This forum is intended for a discussion on the secondary market.
First a few definitions.
The PRIMARY market consists of the authorized retail dealers for Harbour Lights.
The SECONDARY market is all other sources for Harbour Lights. This typically includes:
1. Brokerage Services
2. Retail dealers who also carry retired items at appreciated prices
3. Individual collectors who are selling 'extras' or part or all of their collection
4. Auctions - online or in person
By the broadest definition, a 'secondary dealer' is anyone who is selling a Harbour Light Lighthouse. However, we expect that what this individual is offering are lighthouses that have been retired and are no longer available at retail dealers.
This forum is NOT intended as a place to buy, sell, trade etc. (Use the MARKETPLACE forum).
Do NOT use this forum to promote or complain about a particular secondary source. Your experience may be unique. Each secondary 'dealer' may have unique policies and practices.
But this is a place to list sources and provide links to sources.
If YOU are in the secondary market, please feel free to contribute to this Forum, but please do state that you are in the secondary market.
Please DO use this forum to observe and report on trends in the secondary market.
Prices on the secondary market are based on supply and demand. Both supply and demand may fluctuate over time. One reseller may have originally paid $60 for a retired item. But they are free to ask whatever price they want. Buyers can decide to purchase or not.
Obviously, each purchaser should educate themselves as to the 'market value' of the retired item they are considering purchasing.
This can be done by using guide books such as Green Book, Collectorbee, or CIB. Or by comparing offering prices over time in the Marketplace thread or other on-line sources and resources.
I'd like to invite individuals who follow on-line auctions at e-bay to contribute to this forum with the trends they see.
Other suggestions and ideas for this new Forum are welcome.
[This message has been edited by JChidester (edited 07-20-99).]
