Would you buy a camera on ebay?

Reyna · Apr 12, 2011

i'm looking to purchase the d700 and trying to find the best price. there are a few listed on ebay at good prices but i'm hesitant to purchase a camera on ebay. the seller has a 98% positive rate but I just don't know... what do you think? Thanks!

RockstarPhotography · Apr 12, 2011

ebay is what it is. I've never had a problem with ebay. check out the feedback, contact the seller, use pay pal.

Robin Usagani · Apr 12, 2011

used or new? I dont find new ones that much better deal.

EckoZero · Apr 12, 2011

I'll second that motion.
I bought my Nikon F50 off eBay and given the price for what I was getting I thought I might end up £30 out of pocket.
The seller however was a gent and everything works perfectly. I got a bunch of filters, loads of film and some reloaders out of the deal too.

If you use PayPal and the item isn't as described you can get your money back anyway.

480sparky · Apr 12, 2011

98% is a meaningless number without knowing their feedback total and reading the feedbacks they've received.

If they have a feedback total of 100, then I'd be suspicious and move one. If their total is 55,000, that's not so bad.

Go through the feedbacks and look at the negatives. 9 out of 10 times, it's someone who bought something expecting perfectly new and w/warranty but the listing is for an 'as is' or 'untested' item.

Double-check to make sure PayPal covers the item if it's not as described. Also, make sure the seller either requires insurance, or at least offers it.

Reyna · Apr 12, 2011

new in box with 99.3% positive feedback with a total of 30,924. about 200 bucks cheaper than most other places with free shipping....

mikehaugen · Apr 12, 2011

I buy and sell things on ebay periodically and have to say that I have had more trouble with buyers than with sellers. I don't remember ever having a bad experience buying anything from ebay, though I do find that I get better deals from craigslist, As a buyer on ebay you have a lot more competition and you will pay actual value (most of the time) where on craigslist I usually find that I get it for less, not to mention you get to see it first hand before forking over the money and you don't have to pay shipping.

mikehaugen · Apr 12, 2011

okay then, I retract my previous statement- it was more aimed at buying something used. You posted while I was typing.

KmH · Apr 12, 2011

Reyna said:
Would you buy a camera on ebay?

Yes. When the seller is reputable, and the price is right.

If eBay was not a viable place to buy things, it wouldn't still be around. Think about it.

Village Idiot · Apr 12, 2011

No. Something that expensive that you may need the warranty on? E-bay would definitely not be on the top of my list. What if it's actually a gray market camera and Nikon denies a warranty claim on something that breaks 3 months down the road? It could cost you a lot more than the $200 that you saved on the purchase.

It's not something that I'd personally risk on an item like that.

photocist · Apr 12, 2011

Village Idiot said:
No. Something that expensive that you may need the warranty on? E-bay would definitely not be on the top of my list. What if it's actually a gray market camera and Nikon denies a warranty claim on something that breaks 3 months down the road? It could cost you a lot more than the $200 that you saved on the purchase.

It's not something that I'd personally risk on an item like that.

Warrenties do not transfer. Unless you get the item from an authorized dealer, consider it warranty free

Robin Usagani · Apr 12, 2011

I have bought a used 5D, 2002 Audi A6 Avant, scooter, etc. I love ebay LOL.

Ginu · Apr 12, 2011

I would buy used lens off ebay/craigslist but a little skeptical about buying a body off eBay. Besides I would really like my warranty.

love:multiplied · Apr 13, 2011

i just recently bought a d70 body and it turned out alright. he seemed to have it stored for awhile so it smelled a bit musty, but now that i've been using it for a few weeks, that 'must' is gone and it works great! just be sure to ask questions and make sure you are getting what you think you are getting.

djacobox372 · Apr 13, 2011

Ebay is the best place to buy used gear--as it's the only place that has third-party protection in case you get ripped off. I've probably purchased close to 100 used cameras off of ebay over the past couple years, out of those I've only had problems with the seller twice, and both times Ebay refunded my $$ via their buyer protection program.

Ebay isn't a great place to buy New gear--as they charge quite a bit to sellers so you will not get as good of a deal.