2. misc-audio
  3. 169332-139027

thought on eBay?

I've bought and sold things on eBay, but never $$$ audio equipment. I have had good experiences with Audiogon and AudioMart but I'm cautious about eBay, if only because many sellers often have little history with audio gear. I'm looking at an item that will likely end up in the $4k range from a seller who doesn't accept returns and has almost no record of selling audio equipment but does have an extensive and excellent record of buying and selling other things. 

1) In general, would you guys spend many thousands of dollars on eBay if there are no red flags--or do you say "never eBay" for big purchases?

2) Can anyone explain the reality of eBay's policies? I can see the "money back guarantee" if the item arrives "broken, damaged, or faulty." But I've also heard plenty of horror stories out here about companies that offer similar guarantees in theory but are awful to deal with in reality. I'll add that sometimes "faulty" for stereo gear can be a vast grey area.

So, bottom line: would you make a big audio purchase through eBay, especially from a seller with little visible audio experience?
northman
Post removed 
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extravaganza
373 posts
 
right now ebay can remove negative feedabcks left by buyers for sellers who sells a lot of hifi .
there is a lot of scammers on ebay with just few feedbacks
money back garantuee can be very tough task,I was refunded partially by a seller,and only after many attempts with proofs from shipping company ebay returned all money(seller wrote address incorrectly and item stuck and was not shipped)
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
+1 for steakster summary. I have spent up to about $2k for an item on ebay and usually have no problems, they favor buyers. Their money back guarantee has worked 99% over the last 20 years. You cannot guarantee that the seller will be good at packing. Take a photo of all items when you receive them, unopened box and amount/type packing material used. I have even shot video of me opening a package of high dollar items, just to be safe. Some people do use a 100% feedback account from other family members or friends, so even that is no guarantee. I'm contemplating a +5k purchase on ebay in the near future. For me, audio experience is not a requirement. I would be leery of low # of feedback for sure.
ericsch
753 posts
 
I try to avoid buying audio equipment on ebay. As mentioned above, ask questions and gauge the seller by his responses. Several years ago, I bought an Accuphase tuner on ebay. I asked a few questions. The seller was the original owner and really didn't want to part with it, but he no longer had any use for it. Turned out to be a great transaction. When buying, knowing the ownership history is a big deal for  me.
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