New, Used, or Refurbished?
Sep 8, 2017 18:40:11 #
What's the best way to go?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
Sep 8, 2017 18:55:27 #
ChrisT wrote:
What's the best way to go?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
Chris, you're on a real tear!!! LoL
Most of my equipment comes used from Craig's list. And yes, I usually get everything the equipment came with new, except the warranty.
Refurbs are same as new, including a warranty, but for some reason was returned. If you buy refurb and it doesn't look absolutely new, send it back for another!! Canon refurb has the same warranty as new.
Used from KEH, yes you get 30 days and possibly manuals etc, if that's how they got it.
I prefer used from craig's list first.
Refurb next, followed by KEH and lastly new. It's rare I need the latest, greatest when it first comes out!!!
SS
Sep 8, 2017 19:02:13 #
ChrisT wrote:
What's the best way to go?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
What are you looking to buy, a cat, dog, Camera, lens or other? and how old.
Sep 8, 2017 19:03:13 #
Did not realize when you buy refurbished you don't get a manual but your still saving money and I'm sure you can get a manual on line. At least you get a 30 day return policy with used and I'm sure a shutter count but really...what can go wrong with camera in 30 days if you don't use it a lot. It's a tough decision.
Sep 8, 2017 19:03:15 #
ChrisT wrote:
What's the best way to go?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
My priority is New from B&H
2nd Refurbished from Nikon or Camera
3rd EBay from original owner with all stuff and prior USA warranty
Sep 8, 2017 19:16:31 #
If you didn't get a manual, go to the manufacturer's website and download a PDF copy.
Sep 8, 2017 19:31:49 #
Chris,
You make some generalizations about each sale type. And you forget the most important Caveat: Consider the Source.
First, you got the new right.
Refurbished has two variables. First, refurbished by Whom??? Refurbished by the Manufacturer, a third party, or the Seller?
sellers. My preference is refurbished d by the manufacturer and sold by the manufacturer. A close second is Manufacturer refurbished (also applies to USED) sold by a good local Camera Store or B&H, Adorama, Cameta, or Similar top reputation dealers like Roberts or Hunt's. Note that Amazon sometimes carries these items as a sales Point for one of the above Sellers.
It is also important to note that most refurbished products include all of the important accessories like batteries, chargers etc AND the manual. The inclusion list is a very important part of the sale and the buyer MUST be sure everything that is important is included (or you know the source and price of an adequate substitute). Manuals for most products are available on line in a convenient and easy to read form. Storing the manual on a smart phone or tablet makes it portable, too.
Buying USED is clearly more adventurous. BUT with the limitation of sources to the above list your have business with excellent reputations on the line with every sale. And, with this forum there are Store Ambassadors who can champion members who have a legitimate concern about their new and USED purchases. But there are no ultra low priced "steals' from them, either. Again, the stores I've mentioned have major repair authorized facilities at their disposal. First of all, they have the expertise to examine, test and grade all used equipment. Plus they can fix or replace anything that somehow slipped by the inspections. So, I wouldn't categorize their store warranty as ZILCH. The accessories,etc. are the same an above. The parts are listed, so you know what you're getting. And for most recent gear, the OEM or suitable replacement parts are available at reasonable prices.
Others here swear by, and have developed skills for purchasing from ebay, Craig's (not mine) List, and private sellers. Read on the postings of this thread, AND use the Search function for plenty of guidance.
I will say that I have used all of the above approaches and sellers in the past. I have paid a reasonable amount for lightly used equipment that was medium to upper medium rated that allowed me to acquire it sooner that if I saved to buy it new. I never had to deal with anyone whom I suspected of unloading smelly trash. Photo equipment retains value beyond the initial owner. Usually folks sell because they are upgrading or changing equipment for solid reasons. The used market reflects that.
There is a way to assure that you can purchase Smelly Trash. And that would be to hunt for the lowest possible price on the most recent equipment and be uncompromising on terms such and warranty, shipping, payment method. And avoid sales channels that have seller enforcement terms like ebay.
You make some generalizations about each sale type. And you forget the most important Caveat: Consider the Source.
First, you got the new right.
Refurbished has two variables. First, refurbished by Whom??? Refurbished by the Manufacturer, a third party, or the Seller?
sellers. My preference is refurbished d by the manufacturer and sold by the manufacturer. A close second is Manufacturer refurbished (also applies to USED) sold by a good local Camera Store or B&H, Adorama, Cameta, or Similar top reputation dealers like Roberts or Hunt's. Note that Amazon sometimes carries these items as a sales Point for one of the above Sellers.
It is also important to note that most refurbished products include all of the important accessories like batteries, chargers etc AND the manual. The inclusion list is a very important part of the sale and the buyer MUST be sure everything that is important is included (or you know the source and price of an adequate substitute). Manuals for most products are available on line in a convenient and easy to read form. Storing the manual on a smart phone or tablet makes it portable, too.
