|   Is it safe to buy through Ebay? | Jeffrey N
Oct 20, 2002 5:21 PM | | I have recently discovered Ebay. Looks like a lot of Home theatre stuff is sold through it and at prices that sometimes seem too good to be true. Like the Denon AVR 5803 Home Theatre receiver that makes me salivate every time I think about it. Found it being offered by one particular seller on EBay Canada for one third of the list price here in Canada, taxes, shipping and duties included (at least that is what he offered).
Was ready to buy it from that particular seller. Then when I researched the seller (based in London England), I could not find it in the London whitepages or yellow pages. Nor did not I like his glib answers to my concerns (i.e., "Don't worry, I'm legit") when I brought them to his attention through email.
So fellow HT and Home electronics afficionadoes, tell me...is Ebay for real? Can I expect to send an unknown person or entity selling on Ebay thousands of dollars of my hard earned money and actually get the product I've bought, by accepted bid or otherwise?
Or is there a danger of being scammed?
Look forward to your answers.
JeffreyN., Toronto |
| re: Is it safe to buy through Ebay? | rpgamer
Oct 20, 2002 5:51 PM | | There is always the chance of being scammed - with any company really. However I would not worry about the fact that he isn't listed in the white pages - most ebay sellers (even reputable ones) don't list their companies in the white pages - there is not point - it is all online. To address your concern over his glib answers - some people just aren't nice - it doesn't mean he isn't reputable. As long as the seller has a lot of positive feedback (and very little negative if any) then I'd say you are fairly safe. To me, a lot means anything over 50. With less than 2% of their total feedback negative. That is my rule anyway. I've bought and sold many items on ebay (the majority of them electronics - they seem to yield the best deals because stores mark them up like hell).
I'd say its a safe bet - just be wary and definitely contact the seller before you purchase the item (especially if the item is rather expensive). If you don't have any questions - make one up just to find out if he responds quickly and answers your question thoroughly. If he does and he has a fair amount of positive feedback - go for it!
Plus if you purchase on Ebay through PayPal you have double protection - both have buyer and seller protection policies. |
| re: Is it safe to buy through Ebay? | bogrod
Oct 20, 2002 7:01 PM | | Also, it depends on what you're buying. Is it new? Is it used? If it is used, make sure to check the sellers feedback (as rpgamer already mentioned) Also, look at the 'fine print' of the sale, especially if it's being sold used, and 'as is' (i.e. no returns accepted)
If it is new, does it come with a manufacturer's warranty? There are hundreds of e-tailers selling merchandise such as electronic equipment who are NOT authorized by the manufacturer, thereby nullifying any warranty or product support from Denon themselves. The seller might claim that he's authorized, but the only way to make sure is to contact Denon themselves.
Just my $.02 |
| re: Is it safe to buy through Ebay? | yamdsp-a1
Oct 21, 2002 5:11 AM | | You can also use e-bay's escrow services to ensure that the item you purchase is actually the item you recieved. I would definitely use this service for a big ticket item. My pain threshold is $1000 USD (yours may be lower or higher). If it costs more than $1K and I get screwed on the deal, I am upset. Therefore any deals over $1K I would use escrow. It increases the cost of doing business but it gives you considerable peace of mind. Escrow allows you to inspect the goods to ensure quality before the seller receives payment.
Just as an aside, the UK uses different voltage 220 vs 110 in Canada. Make sure the power input on this denon is compatible with Canada.
I uses e-bay all the time and have only had a few small dollar bad experiences. Nothing serious at all.
Yam |
| re: Is it safe to buy through Ebay? | kfalls
Oct 21, 2002 5:12 AM | | I've purchased many items from ebay, but in your situation I would still be a bit wary. What is your recourse should, worse case, he steals your money and you never hear from him again? Ebay has their "Safe Harbour", but I think it's limited to only a fraction of what you would loose on the 5803. Have you read his feedback? If he has a substantial sales record with few/no negative feedbacks, you're probably pretty safe. Most sellers protect their records, or no one will buy from them. If he has a short/patchy history, stay clear you can probably save yourself an lot of hassle by buying from someone else. |
| re: Is it safe to buy through Ebay? | oceanview
Oct 24, 2002 12:36 AM | | I have used eBay for a few items, but the anxiety made me quesion if it was worth the experience. My biggest beef with eBay (and any company for that matter), is if there is a problem, you are not able to SPEAK directly with anyone. If I can't talk with you, then why do business with you is my motto. I know there have been hundreds of thousands of good transactions, but at the end of the day, it's the comfort level with the company.
eBay's policy...were just a facilitator. Hell they recently failed their own FRAUD test. What does that tell you. Oh yeah...their fraud insurance...around $250...less $25 deductible...on a $1200 item...I don't think so!
Would I use eBay again, I don't think so. And if you really look at the prices, how much cheaper are they. Check it out. Mark a item, follow it until it's sold and look at the final price and compare it to other online stores. Bet you won't see any major savings.
Just my 3cents...
Later... |
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