Buying gear from private sellers over the internet / protection?

[Witterings]

I'm looking to possibly buy some new gear and ideally 2nd hand but how do you protect yourself from being scammed?

Any seller (real or not) can advertise something in a music forum or a hifi group on social media .... virtually all of those sellers are going to be looking for a bank transfer so you have no paypal / credit card protection although I'm probably more targeting this in hifi forums that have classified sections.

On well known auction sites, you'll probably have paypal protection .... BUT .... the seller only needs to provide proof of posting and delivery which could be a box of bricks rather than an amp and you'll struggle to get a refund.

I did have an occasion a retailer sent me some speakers and they were damaged in transit, despite the fact it had nothing to do with me I felt terrible and since then video opening the box on any valuable deliveries but again, who says the box I'm opening is the one that's been delivered????

I have subsequently installed a CCTV doorbell, so hopefully you'd have a record of the box arriving and you opening the same one but generally how do people deal with these issues / safeguard themselves?

 

[nads]

Do your research, check user names. Check website age etc. use credit card or PayPal goods abd services.

If the deal looks great they often are only great for the scammer.

If it is on a forum or other public please keep it all in the open, if they want do do direct messages be wary. Get pictures with the days date, do reverse image searches. Etc etc.

 

[Messiah]

On well known auction sites, you'll probably have paypal protection .... BUT .... the seller only needs to provide proof of posting and delivery which could be a box of bricks rather than an amp and you'll struggle to get a refund.

If you are concerned used places like eBay, just ensure you only buy from sellers with good feedback as a seller - preferably over a substantial period.

Not wanting to jinx myself but I have been using eBay for over 20 years now and have only been scammed once. Definitely could have been more had I not ensured I do research on who I am buying from.

The other option is to buy local and check the gear yourself. Again, many local groups like those on FB will have feedback.

 

[nopiano]

On eBay it’s the buyer that gets the protection. The seller is at the greater risk, because the buyer can pretty much claim anything and it’s hard to prove what you despatched. I do usually take pics though, just in case when I’m selling.

Meeting up is by far the best way to get protection. I drove 130 miles to meet a very nice chap to buy some old speakers earlier this year. He drove about 50 miles to reduce my trip. But we ‘spoke’ first via Messenger. Other times I have discussed things on the the phone.

Forum people I’ve got to know from their regular posts, but obviously they need to be active. The dodgy sellers are on eBay, and more often Marketplace with several cheap items all photographed in different setttings. I recently reported one as I recognised some backgrounds from genuine sellers - he was just a fraud!

 

[Fandango Andy]

I'm looking to possibly buy some new gear and ideally 2nd hand but how do you protect yourself from being scammed?

Any seller (real or not) can advertise something in a music forum or a hifi group on social media .... virtually all of those sellers are going to be looking for a bank transfer so you have no paypal / credit card protection although I'm probably more targeting this in hifi forums that have classified sections.

On well known auction sites, you'll probably have paypal protection .... BUT .... the seller only needs to provide proof of posting and delivery which could be a box of bricks rather than an amp and you'll struggle to get a refund.

I did have an occasion a retailer sent me some speakers and they were damaged in transit, despite the fact it had nothing to do with me I felt terrible and sincvideo opening the box on ny valuable deliveries but again, who says the box I'm opening is the one that's been delivered????

I have subsequently installed a CCTV doorbell, so hopefully you'd have a record of the box arriving and you opening the same one but generally how do people deal with these issues / safeguard themselves?

I have only ever had two problems with ebay deliveries. Neither HiFi.

The first never arrived. I got an instant refund no questions asked.

The other refused to send my purchase claiming they had made a mistake and it should have been collection only. Ebay sad they couldn't compel him to send it. Again I got a refund.

 

[ianrjones]

Motoring. I know two sales blokes who take photo's of valuable cars in the street. Unknown to thier manager, they advertise said cars for sale amongst the guenuine cars at thier site, on-line with no. plates obscured.
As they are priced below thier true value, and of course, get people interested. When the fish bite, they exclaim on the phone, that many folks are interested, and need a deposit. (£500 will do). From MANY fish. When the fish visit the site, they are told that the car is in for servicing. And to come back in a few days. When the fish come back in three days, they are told, the front discs have to be replaced, for the new MOT. And come back in three days. The fish are then told the work hasn't been completed, and come back in another few days.
This goes on and on, indefinately, As of course they do not have the said car. But they do have lots of deposits.
As eventually the fish get pissed off, some ask for thier deposits back. But no, this a Heinous crime, you broke your agreement.
You lost your deposit. All this trouble the fish have caused, wasting the salesmens time. After all the trouble they went through getting the car perfect for them. And all the money they spent, just for you.
Get out! Don't you come back here again, you time wasters!
I got to know lots of dodgy characters in the motor trade.
I just painted the cars, and kept my head down.
IAN.

