Ive noticed allot of WTB threads in the last 6 months...

[RogueFactor]

More than normal. What do you think this is indicative of?

a) New parts prices are too expensive?
b) Used parts prices are too expensive?
c) Used parts are harder to find?

Other?

[punkncat]

I buy used parts because its generally about half of new for good equipment. Many times almost unused. Seems to me there are a lot of people getting in and out pretty quick nowdays.
There are always us gun whores too.

[RogueFactor]

Right, but in the past there wasnt the need to post a WTB thread. There were so many parts available, it was as easy as looking on page 1 of the BST forum.

On any given day now I may see 1-5 WTB posts.

[michbich]

I buy everything used because i'm broke, but mostly because i'm a cheap ***. I did buy all my accesories and my first marker (spyder) new. Now that i have the essentials, i won't buy new things anymore (if that makes sense). Buying used is what actualy brought me in the mag family, it's low resale value and high durability were my 2 major concerns.

[RogueFactor]

I realize why everyone buys used. To get stuff cheaper.

What Im wondering is why there are more WTB threads than ever. Someone that used to want to buy something didnt have to make a post in the past. Now its evident they do.

[punkncat]

Right, but in the past there wasnt the need to post a WTB thread. There were so many parts available, it was as easy as looking on page 1 of the BST forum.

On any given day now I may see 1-5 WTB posts.

I often post a WTB to get prospective to sellers come to me. Its easier than sifting through a bunch of misc. parts threads.

[insixdays777]

things are harder to find....ebay search "automag" 1-2 years ago 5-8 pages of results would come up...now its a lucky day when i find 2 pages of stuff....

[Maniac Mechanic]

I think there are plenty of used parts , that are cheaper ,till you get to the good stuff ( like your frames & other things) then you still pay premium , not quite new price but almost
I think a big problem is called LAZY ; to LAZY to look & to LAZY to use the search button
Unless you are looking for something really close to obsolete or limited production you shouldn't need a WTB thread
I'm with you there are a lot more , mabey they should start a WANTED section

[michbich]

try findin "automag" in ebay.ca......

I don't think the parts are actualy harder to find, but you are right on the ebay example. You probably get a better deal doing a WTB thread since all the sellers come to you. A WTB is most definatly faster when you have multiple misc items you are looking for.

[RogueFactor]

Unless you are looking for something really close to obsolete or limited production you shouldn't need a WTB thread

I agree. It used to be that if a person needed something, especially small parts they were EASY to find. I mean, how hard is it to go through a couple of threads on the 1st page right?

Now, Ive seen plenty of WTB threads get no responses, and the buyer bumps them up looking for odds and ends.

[MedicDVG]

I think some are just plain laziness -- rather then search or read on their own, they cast a net out and see what comes back.

Some of the WTB stuff is for specific parts that are no longer distributed (PTP vert micro bodies, chimera frames, etc.) and some are just people seeing what deals they can get.

[Zeroack]

I've used Mcarterbrowns WTB thread a lot as of late. Mostly it's cause I don't find the deal I want on what ever part I need. When ever I've posted someone is giving me a good deal on what I'm looking for usually. I still look at the forums and read posts a great deal. However like the other day I posted looking for a Mag valve. Just a plain lvl 7 valve nothing fancy, didn't even have to match. I could have bought a valve in the forums for 50-70 dollars. However a nice person posted a valve for sale that still had three stars and matching for $40 shipped. I bought it.

Now I do look at the WTB ads also trying to help people out just like they have helped me.

Zero

[Dark Side]

Because I can't pick up a brand new SFL. I'm looking at you Atach.

[BigEvil]

Because I can't pick up a brand new SFL. I'm looking at you Atach.


Well, if there were still 'brand new' SFL's around, you probably wouldnt want one would you? I know I could have cared less, but hey I have a reputation to uphold here :smarty:


People are posting WTB threads because either A) searches come up empty or B) to bring it to peoples attention that they are in the market. I know I have seen a few WTB threads where I ended up selling or trading parts that I hadn't lists for sale.

Then, there is C)People looking for hard to find stuff, which kinda relates to point B.

[guseppe16]

I think some are just plain laziness -- rather then search or read on their own, they cast a net out and see what comes back.
Agreed. Most WTB threads are fine, but every now and then I'll hit the refresh and see a new WTB post for a fairly common part and then see that exact part in a FS thread that was just bumped. The 'advanced search' feature is so useful and so unused at the same time.

[Cold Steel]

I agree. It used to be that if a person needed something, especially small parts they were EASY to find. I mean, how hard is it to go through a couple of threads on the 1st page right?

Now, Ive seen plenty of WTB threads get no responses, and the buyer bumps them up looking for odds and ends.

I think the reason may have more to do with A) there's a renewed interest in the Automag, and B) there are fewer options for those looking to buy. If a mag-fan is wanting product there are only about 3 viable options, AGD, TheMagSmith.com, & Tunamart.com. Considering so many of us are trying to refurbish older equipment, alot of that stuff is just not availible through retail sources.

Just my :twocents:
CS

[Practice Target]

I believe that some of the parts are just harder to find. I know that every time I see a Emag or RT Pro rail for sale it is snatched up quick. Mostly because rails are hard to find these days.

I have posted a WTB thread in the past when I am looking for a very specific item. One time I was looking for a RED Dye Ultralite barrel, posted a WTB thread and had a barrel within 2 days. It was something that this guy had laying around, not necessarily for sale but when he saw there was a market for it he sold it. I got it for a great price too.

Parts have become expensive since most of the new "old stock" has been depleted. The new parts now have the higher labor and material cost included. This is what is responsible for the big jump in prices, IMO.

:twocents:

:cool:

[smoothice]

I think it is because there are so many gun whores these days. A WTB thread reminds the gun whore of the box of parts he has under his bed and that there may be something of value in it.