Beware Etsy: 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...

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.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

All I can say is WOW!

Anyone think they can get a $5,000+ camera combo for $900? Really???

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

I refuse to visit their website or open their emails. Pure rubbish.

fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA

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).

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

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.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

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.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

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.

Rocky Beech

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.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

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.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

I only use sellers who have a reputable history or those who are recommended on this forum.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

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

Festus Loc: North Dakota

"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 🥺

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

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.