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eHam.net Survey
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Survey Question
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What's your experience with buying Ham Radio related items from eBay?
Posted: Aug 25, 2008
(1738 votes, 101 comments)
by VK5LA
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Survey Results
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Great, bargains galore!
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29% (502)
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Not so Great...
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11% (183)
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Terrible!
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2% (28)
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It used to be good...
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12% (214)
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Buyer beware...
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18% (316)
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I got Burned!
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4% (61)
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I've never used it.
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25% (434)
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Survey Comments
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Buy Smart on eBay
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eBay can be a source of good deals on ham equipment, but the buyer must be smart about how he buys on eBay. If I am interested in buying a used piece of equipment I do some research first.
1. Check dealers price for a NEW item. After all, how could I possibly bid on a used item without knowing what it cost new? If it's an item no longer available as new, I consult the closed listings from prior sales to get an idea. I also check eHam and other ham sites that list classified ads.
2. Watch items on eBay prior to bidding to see if used prices seem reasonable.
3. Set a reasonable spending limit and bid without "emotion". In my mind a used item in excellent condition should sell for at least 20% less than a new item.
4. Stick to your bidding guideline for the reasonable price, there will ALWAYS be another auction for the same model item, so don't over bid.
5. Ask questions. If you don't ask direct questions you could be making a mistake. Many eBay listings only mention cosmetic appearance, or state something like "Works 100%" but may not mention things like installed options etc. This is particularly important for items that should include filters or other plug-in parts that might be missing.
6. If the price is obviously ridiculously low, and it may be doubtful the seller is a licensed ham, do not bid, these are major red flags.
7. Ask for the sellers callsign. And only buy big ticket items from sellers with very high transaction numbers and excellent feddback scores.
8. If any questions go unanswered, do not bid, no matter how good the "deal" looks.
I have not been burned yet on eBay because I am careful about my research and who I deal with. Buying on eBay is the same as dealing with the public anywhere else.
I also buy on eHam and other sites, and I believe those purchases are a tad riskier since I know less about the seller than I do on eBay. It would be a good idea for eHam to have a seller feedback forum, but that's another topic altogether!
Posted by
AE6JN
on January 4, 2009
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Hams - Positive, EBay/PayPal - Negative
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I've purchased both of my rigs on EBay; Never had a negative experience with either. The first was a used (duh) FT-2600. I love that rig! Working still, even after all of the abuse I've given it. Second rig IC-720. Great radio for me.
Now, to the bad part - EBay/PayPal is inherently insecure. If at all possible, suggest that you make payments through a bank draft or some other way other than EFT through PayPal. I watched my bank statements after both transactions, and found that there were NINE SEPARATE TRANSACTIONS that I had not authorized. They were charging less than $10.00 per transaction, so no alarms were going off, and neither PayPal nor EBay would do anything about it. Luckily, my bank is one of the better ones around, and handled the situation with professionalism and great customer service (my money was recovered).
Word to the wise: trust no entity with your funds if you can't see them in person...
Posted by
KE7ONE
on January 2, 2009
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Buying on Ebay
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I have had very good experience buying and selling on Ebay, and only ran across one Adam Hotel. I offered him a complete refund including shipping and he refused my offer.
Life has that kind now and then, but for the other 99% it has been good.
Hams are basically honest folks.
Posted by
W0DLR
on December 30, 2008
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BARGINS STILL THERE
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I always look up user product reviews on E-ham before buying. There were two great deals I got recently. The one new Item I bought was from an E-bay store. It was a Tecsun 2100 Gen Cov. reciever. It came directly from China. After reviewing the radio, I found it was very well recieved from present users/buyers. The radio was $69.00 + $43.00 shipping=$113.00.. This radio is a bargin for what it does. It wont stay that way long, once folks realize how good it performs and how cheap it is. The second was a Wiemar trumpet. New in hard case. The seller bought out items from the company which went bankrupt. I paid $107.00 at auction. After research, I found an old advertisement for the instrument on line, and the retail price was $895.00 !! So, there are still deals on E-bay, you just have to look for them and know what you are buying. Ham stuff?? I won a Alinco DX-77 base transciever used for $400.00.. Everything works, but what attracted me was that a mod was made so you can xmit/rcv on ALL HF frequencies. Good for 60 meters and MARS. Again, as stated, No ham call for ham stuff-No bids from me. I have to laugh at this one: Some jerk bid $300.00 for a $250.00 Staples gift card-Go figure??
