Where do you buy your used gear?

[ewick]

share your experience with where you have bought your used gear. And if you can add a little information m=for myself and any future readers it would be greatly appreciated. Whats the difference between used and refurbished? is there one better? When buying used gear what do you look for? I apologize if there is already a related thread like this one. Is there a big difference between vc vs. non or vr vs. non or os vs. non-os? I was just wondering. thanks.

 

[dxqcanada1]

I used to buy my used gear from the numerous downtown camera stores ... today there aren't any, just pawn shops.

I have been buying through eBay, or via the numerous Forum Classifieds.
Tip about buying use ... know what questions to ask by knowing the equipment you are buying.

Referb ... the manufacturer has repaired products that were sales returns, and are up for resale.
Used ... end user has purchased the product and is now up for resale.

 

[orb9220]

Do all my buying craigslist about 20-30 purchases without a hitch. As get to test before cash.
Always give it a Through Examination and Inspection. Don't let them rush you.
I always state in email on meetup that may take 5-15 mins for me to inspect to my satsifaction and to allow for that in their time table.

I am a rare breed when comes to selling on craigslist. As give the buyer until next day refund option.
If they send me an email next morning before Noon then will gladly refund their monies less $5 for my time. After that it's theirs.

Refrubs usually get a savings and at least a 90 day warranty tho some camera stores will extend that with their own coverage.

Also note buying used warranty IS Not transferable. Even with the empty include warranty slips you still need a valid reciept to show purchase place & date to be considered for warranty. Some may include a reciept if paid in cash and know the requirement for warranty coverage. But that is a rare seller. I always bought new in cash and kept the reciept inside box for times of re-sale and buyers are extra happy getting a cash reciept with a used purchase.
.

 

[TheBiles]

I buy almost every piece of my gear on eBay. Read the seller's feedback, carefully examine the photos, and ask any questions that you have. I've never had a bad experience in 9+ years on eBay.

 

[AgentDrex]

keh.com and shopgoodwill.com

 

[480sparky43 42]

Local camera store.

Ebay.

Craigslist.

Nikonians.

TPF.

Next door neighbor's kids.

 

[ewick]

I ask because I, like I am sure many a noob have done this.... Have bought brand spanking new to avoid gear that might not work properly, but as I have become more familiar with the gear I want I realize that sometimes money is tight so I can't always afford the luxury of brand new so I have to get used gear and there is nothing wrong with that. I have only bought from CL as well because I get the chance to see it before I buy it as opposed to see it on picture online. I hear KNH and BH and amazon and google are good places but if you have another place to buy used gear I would like to hear about it.

 

[480sparky43 42]

Used = Caveat Emptor.

Refurbished = Tested & repaired to original specs. Usually, all refurb gear is tested. The same cannot be said for new.

 

[brunerww]

...I hear KNH and BH and amazon and google are good places but if you have another place to buy used gear I would like to hear about it.

This is a good list. I have also had very good experiences with Adorama. They have a great used department. It is very well organized by brand and type of camera. They also provide ratings on the condition of each item.

Cheers,

Bill