I just think these ebay prices show the penetration of the first successful mass marketing of a high power laser. The countless news reports, many magazines, websites reviewed this, and even people that hate them cant stop talking about them. It is a nice host that doesnt look like a flashlight or pen.. so it actually looks special or different or cool like a light saber. (The original picture with the white snow mist on it looks really cool, i think it almost looks better then the real color black. I was kind of disappointed that it wasnt an option). Most people will search for that name and not take the time or 'trust' a hobbiest or some other company to purchase from. And everyone knows how people can get excited when something new comes out, (even if it just new to them) they just got to have it, or get it for someone..it's exciting...that's the arctic phenomenon. So the market says the value on these..on lpf is not as competitive for these but notice there are always replies on arctics for sale, but on ebay or other non laser sites they go for higher, partly they dont know better and partly they dont even care exactly how much the power spec is off by 300mw or so, it still is a powerful laser that is dangerous. So to me it's not surprising to have these inflated prices at least for awhile.
oh and
TJ how much extra did it cost you to make your modifications? and did you have to take apart the host or scratch it?
Just to chime in to help out, rather than take the piss.
As far as I'm aware, the only place where you can no longer buy an Arctic is the USA right? I think I recall reading about their import control people barring WL (open to correction of course
)
So potential customers from there would be the only ones who could possibly be tempted to pay such a premium for a second hand Arctic.
Everyone else can just purchase one brand new with all the warranty and other options like refunds if not satisfied etc... directly from WL.
If I were you, I'd just be satisfied with getting some or most of the money back that I'd originally paid for it, or better yet, keep it as a spare for parts, or an upgrade project.
There's always that rule, assuming said item is freely available elsewhere, as the Arctic is to most, that second hand items in A1 perfect condition, barely used = about 60% of total brand new price; based on the premise that a second hand seller is not the same as a proper retail outlet, and can't offer the same sort of value-adding features as assured delivery, and warranty.
You even explicitly state that you "hold NO responsibility for customs seizing this laser in transit".
Best of luck to you, but I seriously doubt it'll gather anything but very surprised reactions from anyone here, at least at that price.
Somewhere around the $200, is more realistic.
On Ebay? Who knows. Imo, chances are you'd just end up paying for listing it, without a sale.
The likelihood of happening to put this for sale at the same time a totally uninformed buyer who's not even bright enough to google "S3 Arctic" before putting in such a high bid is extremely optimistic, I think.
All the best