Buying USED is clearly more adventurous. BUT with the limitation of sources to the above list your have business with excellent reputations on the line with every sale. And, with this forum there are Store Ambassadors who can champion members who have a legitimate concern about their new and USED purchases. But there are no ultra low priced "steals' from them, either. Again, the stores I've mentioned have major repair authorized facilities at their disposal. First of all, they have the expertise to examine, test and grade all used equipment. Plus they can fix or replace anything that somehow slipped by the inspections. So, I wouldn't categorize their store warranty as ZILCH. The accessories,etc. are the same an above. The parts are listed, so you know what you're getting. And for most recent gear, the OEM or suitable replacement parts are available at reasonable prices.
Others here swear by, and have developed skills for purchasing from ebay, Craig's (not mine) List, and private sellers. Read on the postings of this thread, AND use the Search function for plenty of guidance.
I will say that I have used all of the above approaches and sellers in the past. I have paid a reasonable amount for lightly used equipment that was medium to upper medium rated that allowed me to acquire it sooner that if I saved to buy it new. I never had to deal with anyone whom I suspected of unloading smelly trash. Photo equipment retains value beyond the initial owner. Usually folks sell because they are upgrading or changing equipment for solid reasons. The used market reflects that.
There is a way to assure that you can purchase Smelly Trash. And that would be to hunt for the lowest possible price on the most recent equipment and be uncompromising on terms such and warranty, shipping, payment method. And avoid sales channels that have seller enforcement terms like ebay.
Sep 8, 2017 19:33:00 #
refurbished from a reputable dealer like keh, cameta camera, b&h, adorama or the manufacturer.
If you do not get the manual download it. Most if not all of these places give a better than 1 month warranty,
and the opportunity to buy a extended warranty (I have been happy I did this as I fell with my D800 and they fixed it like new for no payment as it was covered under drops and spills clause).
If you do not get the manual download it. Most if not all of these places give a better than 1 month warranty,
and the opportunity to buy a extended warranty (I have been happy I did this as I fell with my D800 and they fixed it like new for no payment as it was covered under drops and spills clause).
ChrisT wrote:
What's the best way to go?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
Sep 8, 2017 19:49:06 #
heres a link to keh's warranty site https://www.keh.com/shop/warranty-information
ChrisT wrote:
What's the best way to go?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
Sep 8, 2017 20:00:40 #
Sep 8, 2017 20:01:17 #
ChrisT wrote:
What's the best way to go?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
What are you looking to acquire?
1) When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
Not necessarily true, it depends upon the product and where you get it from. Those conditions certainly don't apply to a partner / spouse. Do you provide those things?
2) When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
The other what? I've just bought a refurb Canon EOS 80D from Canon. It came like new - OK with a few clicks but nothing I would care about, with all the parts (manual, battery, charger) and a 1 year warranty - same as new. Software I can download, cables I have, and I don't think cables etc. are necessarily part of the new kit either.
3) When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Not necessarily true. It depends upon the source. Sometimes you get more, occasionally much more.
4) Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
Sometimes it really does. But if you think the deal is trash, then why do the deal?
Sep 8, 2017 20:03:07 #
ChrisT wrote:
What's the best way to go?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
It depends.
Sep 8, 2017 20:04:57 #
ChrisT wrote:
What's the best way to go?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
When you buy new, you get a manual, all the parts, and a warranty ...
When you buy refurbished, you save a bit, but is it worth the savings, to lose out on the other?
When you buy used ... you get ZILCH extra, and - perhaps, only, a 30-day return policy ...
Does that make up for the smelly trash they might have sent you?
I'm not sure this is a real question...I believe that most people's choices in buying camera equipment are dictated by their financial situation. Assess your own financial situation and determine what you can afford and buy what you can find. Isn't that how it goes? Or, when you asked "What's the best way to go?" did you mean what do other people do and I don't know why you would care about this....just saying. I buy new, always, because I can.
Sep 8, 2017 20:05:43 #
Craig ... both of the first places I mentioned in the other similar post - have sent me smelly trash. In one case, they took it back, analyzed it on the bench, for days, and were preparing to send it back to me, certified perfect, before they even GOT the problem to which I was referring. Thankfully, once I suggested they stored used cameras on a bench in the rest room - they GOT it, and issued me a refund, forthwith ....
The second one also had to be informed of the problem - which was a damp electronics smell ....
In the first occasion - I was down one D90 ... in the second, it cost me my K-3 ....
The second one also had to be informed of the problem - which was a damp electronics smell ....
In the first occasion - I was down one D90 ... in the second, it cost me my K-3 ....
Sep 8, 2017 20:22:45 #
OF COURSE, it's a REAL question, Via ... I'm just interested in how others shop for realistic prices on cameras and lenses ... I've found from past experiences, you are probably better off buying cameras new, or - at the very least - refurbished by the manufacturer. Lenses, though? ... It's a toss-up ... you don't really need a manual, or any accessories (other than a hood, and front and rear caps) so - used is definitely a better option - particularly, if you wish to save a bundle! ...
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