's an unrealistic belief. I want world peace and world
without terrorists and death. "But if wishes were fishes, then we would
all have some to fry." Reality states that when one thing is in demand,
then an orderly market is the best solution. And that is a good thing!


>
> > One day your collectionwill be sold off, as you can't take it with you. Don't
> > you want to get the most from your collection/investment?
>
> Mine won't be. Another collector in the UK gets the lot if I die. And he
> also wants the machines for their computing interest, not to make money from.
>

Well good for you. Make sure you get that in writing and make sure it sticks.
Notarized and the like. Maybe donation to a museum so all can enjoy is really
the best approach?

Eric


>
> -tony
Received on Mon Oct 29 2001 - 19:49:29 GMT