 

[Minkey1]

Had some great open box/refurbed etc bargains on eBay from recognised hifi retailers and brands direct, with warranties. Bought lots of “watched once” 4k blu rays from sellers with good FB, no issues. I’d be reluctant to buy higher value items from private sellers, if only bcs of the lack of warranty.

 

[Al ears]

Had some great open box/refurbed etc bargains on eBay from recognised hifi retailers and brands direct, with warranties. Bought lots of “watched once” 4k blu rays from sellers with good FB, no issues. I’d be reluctant to buy higher value items from private sellers, if only bcs of the lack of warranty.

Unfortunately most people use eBay to buy second-hand goods so warranties are not an issue.
I haven't had any issues yet when buying higher price goods from the right sort of sellers, which you really must check out.

 

[Minkey1]

Unfortunately most people use eBay to buy second-hand goods so warranties are not an issue.
I haven't had any issues yet when buying higher price goods from the right sort of sellers, which you really must check out.

Seller feedback/time present, first thing I check.

I’d certainly agree eBay protection is geared to buyers, sometimes against natural justice for sellers.

It is what it is. Like everything else, wits close at hand and in working order are essential.

 

[RoA]

I only ever had a problem on the bay twice and that was with a record I've ordered which arrived warped. That was sorted immediately and a turntable which I sold which arrived damaged. Also sorted with buyer and courier service. It happens.

 

[Jasonovich]

On eBay it’s the buyer that gets the protection. The seller is at the greater risk, because the seller can pretty much claim anything and it’s hard to prove what you despatched. I do usually take pics though, just in case when I’m selling.

Meeting up is by far the best way to get protection. I drove 130 miles to meet a very nice chap to buy some old speakers earlier this year. He drove about 50 miles to reduce my trip. But we ‘spoke’ first via Messenger. Other times I have discussed things on the the phone.

Forum people I’ve got to know from their regular posts, but obviously they need to be active. The dodgy sellers are on eBay, and more often Marketplace with several cheap items all photographed in different setttings. I recently reported one as I recognised some backgrounds from genuine sellers - he was just a fraud!

I do the same, take photos of the serial number.

 

[Al ears]

I do the same, take photos of the serial number.

Exactly. The only issue I have ever had was a buyer trying to return a Rotel amplifier which wasn't the one I sold him.....

 

[Noddy]

I'm looking to possibly buy some new gear and ideally 2nd hand but how do you protect yourself from being scammed?

Any seller (real or not) can advertise something in a music forum or a hifi group on social media .... virtually all of those sellers are going to be looking for a bank transfer so you have no paypal / credit card protection although I'm probably more targeting this in hifi forums that have classified sections.

On well known auction sites, you'll probably have paypal protection .... BUT .... the seller only needs to provide proof of posting and delivery which could be a box of bricks rather than an amp and you'll struggle to get a refund.

I did have an occasion a retailer sent me some speakers and they were damaged in transit, despite the fact it had nothing to do with me I felt terrible and sincvideo opening the box on ny valuable deliveries but again, who says the box I'm opening is the one that's been delivered????

I have subsequently installed a CCTV doorbell, so hopefully you'd have a record of the box arriving and you opening the same one but generally how do people deal with these issues / safeguard themselves?

I would not buy anything sight unseen except on eBay or through a reputable dealer. And even then I don’t travel far to view an item from a private seller. I’ve had previous experiences with two chancers selling camera gear privately that was not as described. A friend sold a hifi item on eBay, the buyer returned it for a refund saying it was faulty, but had replaced the insides with faulty ones. He then sold his newly repaired item at top price. Crooks abound.

You should also look out for clearance items and demo units. The latter can be well worn, or they can be spotless. And shops take items for trade which are often spotless, so you might get a good deal, or even try making an offer.

 

[RoA]

As has been suggested previously, just take all possible precautions. Take photos of the item whilst packing it and also when it has been packed and addressed. If it is a working Hifi component additionally take a quick video just before packing showing it working. Make sure it is time stamped.

All this will not prevent a dubious buyer putting a claim in or return it, nor will it guarantee the courier will not damage it but at least you have every possible chance in a dispute.

As a buyer, do your due diligence as mentioned before committing. There is no substitute for experience but that doesn't mean you can't take necessary steps to prevent fraudulent transactions. Also, if in doubt, ask the seller questions and request specific answers. Ebay keeps transcripts of conversations which can be used in a claim.

