Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

Swift1 · 01-08-2017, 12:54 PM - **4 Likes**

Buyers Beware!

I saw someone posted a link to what looks like an insanely good deal on a Pentax MZ-S in a different thread.

I have recently noticed a rather large amount of camera gear on ebay with insanely low BIN prices, and free shipping. The seller is always in China with a 0 transaction/feedback rating. The photos of the gear is usually just copied from other legitimate listings.

If it looks to good to be true, that's probably because it is.
Always check out the seller.

E-man · 01-08-2017, 12:59 PM

Very true. I got burned on a deal for an external hard drive last all. Fortunately, eBay stepped in and refunded my money.

gerardbaron · 01-08-2017, 03:08 PM

I bought a used 300mm f:4 (M or SMC) a few month ago for less than 150US.
I was delighted and surprised that the lens was brand new.
Good thing also happen on Ebay.

**UncleVanya** · 01-08-2017, 05:46 PM

Originally posted by gerardbaron

I bought a used 300mm f:4 (M or SMC) a few month ago for less than 150US.
I was delighted and surprised that the lens was brand new.
Good thing also happen on Ebay.

Was the seller a zero feedback user in China?

Pablo Villegas · 01-09-2017, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by E-man

Very true. I got burned on a deal for an external hard drive last all. Fortunately, eBay stepped in and refunded my money.

Yeah, you're covered with eBay, they refund you if you don't get an item.

**aslyfox** · 01-09-2017, 11:36 AM

Originally posted by Pablo Villegas

Yeah, you're covered with eBay, they refund you if you don't get an item.

but if you get the item and it is really a piece of junk

then what

????

(not my experience I hesitate to buy from overseas sellers b/c I am afraid of customs, delays and more $)

Pablo Villegas · 01-09-2017, 12:09 PM

Originally posted by Aslyfox

but if you get the item and it is really a piece of junk

then what

????

(not my experience I hesitate to buy from overseas sellers b/c I am afraid of customs, delays and more $)

I think they will refund you if you send it back as well. And if you don't get it, that one I know for sure.

That's the only way I can buy much of my used gear, there are no that many seeking that gear here in Mexico, so I have used eBay a lot! I mostly buy from Japan used gear, and it has always been in excellent condition.

Last edited by Pablo Villegas; 01-09-2017 at 02:08 PM.

**UncleVanya** · 01-09-2017, 01:33 PM

Originally posted by Pablo Villegas

You can either say you didn't get it, and I think they will refund you if you send it back as well.

That's the only way I can buy much of my used gear, there are no that many seeking that gear here in Mexico, so I have used eBay a lot! I mostly buy from Japan used gear, and it has always been in excellent condition.

I hope you are not advocating lying. The seller would be out of the item and there would be potential insurance payout and that would be fraud.

As someone who has received an item that failed to meet expectations on more than one occasion I can say that most sellers are reasonable - if they failed to represent the item they will make some concession to you. If you are totally unhappy and they are unwilling to deal then eBay's dispute resolution process is available. You can't just "change your mind" and you can't have ignored data in the seller's ad - so if they showed a big scratch and you missed it and then complain - too bad. If they failed to show it and claimed it was optically clean - you have a good leg to stand on.

Pablo Villegas · 01-09-2017, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

I hope you are not advocating lying. The seller would be out of the item and there would be potential insurance payout and that would be fraud.

As someone who has received an item that failed to meet expectations on more than one occasion I can say that most sellers are reasonable - if they failed to represent the item they will make some concession to you. If you are totally unhappy and they are unwilling to deal then eBay's dispute resolution process is available. You can't just "change your mind" and you can't have ignored data in the seller's ad - so if they showed a big scratch and you missed it and then complain - too bad. If they failed to show it and claimed it was optically clean - you have a good leg to stand on.

I'm saying if there's no chance of resolution or getting your money back, like the poster I was replying said, receiving a dud instead of what you paid. If you receive something that doesn't work or is in a terrible state, thatwas no stated, the seller was lying, so he won't be willing to take it back. And I don't know if the can refund you if you do get the item, or you need to settle it with the seller.

**UncleVanya** · 01-09-2017, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by Pablo Villegas

I'm saying if there's no chance of resolution or getting your money back, like the poster I was replying said, receiving a dud instead of what you paid. If you receive something that doesn't work or is in a terrible state, thatwas no stated, the seller was lying, so he won't be willing to take it back. And I don't know if the can refund you if you do get the item, or you need to settle it with the seller.

The dispute resolution service covers that. Once you file a dispute you follow their process. Then they come to a decision. If in your favor the item is returned to the seller and they refund your money. The shipping is paid for by eBay and seller. The seller failing to refund triggers sanctions and eBay pays you.

At no time is lying about the item arriving a viable option. I strongly suggest editing your original post as it seems to suggest this.

Pablo Villegas · 01-09-2017, 02:07 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The dispute resolution service covers that. Once you file a dispute you follow their process. Then they come to a decision. If in your favor the item is returned to the seller and they refund your money. The shipping is paid for by eBay and seller. The seller failing to refund triggers sanctions and eBay pays you.

