Beware Etsy.
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
For anyone who doesn’t already know, avoid camera “deals” on Etsy the same way you would with 42nd St. - the site has more obvious scams than the unclaimed fortune emails I receive routinely from Africa. It’s so bad (It makes Craigslist look like the BBB), that I can’t believe it’s still in business. Here are some examples (and each “seller” has only 1 item, nothing but an email address, and 0 sales, references, reviews or even an address).
Canon EF 300 mm f2.8L IS (in perfect condition complete with case) $800
Canon RP with EF 24-240 & EF 50 for $350
And best of all, Canon 5D MkIV with “complete photography package” which includes a 24-105L and a 16-35L for $889.99 (!)
How do they get away with continuing to post these obvious scams (or stolen/fake merchandise) and stay in business? I’ve come to expect scams on a daily basis, but these are so blatant, it got my attention.
All I can say is WOW!
Anyone think they can get a $5,000+ camera combo for $900? Really???
I refuse to visit their website or open their emails. Pure rubbish.
In the past I've looked for vintage cameras on Etsy - mostly the ones that aren't worth much. Even those are nearly always overpriced, so I don't look there any more. I'm not surprised that scams are appearing there. Thanks for the heads-up.
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
Bob Mevis wrote:
I refuse to visit their website or open their emails. Pure rubbish.
I don’t either, but I was checking the price on used 300 f2.8Ls (not that I’m ready to buy one you understand, just looking), when I saw this one. Upon looking further, I was kinda stunned it was so blatant (and I’m not easily surprised anymore).
I saw a 400mm f2.8 in mint condition on ebay the other day for a starting bid of 300.00. Lol Same deal no experience and no ratings. Lol. Oh to buy my next dream lens so cheap. Lol.
Yes, online shopping can be treacherous. I've been burned twice, but got refunds from PayPal. I don't like Etsy in general. The site seems to offer more than it delivers. In general, if a price is lower than elsewhere, don't trust it.
Unless a site is from a reputable company, I ignore it. Amazon gets lots of bad press, but they have a good selection, good prices, and fast deliveries.
jerryc41 wrote:
Yes, online shopping can be treacherous. I've been burned twice, but got refunds from PayPal. I don't like Etsy in general. The site seems to offer more than it delivers. In general, if a price is lower than elsewhere, don't trust it.
Unless a site is from a reputable company, I ignore it. Amazon gets lots of bad press, but they have a good selection, good prices, and fast deliveries.
I like you have be burned but I only use PayPal for payment and they have come through always so far.
The same warning goes for Mercari. I purchased a flatbed Epson scanner and when I received it, it was a totally different model, of much lesser quality and value of course. Mercari advertises total money back guarantee but in my case the seller would not accept it back and I had to ship the darn thing to Mercari's office. I got my bid money back but it cost me $40 to ship it. Not a pleasant experience. They are definitely off my list.
Rocky Beech wrote:
The same warning goes for Mercari. I purchased a flatbed Epson scanner and when I received it, it was a totally different model, of much lesser quality and value of course. Mercari advertises total money back guarantee but in my case the seller would not accept it back and I had to ship the darn thing to Mercari's office. I got my bid money back but it cost me $40 to ship it. Not a pleasant experience. They are definitely off my list.
Bummer.
I get all my pieces parts from B&H, Best Buy, or Office somebody.
I only use sellers who have a reputable history or those who are recommended on this forum.
fjdarling wrote:
In the past I've looked for vintage cameras on Etsy - mostly the ones that aren't worth much. Even those are nearly always overpriced, so I don't look there any more. I'm not surprised that scams are appearing there. Thanks for the heads-up.
I agree, Etsy vendors seem to have a highly inflated view of the value of vintage cameras, and little to no knowledge about them as to their operability. I too stopped looking on Etsy for collectibles.
Stan
"There's a new sucker born every day."
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
StanMac wrote:
I agree, Etsy vendors seem to have a highly inflated view of the value of vintage cameras, and little to no knowledge about them as to their operability. I too stopped looking on Etsy for collectibles.
Stan
That’s the other strange thing - the vintage film cameras are insanely priced - such as $299 for a Canon AE1 🥺
I did not know about Etsy, but I don't shop there. Last I looked, this was also pretty common on Amazon with the same hints that they are bogus. Impossible deals. No prior sales history.
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