Buying used kit safely

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charlie 5

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Schoolboy question really.

Up until now i've been lucky enough for someone else to foot the bill for equipment. Unfortunately the time has now come for me to open my own wallet!

What safeguards do any of you use when you (if) you buy used kit from other photographers? Thinking of the situation when face to face isn't possible, you don't personally know the seller and your going on trust so payment is made through pay pal or bank transfers etc, not retailers but private individuals.

Any obvious things to consider relative to the kit itself or the method of payment. I'm not a gambler and would hate to think i'd get fleeced ,i can't help but look at all options available when i'm looking for kit, i'd love to buy anything and everything new but this just isn't an option.

Other than walk away if it looks too good any words of wisdom?

Thanks in advance
 
.....or, as I put in an earlier post regarding eBay, ask the seller specific questions about the item your considering buying, ask for photos to be put up especially for items like lenses. Is there dust inside, marks, scratches, fungus. Has it been serviced? If so when, by whom, are there receipts etc. the list is pretty comprehensive, and doesn't apply to just lenses. Cameras, tripods, bags etc can all be covered that way.

I appreciate that you are fairly new to this forum and won't have access to the 'classifieds' as yet. When you do, have a look on there and you'll see that within this community there is very little in the way of problems and it will give you an insight as to the info potential buyers seek from the seller.

eBay and others aren't so easy but there is nothing to prevent you asking questions of the seller and, if they're genuine and honest they should give an answer & if you use PayPal you have protection.
 
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I'd have no hesitation in buying fromMBP but would like to look at alternatives to retailers in the hope of saving some pennies wherever possible.
 
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If you're buying off here, then look at the sellers feedback as well as asking specific questions above.

I'd also look at what have they previously sold and there general post count - could give you an idea if they've joined, got the minimum required to access the classifieds and then buy / sell, possibly (but not definitely) more peace of mind with a long standing member on here - but we've all got to start somewhere, so just make sure you've got contact details etc as set out in the classified riles on here.
 
BMD said:
.....or, as I put in an earlier post regarding eBay, ask the seller specific questions about the item your considering buying, ask for photos to be put up especially for items like lenses. Is there dust inside, marks, scratches, fungus. Has it been serviced? If so when, by whom, are there receipts etc. the list is pretty comprehensive, and doesn't apply to just lenses. Cameras, tripods, bags etc can all be covered that way.

I appreciate that you are fairly new to this forum and won't have access to the 'classifieds' as yet. When you do, have a look on there and you'll see that within this community there is very little in the way of problems and it will give you an insight as to the info potential buyers seek from the seller.

eBay and others aren't so easy but there is nothing to prevent you asking questions of the seller and, if they're genuine and honest they should give an answer & if you use PayPal you have protection.
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Thanks for the response, having lurked for a while i don't think i ever seen a "public" discussion on here regarding a problem sale through the classified so it's an obvious place to start. Even though pay pal offers protection i'm just wary i suppose, no more than that.
 
charlie 5 said:
Thanks for the response, having lurked for a while i don't think i ever seen a "public" discussion on here regarding a problem sale through the classified so it's an obvious place to start. Even though pay pal offers protection i'm just wary i suppose, no more than that.
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There have been some but when you get access you'll see who / what happened and can make your own mind up.
 
The amount of s/h gear i have brought over the years :eek:,nearly all of its been ok,and you can save a bit try not to worry to much,on here i find people very honest about their gear :)
 
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