At no time is lying about the item arriving a viable option. I strongly suggest editing your original post as it seems to suggest this.

I didn't know that, that why I said you can always say it didn't arrive. I never had to settle a dispute with a seller, unless the item didn't arrive. Yeah, I'll edit it. Thanks for clarifying it.

Swift1 · 01-09-2017, 02:10 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Pablo Villegas

I'm saying if there's no chance of resolution or getting your money back, like the poster I was replying said, receiving a dud instead of what you paid. If you receive something that doesn't work or is in a terrible state, thatwas no stated, the seller was lying, so he won't be willing to take it back. And I don't know if the can refund you if you do get the item, or you need to settle it with the seller.

If you receive an item that is in a condition different than the listing described it as, then ebay buyer protection should cover it if the seller refuses to take it back.

The major point of my original post was that it's always smart to check out the seller.

**aslyfox** · 01-09-2017, 02:32 PM

Originally posted by Swift1

If you receive an item that is in a condition different than the listing described it as, then ebay buyer protection should cover it if the seller refuses to take it back.

The major point of my original post was that it's always smart to check out the seller.

Your major point is right on IMHO

luckily the very few times I had "problems" with an item I bought on EBAY, I communicated through EBAY with the seller and we were able to reach a good accommodation acceptable to all. YMMV

As Swift 1 suggests doing, I take my time in deciding - BUYER BEWARE - and check out the item and seller as much as possible.

Good luck to all who decide to try EBAY or a similar site.

**UncleVanya** · 01-09-2017, 04:44 PM

I find condition of items is often overstated and pictures are not always clear enough to see issues. I have had items arrive that were supposed to be clear and free of problems and they were scratched to the point of non-useable. Contacting the seller got me a - oh gee I didn't notice that, and a prompt refund and instructions to keep the item or toss it at my leisure. I use it as a paperweight to this day (EL Nikkor 50 f/2.8)

AquaDome · 01-09-2017, 04:52 PM

Originally posted by Swift1

Buyers Beware!

I saw someone posted a link to what looks like an insanely good deal on a Pentax MZ-S in a different thread.

I have recently noticed a rather large amount of camera gear on ebay with insanely low BIN prices, and free shipping. The seller is always in China with a 0 transaction/feedback rating. The photos of the gear is usually just copied from other legitimate listings.

If it looks to good to be true, that's probably because it is.
Always check out the seller.

I saw one last night and reported it to eBay. Nikon D7000 Buy-it-Now for $48 with free shipping from China, zero feedback seller, only one very small photo.

01-08-2017, 12:54 PM - 4 Likes	#1
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Buyers Beware! Buyers Beware! I saw someone posted a link to what looks like an insanely good deal on a Pentax MZ-S in a different thread. I have recently noticed a rather large amount of camera gear on ebay with insanely low BIN prices, and free shipping. The seller is always in China with a 0 transaction/feedback rating. The photos of the gear is usually just copied from other legitimate listings. If it looks to good to be true, that's probably because it is. Always check out the seller.

01-08-2017, 03:08 PM	#3
gerardbaron Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Mississauga (Canada) Photos: Albums Posts: 139	Ebay I bought a used 300mm f:4 (M or SMC) a few month ago for less than 150US. I was delighted and surprised that the lens was brand new. Good thing also happen on Ebay. Attached Images Last edited by gerardbaron; 01-08-2017 at 05:45 PM.

01-09-2017, 02:32 PM	#13
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by Swift1 If you receive an item that is in a condition different than the listing described it as, then ebay buyer protection should cover it if the seller refuses to take it back. The major point of my original post was that it's always smart to check out the seller. Your major point is right on IMHO luckily the very few times I had "problems" with an item I bought on EBAY, I communicated through EBAY with the seller and we were able to reach a good accommodation acceptable to all. YMMV As Swift 1 suggests doing, I take my time in deciding - BUYER BEWARE - and check out the item and seller as much as possible. Good luck to all who decide to try EBAY or a similar site. Last edited by aslyfox; 01-09-2017 at 02:37 PM.

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01-08-2017, 12:59 PM	#2
E-man Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 678	Very true. I got burned on a deal for an external hard drive last all. Fortunately, eBay stepped in and refunded my money.

01-08-2017, 05:46 PM	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by gerardbaron I bought a used 300mm f:4 (M or SMC) a few month ago for less than 150US. I was delighted and surprised that the lens was brand new. Good thing also happen on Ebay. Was the seller a zero feedback user in China?

01-09-2017, 11:07 AM	#5
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158	Originally posted by E-man Very true. I got burned on a deal for an external hard drive last all. Fortunately, eBay stepped in and refunded my money. Yeah, you're covered with eBay, they refund you if you don't get an item.

01-09-2017, 11:36 AM	#6
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by Pablo Villegas Yeah, you're covered with eBay, they refund you if you don't get an item. but if you get the item and it is really a piece of junk then what ???? (not my experience I hesitate to buy from overseas sellers b/c I am afraid of customs, delays and more $)

01-09-2017, 12:09 PM	#7
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158	Originally posted by Aslyfox but if you get the item and it is really a piece of junk then what ???? (not my experience I hesitate to buy from overseas sellers b/c I am afraid of customs, delays and more $) I think they will refund you if you send it back as well. And if you don't get it, that one I know for sure. That's the only way I can buy much of my used gear, there are no that many seeking that gear here in Mexico, so I have used eBay a lot! I mostly buy from Japan used gear, and it has always been in excellent condition. Last edited by Pablo Villegas; 01-09-2017 at 02:08 PM.

