Ebay - good or bad?

[bashfulbear]

Hi,

I'm hoping to upgrade from a D70 to either a D300s or a D700. Budget is somewhat restricted and I'm in saving mode. I'm reckoning on going for a D300s but have spotted a few "interesting" and highly "teasing" prices on ebay for the D700. It's highly unlikely that I'll be fishing out retail price for a D700 but have seen a few tempting offers on ebay which match the price of the D300s.

Obviously have checked the ratings which all sound / look good. But, it's a worry - risky but price is highly tempting. Anybody had a good / bad experience of buying high-end cameras on ebay? Advice much needed and very much appreciated! Thanks in anticipation... BB

[RedEyes©]

i wouldn't touch ebay with a barge pole these days. When you are selling generally people want to buy it for next to nothing, and when you are buying expensive items you can bet your bottom dollar that if you run into any problems Ebay will not do anything to assist you.

Quite simply they are more than happy to reap in the listing fees, final sellers fees and paypal fees, but as soon as you run into any problems trying to speak to a human being that isn't working from a script is impossible. Save your money a bit longer and buy from a reputable outlet

[bashfulbear]

Thanks for your frank reply David. Great website by the way! Like you, I am an amateur with a keen interest since digital came along. Having previously posted a note "D90 or D300s?" I think I have made my mind up - if I can stretch the purse strings, I shall go for the D300s. Any experience of MPB Photographic who sell second hand nikon & canon? When spedning so much dough, it is hard trying to decide on your retailer, whether they be online or an old fashioned shop! Any thoughts?

[peterlyall]

Have a chat with Grays of Westminster on the second hand front. From what I've seen it's about as close as you can get to a new one with the warranty etc they offer.
I run both a D300s and a D700 and if you can run to it there is no doubt the 700 full frame sensor is great for lower light levels. However, the 300s has its own merits and either will provide you with a great platform to work from.

[RedEyes©]

i have heard good things about Mifsuds but confess i have never used them. I appreciate the difficulty mate but its better to buy a good second hand model from somewhere half decent than to end up in a world of hurt on Ebay to my mind.

Thanks for checking out my website by the way, much appreciate your time

rgds
Dave

[bashfulbear]

Thank you all for your advice. It's a "jungle" out there and hard to know the best place to go especially when there's a lot of money at stake! This is a great forum!!

[Richampton]

Hi BB

I've used ebay for a couple of years now, and recently bought my Sigma 70-300mm lens on there, like yourself, the price was tempting and i went to ebay because of my tight budget - however i generally avoid ebay for anything expensive, for the sake of saving £40-50 i sleep easier buying from a reputable retailer

From experience i would reccomend that where possible only buy from UK Sellers, i personally don't touch Hong Kong or China sellers as some friends have had bad experiences with packages getting lost - if you do make sure you check the small print for anything regarding postage insurance being an extra option, and then there is the issue of returning the item - which a lot of international sellers dont seem to accept. I only buy from sellers who list actual photos of the item, and where there is only one image on the listing (as in the case of the Sigma lens) i drop an email to the seller and ask them to email several actual photos of the item being sold from various angles.

As you mentioned, checking the feedback is crucial - especially the comments of people who have dealt with them

On a final note / reccomendation, for accessories i bought my circular filters and spare batteries from a seller/shop called 'camera-acc' based in Portsmouth UK

Hope you find a great deal though!

Regards Rich

[bashfulbear]

Cool, many thanks Rich. Thanks for the tip on the Portsmouth based retailer - I'll look them up! Cheers, BB

[yvonne]

i've never bought a camera body off eBay, but for the past couple of times i've started buying my lenses 2nd hand off eBay. I realized i was a fool for buying new... as i've had nothing but good dealings now through eBay. The 2nd hand lenses i have bought have been in perfect condition... and i've made a good saving. [Generally around £100 off the price they are new]. I guess i'd be wary of buying camera bodies off eBay as more can go wrong with them. But, as for lenses and other accessories... i'd definitely check out eBay 1st of all.

Definitely check out the sellers history and feedback comments 1st of all... you get a pretty good idea of how reputable they are.

[Grant Stringer]

I have puchased from Ebay and have been happy with the goods and price. Like anything, you need to go carefully - as allready mentioned check out feedback, check the items bought and sold by the ebayer to give you an idea of how they got their feedback. Check the dates of their prvious transactions. Check thier location.You can mail them a question.
Lots of sellers have ebay shops and. or links to a website where you can get more details about them. This all helps to get a picture of the seller. I know that this is involved but it can save you hassle and save money.
I would advise reseaching the price of whatever item you are after - look at amazon as a guide and then seach for the best deal online. When you find a supplier you are happy with, search for any voucher codes for extra money off - it only takes a minute but can save you significant amounts of money.
The above is not a recomendation from me and you shop entirely at your own risk!

[BrianMDoucette]

I personally have bought both lenses and Camera bodies on eBay. The prices can be right especially for 2nd hand gear. There are several camera shops here in Canada that list all their used (and some new) equipment on eBay. I have had no regrets from anything that I have purchased. I bought several used lenses in the 50-100 dollar range and my best piece of gear, A Canon 1D Mark II, cost me around 800.00 dollars Canadian. I have had no problems with the camera at all. Of course it is always buyer beware, and as another post says, stick to local (in your country) sellers and if possible deal with reputible dealers who actually have store fronts.

My 2 Cents, B

[Grant Stringer]

Just remembered I did buy a lens through e bay from a company in the far east. They offered to pay any customs due as part of the price. The lens came recorded delivery. It took a leap of faith on my part ( I did as much homework on the company as poss!) but in the end I got a great lens at a super price. ps. it was delivered within a week.