Some things I've learned over more than a few years, Peter:
1: Never buy something you *really* need, that you can't also replace on a
moment's notice--because sometimes you'll need to (e.g. your broken
monitor).
2: Don't ship anything that isn't double-packed--i.e. a box in a box, and
plenty of buffering. Always insure (because they'll handle it more
carefully), but don't bet the farm that they won't mess it up.
3: Always buy with a credit card that you use a lot. If the seller doesn't
deliver, deny the payment. Your Card Carrier will look it up and say, "This
person uses our card A LOT; we don't want to lose this business!" They
*know* they won't lose the seller.
4: Keep every scrap of proving paper--including all reciepts and your own
notes--together in a safe place. If you don't, Murphey's Law dictates that
you'll need them desperately. :-)
Best regards--LRA
>From: "Peter" <echo@mpinet.net>
>Reply-To: filmscanners@halftone.co.uk
>To: <filmscanners@halftone.co.uk>
>Subject: Re: filmscanners: Buying on eBay
>Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 12:44:00 -0400
>
> > No, I've had no need. I've bought nearly $2000
> > worth of photo gear and accessories on eBay over
> > the last couple of years -- cameras, lenses, etc. --
> > and not had any problems with careless packaging
> > or items damaged in shipment.
> >
> > To reiterate: I believe you over-state the risks
> > involved.
> >
> >
> > rafe b.
>
>I have had two cases. It was broken monitor's case. It took over 6 months
>to
>collect the money from US Post Office!!! It was pretty painful waiting with
>no monitor.
>
>Second case, I shipped out a scanner. It returned back in completely
>destroyed damped box. I was not successful collating any money from US Post
>Office since nothing inside was physically broken. I bet all my money that
>down the road the scanner will stop functioning or need recalibration in
>factory as a result of several impact or whatever happened to it. I sent is
>a "fragile" but I do not understand the meaning of the word after this
>exiting experience.
>
>I have heard people being unsuccessful collecting the insurance from
>another
>carriers as well.
>
>The bottom line is that there is a big risk buying expensive stuff from
>individuals. Unless it is a real bargain, I can rarely justify not paying
>with my credit card to a reputable merchant.
>I get 1.5% back, double the manufacturer warranty, have a chance to return
>it, additional protection first 90 days, dispute option, option to reject
>the package.
>
>Peter
>
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