OldCADuser Loc: Irvine, CA

I've purchased at least two serious cameras from E-Bay and have not had a problem, but as others have said, read ALL the fine print on an offer, because, as stated, E-Bay will have your back if it's not as advertised (I had one item which I had to return and they didn't blink an eye).

Note that I've also sold items on E-Bay and have had no problems going the other way. Note that what I've sold were mostly collectables and stuff like that, not camera gear.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Ok now I'm going to lose sleep over being blocked by you

Paradise Pirate Loc: Cape Coral, FL

When buying on ebay, look at sellers (1) STAR RATING (2) LENGTH OF TIME ON EBAY (3) RETURN PROCEDURE
Ask what the shutter count is, generally DSLR brand are rated at 200,000 shutter clicks. In box with directions desired. I have bought several cameras used, shutters around 5000 and camera like new. Nikon cameras serial number should start with 3 indicating sales in America. They dont repair cameras from other countries.

JeffinMass Loc: MA

Just like anything in life you always have to be careful. Make sure you read all of the information that is written by the seller, about the particular product before you do anything. It will also provide the seller's return policy. Look up his/her history and ratings. Ask the seller as many questions as you want. If it's a camera ask how many shutter clicks it has on it. Ask him why he is selling the item? Make sure you request a tracking number. I have purchased many items on ebay. I do prefer going into a local camera store though. Have you tried any of the "Used" camera stores online? B&H or KEH yet? Just sayin.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

I have purchased many cameras and lenses on eBay. Never a problem.
First, make sure that the seller is legit. That he has a good history and good ratings.
Second, ask any questions that you have. That will leave a trail if you have problems and eBay has to step in.

eBay has a great policy of taking care of the buyer. If you have any problems, they will have the seller contact you and work out an equitable adjustment, to a refund. If they don't, eBay will refund your money.

Of course, if the problem is because you didn't read the entire description and bought the wrong item or if some defect is listed in the description, you are on you r own.

mikee

I have thousands of positive ebay feedbacks.

Each seller will list the condition. Be leary of "used" condition, as it tells you nothing. Similarly, somebody saying it is 70% of new is worthless.
Look at pictures, and ask questions. Ask for other/better photos. You should be able to see a serial number in photos, or you might get a bait and switch. Bought a nikon lens in "good" condition and found out the VR didn't work. Seller (in japan) sent a full refund and said keep the lens. Now I ask if vr works, and if they reply "what is vr" I move on. Some sellers say US warranty, which is usually not a factory warranty.


Look at sellers feedback. Read the negative feedback statements. Look for trends.

Most stuff out of japan is reputable. Some stuff out of europe is suspect. Many items out of US are estate sales items, and the seller may not know the particular product.

JeffinMass Loc: MA

Remember that Nikon USA will not repair any Nikon products not sold in the US or Canada.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I would try KEH and MPB - or B&H or Adorama. I've had good luck with eBay, but "luck" is a big part of it. If you do buy from eBay, check the seller's rating - 98.5% would be my minimum. Make sure returns are allowed without restrictions. Examine all the pictures and read the description. Send the seller any questions. Do ALL correspondence through eBay.

BebuLamar

Well as I understand the OP already bought from Ebay after he posted this thread. I wonder whether he is happy with his first Ebay purchase.

tripsy76 Loc: Northshore, MA

While I’ve found EBay to be one of the worst places to sell on, it’s absolutely one of the safest to buy from. If the item isn’t as described you can return for a refund and there is very little the seller can do to deny the claim. Trust me!

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I once purchased a lens for my camera. Description seemed clear and price was right. Unfortunately, the lens was for a crop sensor camera and not my full frame. It is very important to read the descriptions and ask questions.

By The Way, I gave the lens to my daughter who has a crop sensor camera!