Buying Used Equipment on the Internet

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.

Have purchased from TMR & they do a very nice job. Knowledgeable and hassle fee returns. Also Holt Hill Audio who have a big presence on the "other site" and do service/resto work too. Those guys always have interesting vintage speakers & components. These are my two go-too stops for pre-owned gear. Not sure there's anyone else who operate at their level of knowledge and service. Could be though, I don't pretend to know every spot out there. GL

I buy used often and had no problems other than UPS.

Another vote for TMR. They will test the equipment before selling it.

You can also buy open box equipment through dealers like Safe & Sound, Hi-Fi Heaven or Music Direct. Most of my gear is either used or open box. I have bought some things off eBay but as others have said I always do research and pay through PayPal (not friends and family).

Good luck in putting together a great system.