Pete,
thoroughly agree with the points you make but of course what most people fail to realise on the northern soul scene is something called 'Market forces'. If two people are willing to pay stupid prices because they want the record then that is clearly up to them or they just have too much time and money to spend. Yesterday my Barclays shares were worth £2.6 bn today they are worth tuppence, thanks Bob Diamond !!!
There are records that I wouldn't pay two bob for, which people rave about and spend a fortune acquiring, sometimes a case of the Emperor's new clothes, I think.
Yes John makes a good profit on some of his sales, and why shouldn't he,he is not in business to make a loss, but no one comes on soul source raving about the loss he sometimes takes on other records, the Joe Matthews on Sue being a case in point.
If people want to pay that price then that is up to them how they spend their money, wish I was a pound note behind them but people should not deride JM for providing a service which is obviously well known to all. If they don't like it, don't use it.
I know all bids etc are documented and there is a paper trail to back up everything, if someone wants a record that badly they will pay almost anything (well short of re-mortgaging the house, oh no I've already done that !!)
Anyway anyone want to buy Tears of Clown for £1000 :-) lol
ATB
Stebbo