2. misc-audio
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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
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
756 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.
northman OP
265 posts
 
Okay! Thanks everyone. I genuinely appreciate the reassurance. I do find it strange to see a seller who has sold hundreds of vintage car decals or commemorative plates from Luray Caverns and then out of the blue puts Ypsilon monoblocks up for sale. (That's not literally the case here but it's the same idea.) 

Thanks!
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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I’ve had a lot of buying transactions on EBay. I’ve never sold a thing on it.

Out of 50 plus and 300.00 dollar or more audio transactions, I got stung once by a guy in Perth (remember that town) and once in the states.

State side it was a MC240 that just looked like crap and the guy said it worked as it should.. It looked worse than CRAP holes in the chassis and it couldn’t have worked no mater what, PARTS were missing and had been for a long time..

That was the first time I had a problem and fumbled the ball with the 10 day grievance procedure.. I would have won that one.. I learned better pictures from the seller and pictures on arrival on anything over 300.00 for sure..

It amazes me what people say about how equipment looks though. They will say it looks great and selling for parts. Its actually a rust bucket with a Mac or Marantz logo.. That IT...

I usually sell to people I know. Now that I’m thinning the herd a bit. I’ll see.

Listing and relisting fees, ain’t gonna cut it for me..

Fees, PP, shipping and Taxes.. LOL 20-30% if your not careful.. Better off selling closer to home and loosing 5-10% at the most..

Police station deals.. I love it when they come out and we’re loading 300 pound speakers in the parking lot... Beer bottles rolling out of the other guys PU. That was fun to explain.

Regards
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