Posted by
KU2US
on December 14, 2008
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I've bought many radios on ebay, got screwed a few times, so buyer beware is the operative word here. Do your homework and ask MANY questions before you bid. A buyer who won't answer questions in detail is a buyer to avoid, many con artists out there. Check feedback and read the comments, read between the lines, there are some notorious sellers on ebay, one in Kentucky, although having no personal experience with him has screwed many people, but you read his ads and you think the receiver has been in a time capsule since new. You can find all sorts of things on ebay but be careful!
Posted by
KB1OKL
on November 28, 2008
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LOCAL seller "screwed" me
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Interestingly, my experience with the few ham radio items I have bought has been 100% good (so far). The only problem I've had is with a lawnmower I bought from an ebayer less than 30 miles from me. It was not as described, was much older than stated and needed repair. I you believe that crap about ebay or paypal helping you (I used both), I hope you have better luck than I did. They make you jump through hoops that are just about impossible to comply with in order to get any assistance. I can't say I'll NEVER use ebay again, but it'll have to be something I want REALLY bad and can't find anywhere else.
Tom
5
Posted by
WB6DGN
on November 10, 2008
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Ebay
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I have bought and sold many items on Ebay since the mid 90's but not ham gear. If the auction is on a high ticket item you better be familar with the product before you buy. You really need to be an expert with fine arts,fine crystal, watches, Minox cameras or ham radio gear.I had one problem with a Porter Cable routher that was represented as slightly used buy had gouges in the base. My son bought Sworsky (can't spell) crystall that was perfect in the photo but was glued together when it arrived. The seller would not refund unless he agreed not to leave negitive feedback. In that case they would leave you negitive feedback.
Posted by
WN2RUJ
on November 2, 2008
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bad everywhere
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I am trying to buy a couple decent general coverage sw
recievers. I have a preference for the older tube types just
becauss, I like the sound quality, I can work on them, and
in general I think they are better looking then the new
ones. Not to mention i am on a budget. I have purchased
equipment in the past on ebay with no problems. I have
not been to a hamfest in years since I do not live near
where they are held and have not seen decent sellers there
in years. recently I am really getting tired of the out and
out lies that sellers put on their ads. It works, great. I
used it all the time ect. When you get the radio it has not
worked in 20 years and lived those years in a flooded
basement, barn or similar place. There is no honesty
anymore. I have sold stuff on ebay and I always describe
it exactly as it is. I do not try to sell a rotted pile of junk
as Mint condition. I am getting pretty jaded about
anyone selling old radios.
Don't get me wrong there are some great sellers on ebay.
Just not selling these old radios. Anybody have a better
location to buy??
Posted by
N0SOY
on October 7, 2008
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Biased Survey
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What a waste ... I started to look at this question to see what experience people had had. Given only one "positive" choice and the others mostly negative. NO INFORMATION here! The person that dreamed up these survey options must be working for one of the two "major" political parties!! This is their style of polling.
My e-bay experience has been mostly positive, EXCEPT for it's impact on the ham-fests. I have made some "ok" buys but can't say "Bargains Galore"
K0AWU
Posted by
K0AWU
on September 22, 2008
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How appropriate! The same guy who "manages" the eHam Survey Page submits one of the most ridiculously biased survey questions ever written. Out of six relevant responses for actual eBay users, one is favorable and five are negative. Even when eHam pretends to have some kind of oversight it falls on its butt. What a joke this site has become.
Give the guy a break--he has to think up surveys because nobody will submit anything--anymore. All ideas and surveys are his--and only when someone says something about it will an original survey from someone else be posted.
This e-Bay survey is just an excuse to get hits, like most others are.
Why do you think the articles' section is 're-running' articles--or putting up junk articles? Because nobody who can write and submit meaningful articles will bother anymore. The site itself has become a big hit-counter advertizer supported joke.
Posted by
K1CJS
on September 21, 2008
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Positive Experience/Bad Survey
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My initial thought was if you've had any good experience at all the 1st answer was the only one to choose.
I have had great experience so far. I live near Atlanta and the only Ham store is over an hour away and their prices are HIGH. So, I purchase most of my equipment on-line and use ebay a lot. The thing is you HAVE to do your research and know what you are buying. I get the best price on-line and if I can get a good deal on ebay I go for it. though I do see people all the time bidding for used stuff as much as the price of new, don't understand that. You have to decide what would be a good deal for you and not bid over that.
I ONLY buy from other Hams selling their stuff and have had very good luck so far. I have bought 4 radios and another on the way (Yaesu FT-450AT) and they have been very well taken care of and almost mint, I have saved $100s of dollars.
