TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

I am interested in purchasing a used camera using E-Bay. I have never used the site before, and have several questions.
1. How do you know the item is actually as described?
2. If necessary, is there a way to send the item back and get a refund?
3. Are there any possible problems in dealing with E-Bay?
4. If so, how avoid them?
If any of you who have dealt with E-Bay have any advice, I would be pleased to hear it.
Thanks in advance.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The item "needs" to be exactly as described, or you have grounds for returning for a refund. You need to read all the details of the item description and the product pictures and assess the item condition. You can message the seller with any probing questions. When making your PayPal payment, you need to specify you're playing for a good or service, not a transfer to a family or friend.

Ebay has a robust Help Section / FAQ. Just use google and your topic, like: google FAQ buyer.

Although bidding on an ebay item seems like a way to save money, the 'pay now' option is usually the easiest way to both save money and buy. If you lose the bid / auction, you're not out money, but you don't have the item either.

Look at the seller's reputation. How much have they sold already? What is their average rating? Someone with thousands of confirmed sales and an average rating at least 98% is likely a real person running a real online business.

Finally, the easiest way to avoid any scams is keep all communication via the ebay site, that is 'inside' the site. Any emails, offers outside ebay are 99.9% likely to be a scam, things like alternative mailing addresses or payments are likely to be a scam.

TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

Thanks, CGH. I am looking to buy an Olympus Stylus 1 or 1S. They have several used. Most are past warranty, but that is no problem, it seems, because Olympus no longer repairs this camera.

TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

Thanks, CGH. I am looking to buy an Olympus Stylus 1 or 1S. They have several used. Most are past warranty, but that is no problem, it seems, because Olympus no longer repairs this camera.

Peteso Loc: Blacks Hills

I have bought many things from eBay, including a Rolleiflex and Hasselblad. The first line of protection is buy from sellers who have very high customer ratings, in the 99+ percent range. Reputable sellers bend over backwards to maintain their high ratings. Also, look at the pictures very closely, because the pictures are part of the description and disclosures. I have had only three problems. Two of the sellers responded to and resolved the issues quickly. The other problem was much more egregious, and the seller was a crook. Frankly, eBay was no help, but by maintaining an accurate paper trail, I was able to get the transaction credited to my credit card, albeit it was stressful and time consuming.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Shouldn't be a problem. I edited a few typos and added a comment about the seller's history to the earlier comment. For a used camera, if the seller says it works, identifies all the relevant accessories included, and doesn't disclose any external marks / flaws, that's what you should receive via a relatively straight forward purchase.

JBRIII

Another way to save money is sometimes you can make an offer, it will be listed if possible. Also, if you have an account, so they know how to contact you, sometimes a seller will make you an offer on something you've shown interest in.

TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

Thanks to all. I have just ordered the camera. I will post results when camera arrives
G

Ollieboy

I find a tell tale sign of a bad seller is their record of communication and email responses. I stay away when they don't respond to emails.

Carl1024 Loc: Kaneohe, HI 96744

see if the seller has a return policy, if he his, you're inluck, otherwise, you'll have 2 work it out with him. I sent a box of speaker wire back reguardless.

Dean37 Loc: Fresno, CA

CHG_CANON. I have been fortunate with my eBay purchases because they have been better than described or pictured. Yes, 98%+ approval of many sales is an indication of a legitimate dependable seller. I use PayPal too, which is a big help, it is a rapid sale and I have been refunded when items have not been delivered to me.

rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

I might add, use Paypal for payment. Of the very few occasions I had a problem the seller wouldn't address, I filed a claim and they took care of it. In fact, Paypal's policy of that is one of the reasons I NO LONGER sell on ebay. It is too easy for someone to make a false claim and then I am not only out the money, but the item, too! But to echo everyone prior to me, yes, the rating information is key. Take a look at the details to see what they say and how long ago they were made. Sometimes a listed negative isn't something I would worry about. Others, it is a deal breaker.

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

I recently learned a bitter lesson from an E-Bay experience. I bought a re-conditioned IPhone from a supposedly reputable seller. The phone arrived on time, was flawless in every possible measure. 2 days before the 30-day return deadline my phone was blocked: it had been reported as "stolen" and blocked worldwide. I learned later that this is a common practice among E-Bay sellers; a way to avoid warranty obligations.

Mark

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

For returns you can be responsible for the return shipping and insurance

dustychow

There was a time many years ago I avoided eBay like the plague as I heard negative things about them. My partner had & has used them for quite a few years with no problems at all. I then decided to give eBay a chance. Since then, I now use them a lot.

A while back I bought a book through eBay. I selected this item as the seller reported it to be "Like New". This seller also indicated that there would be "No Returns".

Upon receiving this book, it had some very evident "stains" on the book. I took photos of this book along with my comments pertaining to the stains. Immediately eBay refunded my payment. They didn't even want the book returned to them.

Recently I bought six USB A to C cable connectors. When I received the items some of the metal connectors were crushed. I took photos of this problem and sent them to the merchant. Although the merchant said "No Returns" he did replace the damaged cables and even gave me an extra one.

Other than those two issues I have no problem at all buying on eBay.