Buying Used Equipment on the Internet

I’m relatively new to this as well. I’ve been in the hobby about five years. My entire system was bought used, except my Lumin U1 Mini.

I mostly use USAudioMart. I have only had good experiences.

Suggestions:

• Read the buying guidelines/faq on USAudioMart. Also read the selling guidelines, and the scamming section. All useful.
• Check the seller’s rating, and look at their feedback history (what kinds of gear have they sold before? If you are buying an expensive piece of gear and they only have a history of selling cheap cables, I’d probably look elsewhere.)
• Ask the seller specific questions about the unit you want to buy. (Age, original owner, any issues, why did you decide to sell it, what accessories are included, etc.)
• Ask general questions (what other equipment they paired it with, what kinds of music they listen to, any recommendations about using it, etc.) Basically engage and get to know the seller personally a little bit.
• Make sure to solidify all the details and costs of shipping, insurance, boxing details, PayPal fees, etc.
• Make a reasonable offer. And if they accept then I always ask them to jump on the phone to chat. Usually just to say hi and b.s. about audio, where we live, etc. Just a chance to vet that they seem cool. And I have often met really nice people.
• You can also ask to jump on a call before you make an offer.

If anything feels off/strange, trust your instincts. Be patient finding the piece you want and the seller you want to deal with.

Good luck!

I’ve purchased thousands upon many thousands on 98% used gear for 30 years. I began with rec.audio.marketplace. In ‘95 through’97 Audio Review was the hottest used gear site on the internet. Then came along an upstart called Audiogon in ‘97. AG was never better than those first 5 years. 
 

Only once did I get burned on buying a listed item. The seller requested a prepaid money order for an amplifier that was listed for $400 less than it should have been. Turns out that 7 people paid for and purchased the same amplifier. It was on AG. $1100 lesson learned. 
 

Buying used isn’t a big deal as some make it out to be. You cover yourself by paying via Credit Card, preferably Amex. Even Visa or MC will honor a charge back and return your every penny. So where’s the risk? It’s non existent. 
 

The fact your purchase is covered will eliminate any paranoia for PayPal purchases. If a seller insists on FF simply understand that he’s not your seller and move on. There’s plenty more gear options available from other sellers who understand that the marketplace isn’t what it used to be. For in the 90’s we’d simply send someone a check in the mail. Those days are gone. 
 

I’ve purchased on AM, here obviously, and eBay. 95% of sellers are honest people. But today’s buyers don’t have to take on that risk for the 5% who are shady. Good luck!

OP...I would echo the thumbs up for TMR, Upscale Audio, Echo Hifi in Portland, OR and Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle...I've purchased from all 4 of these sites and have been treated fairly. 

The vast majority of 100% feedback, hobbyist gear traders on here are not going to stick you with a "lemon". I once sold a DAC that arrived DOA -- somehow it went bad between my last listen and arriving at the buyer. After a couple hundred transactions, something like this is bound to happen.

After a friendly & brief exchange of diagnostics (did you try power cycling etc) I took it back with no aggravation, and issued a full refund plus return shipping costs and an earnest apology for the trouble.

Of course your experience can vary greatly by seller. That’s the risk component. That’s also why these prices are a lot lower than retail. If you’re not comfortable with that, if you’re going to obsess over some obscure blemish on the bottom of a chassis (PLENTY of items arrive new from factory with blemishes, btw), or want to return items after trial because they’re not your preferred "flavor", then you need to pay the premium to a dealer (dealers will also have limited tolerance for that too lol).

The question you ask is a good one. 

You wrote, "I'm new to this hobby and currently still trying out new gear to see what I like". Later you mentioned you are looking at a used audio piece. I assume you mean "new... to you" if you are buying used. If not, buy a new Parasound from an authorized dealer to negate risks.

Half of the gear I own is "new", and the other half was bought "used". The advice offered to you so far is good advice. I will add this. Consider the reason why the seller is letting a piece go... for sale. Some are updating their gear. Great reason to sell. Some are trying something else, another good reason or something is wrong with the gear they are selling, some are buying at estate sales, goodwill, or from ebay to RESELL. That's not a good reason to sell (or rather to buy). If the seller looks legit, answers questions without problems, has a good reason to sell, agrees with all terms, even if it involves returning the item and I feel I can reduce my risks in buying.... that's what i am looking for.