Re: [APML] [Very OT] Online auction reliability?

["Tom Diana" <tomdiana@means.net>]

I agree that there is always a risk when purchasing equipment sight unseen.
But I have had dozens of good experiences with Ebay (mostly photography gear
but also some astronomy accessories).  It definitely helps that a feedback
system is in place and you can make judgments according to the seller's
track record.  Also, Ebay provides insurance (although only up to 200.00) if
a deal goes sour.

The only time I have actually gotten burned was with an established dealer
(Spectra AstroSystems).  I had ordered and paid for some Losmandy mounting
rings only to find out that Dan had filed bankruptcy.  So I then ordered
them directly from Losmandy.  I should mention that I had numerous good
experiences with Spectra prior to their demise.

In general, I'd like to believe that amateur astronomers are a trustworthy
group in general.  A total stranger once sent me a complete Pentax LX outfit
to inspect before deciding to purchase it (a practice I don't think I would
adhere to).  On the other hand, the single most aversive transaction I had
took place through Astromart (this time as a seller).  It finally got
resolved but not without much grief.

There's risk at both ends.  Bottom line: there is never any certainty with
used equipment.  But there are certainly some great deals to be found.

 Message-----
From: Emmanuele Sordini <vega@ulisse.it>
To: astro-photo@seds.org <astro-photo@seds.org>
Date: Thursday, June 22, 2000 4:05 PM
Subject: [APML] [Very OT] Online auction reliability?


>Dear all,
>sorry for this off-topic post, but I just couldn't help it. I saw
>many threads where some of you talk about buying and selling stuff on
>eBay. Now, while I would generally trust fellow APMLers (for I suppose
>most people wouldn't want their reputation to be eventually ruined),
>I would tend not to make any deal with completely unknown peoples.
>Who assures me I'm not gonna be taken for a ride?
>
>As long as it's books, music and stuff like that, that's OK (I made
>myself several online purchases, most of which overseas), but when it
>comes to very delicate and complex gear like AP telescopes... I may
>sound narrow-minded but I would like to touch them with my very hands!
>
>I don't mean to start any flame war whatsoever, just curious.
>
>Bye
>Emmanuele
>
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