billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Sellers can SAY whatever they want. If you use paypal you have 30 days to make sure you like it. Them are the rules.
I have bought and sold on ebay for over 10 years and have never been unable to solve a problem.

1963mca

eBay is not always helpful. I bought a power supply for a TI calculator on ebay. There was a picture of the item and it was described as fully operational. The item I received did not in any way resemble the item in the picture and it was not operational. I asked for a return and sent it back. The seller claimed this was not the item they sent me, that I swapped a defective item for the working item they sent me. After several rounds between me and ebay, ebay sided with the seller, claiming the seller provided them with a picture of what they sent, and a picture of what I returned, obviously different items. My concern now is that a seller can provide a picture of a mint D850 and send you an instamatic, and when you complain to ebay, they will say the seller provided a picture of a D850 so you are out of luck. Now, whenever I receive anything from anybody, I take a video of the sealed package that arrives, along with me unwrapping the package to show what was contained. Haven't had to use it yet, but just in case, it may help. By the way, the seller told me if I gave them negative feedback they would leave negative feedback for me as a person who swaps good for bad and nothing I can do about it. Use Care!!!

fetzler Loc: North West PA

If is a cheap lens I would take a chance on ebay. KEH , however, is great. They have a short term no questions asked return policy and 180 days if something should go wrong.

lbrande

I purchased a Canon 200mm f 1.8 lens from a seller in Korea after the Olympics, and it was in "like new" condition. I paid about 4k.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

If you buy it on eBay make sure to do your homework. Make sure the lens you pay for is the lens you receive. Serial numbers are important. Use pay Pal always......never your personal check or cash.

I bought this same lens a year ago at KEH and they were very honest and trustworthy and the lens was in MINT condition and I saved a lot of money. So far I am delighted with my purchase. A factory-refurbished lens is also another solid consideration as well.

Take your time and look before you leap or if possible , try it before you buy it.

Good Luck

repleo Loc: Boston

I have bought several used lenses on eBay including from individuals who were obviously not dealers. I have never had a problem. I did get one lens that was described as clean but turned out to have fungus. I was able to return it no problem even though the ad said returns not accepted. I was only out for the delivery costs.
If the lens was more than $1000 or had complicated electronics I think I would only use an established eBay dealer/seller or pay a premium and go to KEH, Adorama Used or MPB.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

With places like Robert's Camera, B&H, Adorama and others I do not see why to take chances. Robert's for instance will give you a 6 months warranty on used gear. Isn't that peace of mind?
Buy from a reputable dealer.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

With 523 activities on eBay over the past twenty years, I have never had a problem.

williejoha

It is a risk you need to evaluate.
WJH

jedcardio

Be very careful. I recently got ripped off by a fraudulent buyer who appeared legit making it appear that he had sent the funds. I foolishly sent a Canon 5D mark 3 camera only to find out that ebay had not received payment. Be sure you get a notification from ebay that they have the funds before sending the goods. The reverse I'm sure is also the case. Make sure you are dealing only with ebay and not the seller directly.

erickter Loc: Dallas,TX

Have had Many successful eBay purchases over past 15 years. Fraud protection is 99% guaranteed by eBay's buyer protection. Always read seller and buyers negative and positive ratings and length of time on eBay.

ggab Loc: ?

You will often find KEH and others on Ebay as well.
I have never had an issue with legit sellers, always look at feedback.
I stay away from Chinese and China influenced sellers.

When buying used, do your homework before hand.

Remember if a deal looks too good to be true, chances are it is too good to be true.
Caveat Emptor!

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

ebay and PayPal are great, I have used them for many years and have never had a problem with either of them. I have returned a few items and always got my money back, case in point, I bought a Blu-ray Pioneer
Elite player thru them for $220.00, it didn't work, not only did I get my money back, they told me to keep, it wasn't worth fixing, I junked it.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I use Ebay regularly and had only one problem with it. I appealed to PayPal and they fixed the problem. I made a complaint against the seller and he was removed from Ebay (that didn't mean he couldn't come back on under a new name). I knew things were fishy when his email response to my problem came from "gof*ckyourself@yah**.c*m.

dick ranez

Try your local craigslist. You usually can pick up the item locally and test it before you pay the money.