Buying Used Equipment on the Internet

I just bought something online from Skifi Audio in NJ I was looking for a three channel amp for my AV rig My 20 year old Anthem MCA-5 finally started to act up I was looking for a Bryston B5 ST amplifier and SkiFi Audio had a good conditioned one in stock They also put their stereo gear through their quality control  The whole process was seamless as we corresponded through chat on their web page to make the transaction  It arrived today via UPS (I was sent the tracking number) and holy cow the way they packaged the amp, you could of thrown it off a moving UPS truck and it would of survived! Oh the amp is 9.75 out of 10 That tells me SkiFi cares about their customers and their products  Needless to say I'm very happy with the whole transaction 

Most of my equipment was purchased used.

Research: read, read, and read, then read more; knowledge is power.

Create a list of what you are looking for, and begin to peruse the market with the objective of learning the nature of the market itself.

(Incidentally, you will find that some sellers have not researched the market; they say to themselves, ‘I bet I could get x-amount of dollars for this’, and sell at a low price: good deals to be found there.)

Over time, you will begin to perceive the general fair market price, and learn to identify the ‘estate sales’ types who just want to make a buck vs the true audiophile-owned items that have been valued and treated well.

My rules are:

The seller must include a statement of condition that speaks to an audiophile’s concerns - none of this, ‘tested, works, look at the pictures.’

Many times I’ve seen exactly what I’ve been looking for at an attractive price, but no statement of condition, and if the seller can’t be bothered to write a few thoughtful lines, then I do not trust the seller.

If it says, ‘reconditioned’ or ‘restored’, the seller must describe the alterations in detail and must include proof of them in the ad itself.

(Though, I do not buy ‘reconditioned’ or ‘restored’ equipment - I want the original.)

Blurry or too-dark photos, most likely a scam.

If there is any indication of lying whatsoever, or even of glossing over the truth, I’m gone.

There is a certain type of audiophile who values his gear and treats it well, and wishes it will go to someone who will respect it as he did - you can tell who they are, the best persons to buy from, but that takes reading many ads to discern who they are.

Honest folks display their honestly; it’s part of who they are and their honesty is apparent.

Dishonest folks leave you guessing about things.

The most important rule: always trust your intuition; the only times I’ve been burned is by ignoring my intuition and being too hopeful.

Best of luck to you, aamiransari.

Speak to a Vendor about an ESCROW Payment.

It might take time to find a Vendor willing to accept.

The Terms of the sale gives the Buyer the option to assess the goods are as per advertised for 30 Days following receipt.

A Buyer can agree to confirm they will have the monies released to the Vendor, within a shorter period that 30 Days, i.e, 3-7 Days following receipt.

When purchasing through Ebay or Paypal, your purchases are protected if the goods are not as per the advertised condition.

Vendor's are much more careful around Payment Services via PP and Ebay, as their are a selection of Buyers who are very content with abusing their privilege offered from using these services, and every so often a unwanted sale experience is to be endured.

It is a Gamble, be gathered in a investigation, do not get too eager to own the item of interest.

Sticking close to the term 'Caveat Emptor' is always ones friend.  

Have had good luck buying used on/line FWIW. Good advice abounds in this thread. Look at seller history and other items they sell, avoid Friends and Family requirement. Also, spend some time looking at going prices for your target equipment…there will be a fair price range that isn’t too hard to learn, prices too far above or below that number are red flags IMO.

Problem with eBay is that many sellers pick stuff up at estate sales or storage spaces etc. they have no idea how to test things and probably don’t care to. Unfortunately you have to accept the risk involved and be willing to repair it either by yourself or through a technician. Sadly this has happened to me quite a bit but I’ve also purchased numerous items. Someone earlier mentioned red flag words or statements to the effect of “works” “turns on”. Every time I’ve read “works well, but due to the age of this item I cannot guarantee it will be in working order upon receipt” -nearly every one of those has turned out to be non operable. Still, I don’t buy something vintage unless it’s special enough to fight for, otherwise I buy new from a company I trust.