A classic example of value vs worth. This stuff probably cost thousands when the original owner bought it new - now they want to sell and want to recoup most of or all the $$$ they put into it back. Or in this case, non-photographers who got it with the house and want some fast money. Either way, a forlorn hope.
Stuff in this ad at least looks in good condition so usable. Doesn't happen often.
Ebay is full of these sales. Some advertise hoping a pigeon will come along and cough up the asking price. Now and then one does, but few do. Buyers too savy about prices nowadays. I know I am and you probably are also.
A retired pro photographer in my country town put his entire studio darkroom up for sale last year. He initially wanted A$10,000 for the lot and like this advertiser, insisted he wouldn't negotiate or accept offers. Nobody bit the bait. In the end his wife, knowing I was into home processing my own, invited me in to size up the goods. Benches (there were two, one wood, one metal, both home built) badly stained by years of uncleaned chemistry, two enlargers worth maybe $200 for parts, lenses fused by fungus, a few dozen cans of outdated chemistry, boxes of worthless bottles and trays. I made a sensible offer for the chemistry. Seller snorted, quoted highly inflated value, made demands and turned obnoxious when I politely but firmly suggested he lug the lot to the town rubbish dump. I suppose I left myself open to such a 'negative' response but it was the only comment I could think of to get me out of there...
He passed away a few months ago. The widow at my suggestion initially put it on Ebay but no takers, then offered it to local charity shops but they declined. Eventually (again at my suggestion) she did a deal and had most of it taken away for scrap. Very little payment. I again made my offer for the chemicals which was accepted but later found all of it was well beyond using. My loss, but very little money anyway.
So much wasted time and energy. We (they) live and we (they) learn...
