lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

Ebay allows the sale of manufacturer's original boxes, packing materials, and manuals for cameras, lenses, etc. I realize that having these materials probably increase the value of a used item. They imply a careful, neat, organized, original owner.
I also can imagine less ethical ebayers using these items to misrepresent stolen, used, grey market, merchandise as new and/or of U.S. origin.
I would be interested in what others imagine the use of these boxes is intended, and how those selling come about obtaining them. There is no "Nikon-Boxes-R'-Us" in my neighborhood.

dragonfist Loc: Stafford, N.Y.

Makes a person wonder doesn't it? I hardly believe they are for the original owner. If they wanted the original box they would have kept the one that came with the camera. They are probably bought as surplus from either the box manufacturer or from recyclers who get them through legal channels. I would think when a camera company discontinues a model they get rid of any extra packaging materials for that model.As to their use, I'm with you. There are a lot on unethical folks in the world.

BBNC

I don't know about unethical use of original boxes, but I keep my boxes and warranty cards...yes, I know they take up a lot of room, but they came in handy as proof of ownership when cameras and other things were stolen when my vehicle got broken into. I staple my purchase receipts in the back of owner's manuals, also good for proof of ownership. I recently gave my old Minolta A200 to my daughter, along with the box and owner's manual.

I don't worry about buying used from reputable dealers, but e-bay listings require careful scrutiny. No accurate description, or good, clear photos, calls for passing the item by, no matter how bad I might want it.

nyweb2001

I save the boxes and original papers for everything ! If I but something used I like to see all that stuff so I'm sure others would.....not that I ever sell anything !!!! I would buy NOTHING electronic or photographic from E-Bay anymore ! That place is full of scammers !!

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

Some folks collect the strangest things.

phoenix Loc: England, but currently living in AZ

Interesting response to ebay stuff. I teach some photography and quite often a student asks me to find them a good used DSLR. I generally buy from ebay and in the past 2 years have probably bought 25 used Canon DSLRs ranging from 8 year old 300Ds (around $200) to EOS 7Ds (at $1500). I've NEVER had a major problem and most sellers (99%) describe things accurately for fear of negative feedback and being forced to refund cash by ebay. These days on ebay the buyers have all the power! Buying off Craigslist is more fraught with danger and you have to inspect carefully and ask the right questions - as there is no after sales comeback! CAVEAT EMPTOR applies to Craigslist purchases far more than ebay. Just my personal experience......