Important to remember though they are rare. Ebay is a brilliant tool, both for buyers and sellers.

 

[Witterings]

Brilliant and cheers for eveyone's input ... I was looking to buy a Chord Qutest and possibly from someone on a forum but I found a 2nd hand one with a dealer and a year's warranty so for peace of mind have gone with that.

 

[twinkletoes]

Brilliant and cheers for eveyone's input ... I was looking to buy a Chord Qutest and possibly from someone on a forum but I found a 2nd hand one with a dealer and a year's warranty so for peace of mind have gone with that.

The qutest is a lovely device but yes buy from a dealer if you can (will be harder though as most savvy people will sell privately to get the full worth of the product). If the chord was bought from new by someone there is every possibility it could be pretty "old" its nearing its 10 year birthday, like mine!, So might be prudent to ask its manufacture date.

Also not all dealers offer a year most are 6 months

 

[good_enough]

Have bought and sold on ebay with no problem, including camera kit and HiFi. As others here have said - check out the feedback and apply a smell test to the offer.

I have personally only had to get money back twice, in both cases not a hassle I just had to ask. (One a tape deck with a squeal, one a Chinese knock-off of a branded cable).

 

[Witterings]

The qutest is a lovely device but yes buy from a dealer if you can (will be harder though as most savvy people will sell privately to get the full worth of the product). If the chord was bought from new by someone there is every possibility it could be pretty "old" its nearing its 10 year birthday, like mine!, So might be prudent to ask its manufacture date.

Also not all dealers offer a year most are 6 months

It was bought from the same dealer by a regular customer who traded in for a TT2 and is 1 1/2 years old so I belive still has 2+ years manufacturers warranty as well

 

[twinkletoes]

It was bought from the same dealer by a regular customer who traded in for a TT2 and is 1 1/2 years old so I belive still has 2+ years manufacturers warranty as well

Make sure the manufacture warranty is transferable chord make mention on there site "to original owner only".

 

[record_spot]

Been doing this for so long I lose track of what I do to avoid the dodgy looking items.

That said, I did just see a supposedly "new" Arcam Delta CD player from back in the 90s - however, the listing wasn't entirely clear as the seller opted for an AI text, which features heavy advertising blurb of the day "Arcam's new design", etc, but they've marked the item as new in the listing. The photos of the player don't make it look as pristine as you might expect for something just out the box, so that's one I'd likely pass up on.

On the other hand, the various listings for other older CD players I see most look pretty legit and if I'm the one sending stuff out, I insist on full tracking and insurance to cover the replacement cost of the goods - if I'm selling something for £250, I'm not going to be posting it out on £10 courier charge with £20 of cover applied in the event something goes wrong. Nuh-uh and if the buyer's not happy with that, no sale.

 

[Jasonovich]

Been doing this for so long I lose track of what I do to avoid the dodgy looking items.

That said, I did just see a supposedly "new" Arcam Delta CD player from back in the 90s - however, the listing wasn't entirely clear as the seller opted for an AI text, which features heavy advertising blurb of the day "Arcam's new design", etc, but they've marked the item as new in the listing. The photos of the player don't make it look as pristine as you might expect for something just out the box, so that's one I'd likely pass up on.

On the other hand, the various listings for other older CD players I see most look pretty legit and if I'm the one sending stuff out, I insist on full tracking and insurance to cover the replacement cost of the goods - if I'm selling something for £250, I'm not going to be posting it out on £10 courier charge with £20 of cover applied in the event something goes wrong. Nuh-uh and if the buyer's not happy with that, no sale.

Exactly, if I'm selling, I always ensure that the courier service has insurance that covers the cost of the item. Also if you're selling, I would take photos the serial number.

I usually add my own narrative in addition to AI. If I'm a buyer, I tend to avoid sellers who choose not to give adequate information about their product and if it's a trader/private seller I always check their ratings. I suppose it's all common sense but it's so easily overlooked.

eBay is a great place to get a bargain but always be mindful of the scammers (though, it has to be said, eBay customer protection policies are pretty robust).

Yesterday I sold my Dali Zensor 1, very cheap, the buyer came to collect, I also dropped in some speaker cables.

I told him it was a Christmas present, he said, I'll pay for it, you're absolutely sure?
He was a young bloke, just starting out on his HiFi, ah give him a helping hand I thought. I hope my Karma has improved!
The Klipsch r-50m speakers I got from eBay was an incredible find, the seller had them boxed since purchase, hardly ever used. Absolutely pristine and a mere £175.
Life is a box of chocolates (sorry F Gump) but eBay can be full of surprises!