Buying Used Equipment on the Internet

I almost always buy new but if I see a used component that I am really interested in one of the caveats to moving forward is whether or not the original shipping box and interior packaging is available and request pictures of such.  I pass on those that don't regardless of how much the seller assures that he/she will package the item well.

One thing that I do when selling is to send the buyer pictures of the item powered on, powered off , being wrapped , the box and packaging , the item inserted in the box, box sealed  Also, I'll get another box to insert the original one in and take and send pictures of that before and after packaging.  I'm just mentioning this as something aamiransari you can consider requesting to get some comfort from a private individual sale.

I can’t really add anything not already stated but I feel with proper precautions, buying used, which is a journey in itself, is a viable alternative and encourage you to explore it. I generally think buyers/sellers of items for this hobby are mostly upstanding people.

I might have been lucky, but I have had good experiences with all my transactions. Many sellers allowed me to audition the equipment before payment. Many were very interested in sharing knowledge/opinions. Some became friends.

i would concur ...  there have been some times when buying or selling used gear have led to nice exchanges and conversations that then have led to very warm friendships.... wonderful when that happens, and in my travels in this hobby over the years, i have made some very nice friendships as a result

sometimes transactions occur (usually purchases) when the seller is dealing with changes in life circumstances, which can be sad, even heartbreaking... as usual, the human stories, journeys, can be touching, it allows us as brethren in this shared passion to show touching episodes of kindness and humanity

at a more every day level, this should remind us to treat others in buying or selling hifi gear 100% in the way that we ourselves would like to be treated

For a seller using Ebay or Paypal.

Always !!! make sure any goods posted, are sent to the address registered as the delivery address with the above accounts.

A Sale has no protection if the correct address is not used.

If a request is made from a Vendor, what ever the BS passed on, as to why a different address is important to be used. Ask for a Bank Transfer Payment if the change of address  request is made.

The genuine Buyer may consider this as a option, if they can see the concern they are raising. A non-genuine Buyer will quickly vanish in search of their next victim to rob, or at best only achieve stressing them out.

@aamiransari 

Crutchfield and Audio Advisor are two more good places to buy new and used.

All the best.

Venmo and F&F PayPal are red flags, I just keep looking. Unless, as some have said, known acquaintances may be exception to this otherwise followed rule.