01-09-2017, 01:33 PM	#8
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by Pablo Villegas You can either say you didn't get it, and I think they will refund you if you send it back as well. That's the only way I can buy much of my used gear, there are no that many seeking that gear here in Mexico, so I have used eBay a lot! I mostly buy from Japan used gear, and it has always been in excellent condition. I hope you are not advocating lying. The seller would be out of the item and there would be potential insurance payout and that would be fraud. As someone who has received an item that failed to meet expectations on more than one occasion I can say that most sellers are reasonable - if they failed to represent the item they will make some concession to you. If you are totally unhappy and they are unwilling to deal then eBay's dispute resolution process is available. You can't just "change your mind" and you can't have ignored data in the seller's ad - so if they showed a big scratch and you missed it and then complain - too bad. If they failed to show it and claimed it was optically clean - you have a good leg to stand on.

01-09-2017, 01:41 PM	#9
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158	Originally posted by UncleVanya I hope you are not advocating lying. The seller would be out of the item and there would be potential insurance payout and that would be fraud. As someone who has received an item that failed to meet expectations on more than one occasion I can say that most sellers are reasonable - if they failed to represent the item they will make some concession to you. If you are totally unhappy and they are unwilling to deal then eBay's dispute resolution process is available. You can't just "change your mind" and you can't have ignored data in the seller's ad - so if they showed a big scratch and you missed it and then complain - too bad. If they failed to show it and claimed it was optically clean - you have a good leg to stand on. I'm saying if there's no chance of resolution or getting your money back, like the poster I was replying said, receiving a dud instead of what you paid. If you receive something that doesn't work or is in a terrible state, thatwas no stated, the seller was lying, so he won't be willing to take it back. And I don't know if the can refund you if you do get the item, or you need to settle it with the seller.

01-09-2017, 01:44 PM	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by Pablo Villegas I'm saying if there's no chance of resolution or getting your money back, like the poster I was replying said, receiving a dud instead of what you paid. If you receive something that doesn't work or is in a terrible state, thatwas no stated, the seller was lying, so he won't be willing to take it back. And I don't know if the can refund you if you do get the item, or you need to settle it with the seller. The dispute resolution service covers that. Once you file a dispute you follow their process. Then they come to a decision. If in your favor the item is returned to the seller and they refund your money. The shipping is paid for by eBay and seller. The seller failing to refund triggers sanctions and eBay pays you. At no time is lying about the item arriving a viable option. I strongly suggest editing your original post as it seems to suggest this.

01-09-2017, 02:07 PM	#11
Pablo Villegas Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 158	Originally posted by UncleVanya The dispute resolution service covers that. Once you file a dispute you follow their process. Then they come to a decision. If in your favor the item is returned to the seller and they refund your money. The shipping is paid for by eBay and seller. The seller failing to refund triggers sanctions and eBay pays you. At no time is lying about the item arriving a viable option. I strongly suggest editing your original post as it seems to suggest this. I didn't know that, that why I said you can always say it didn't arrive. I never had to settle a dispute with a seller, unless the item didn't arrive. Yeah, I'll edit it. Thanks for clarifying it.

01-09-2017, 02:10 PM - 1 Like	#12
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	Originally posted by Pablo Villegas I'm saying if there's no chance of resolution or getting your money back, like the poster I was replying said, receiving a dud instead of what you paid. If you receive something that doesn't work or is in a terrible state, thatwas no stated, the seller was lying, so he won't be willing to take it back. And I don't know if the can refund you if you do get the item, or you need to settle it with the seller. If you receive an item that is in a condition different than the listing described it as, then ebay buyer protection should cover it if the seller refuses to take it back. The major point of my original post was that it's always smart to check out the seller.

01-09-2017, 04:44 PM	#14
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	I find condition of items is often overstated and pictures are not always clear enough to see issues. I have had items arrive that were supposed to be clear and free of problems and they were scratched to the point of non-useable. Contacting the seller got me a - oh gee I didn't notice that, and a prompt refund and instructions to keep the item or toss it at my leisure. I use it as a paperweight to this day (EL Nikkor 50 f/2.8)

01-09-2017, 04:52 PM	#15
AquaDome Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Carlisle, IN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,475	Originally posted by Swift1 Buyers Beware! I saw someone posted a link to what looks like an insanely good deal on a Pentax MZ-S in a different thread. I have recently noticed a rather large amount of camera gear on ebay with insanely low BIN prices, and free shipping. The seller is always in China with a 0 transaction/feedback rating. The photos of the gear is usually just copied from other legitimate listings. If it looks to good to be true, that's probably because it is. Always check out the seller. I saw one last night and reported it to eBay. Nikon D7000 Buy-it-Now for $48 with free shipping from China, zero feedback seller, only one very small photo.