Posted by
FRATRA
on September 21, 2008
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QUOTE: Ebay is ok if one can afford the inflated prices and costly shipping.
As long as hams are willing to pay obscene prices for gear, things will always be high. Right now there is an auction for a an empty SM-8 microphone box. An empty box! that will end in the $30.00 range inc. shipping. For an empty box and a cord.....
Auction # 250295073729
C r a i g
Posted by
N4CQR
on September 21, 2008
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Generally positive, but careful
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I agree with an earlier comment about the poll questions
being, ahem, skewed towards the negative. Hey, we're all
amateurs here, right? The guy's trying to do the right
thing and generate interest and comments. The results
speak for themselves--look at all of the interesting
personal views!
As for my eBay experiences, I've had nothing but positive
experiences with about 14 purchases and one sale. Sure,
not nearly as many as some of you, apparently, but I'm
aware of all of the caveats and have been careful and
lucky so far.
I also don't jump at anything being offered where I can't
independently verify to my own satisfaction the identity of
the seller and his/her equipment. Note to potential
sellers: It helps when licensed ham sellers include their
callsigns in the description. We all know how to find the
personal info from there, don't we?
I recently bought a very pristine Heath SB-220 amp with
great tubes for about $750. This one happened to be a
"pickup only" sale, which is actually a very good thing. I
knew the seller knew he was going to have to meet the
seller face-to-face, so I assumed that he would deal fairly
with me. Turned out I was right. I was able to send a
relative who lived in this guy's area to meet the guy and
verify the gear was clean. We can't all do that, but it
helps.
The world is full of folks whose lives sometimes serve as
object lessons or warnings to us all. I had to laugh
recently when some poor schlub bid a very used SB-230
amp up to over $800! Hope he enjoys it. SB-230's before
and since usually go for $250 to $400 less than that. If
he's not gonna do the research, who are we to restrain
him and his, um, exuberant bidding?
Cheers,
Dave K7DAA
Posted by
K7DAA
on September 18, 2008
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ebay
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I have been an ebay user for many years and I am very satisfied. Like everything in this world, the user must do his or her homework, follow the rules and read, read, read. I also always pay with Paypal utilizing a credit card, giving myself 2 options in the case of a dispute. The few times I have had an issue, it has always been resolved in a satisfactory manner.
Posted by
KB1MTM
on September 16, 2008
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Slanted Survey
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How appropriate! The same guy who "manages" the eHam Survey Page submits one of the most ridiculously biased survey questions ever written. Out of six relevant responses for actual eBay users, one is favorable and five are negative. Even when eHam pretends to have some kind of oversight it falls on its butt. What a joke this site has become.
Posted by
AB7E
on September 16, 2008
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I have to admit I have had good luck, but I have not bought big ticket items like transceivers on the service. When I want something, my first question is are you a ham and do you have a call? If they do not answer or say they are not, or selling for a ham, I do not do business with them. If the seller will give you his call, at least you know the address you are sending the device to or getting it from should match what is on QRZ. I have had more problems buying from hams locally. One looked me in the eye and just plain told a story, the rotor he sold me was junk. When I tried to contact him, again he was always out of town or unavailable.
Posted by
W3OZ
on September 16, 2008
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Buying on eBay
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I have mostly had good results. I agree that this alternative should be listed.
Dave K4JRB
Posted by
K4JRB
on September 16, 2008
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Alternatives exist
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I myself have had excellent results buying on eBay, but I set a bid level I won't go above, and only bid on auctions by sellers with excellent feedback. At least in big-city areas, Craigslist (electronics - search: ham) is increasing in popularity, usually with lower prices and the ability to see the item before paying._
Posted by
K7TCE
on September 15, 2008
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Withholding the truth?
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I never really bought much ham gear because
most hams want list price or are elusive in
their listings.
I can buy stuff other than ham radio &
almost always have better luck...
Posted by
K4RAF
on September 14, 2008
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"I'd rather pay full price from AES or somewhere like that and have a new product with a warranty."
Me too!
Typical Ebay seller says,"if it isn't all I say it is, I'll refund your money minus shipping charges." If it isn't all you say it is, I should not have to pay any shipping charges due to your misrepresentation.
There is a lot of misrepresentation on Ebay, much of it is subtle, some just plain fraud. I'll deal with reputable retail dealers, unless the person is local, known and trusted.
It isn't worth getting involved in some sellers confusion.
Posted by
WA4DOU
on September 13, 2008
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Mostly Good Results
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I've had mixed results -- a couple dozen or so, over the years. All but one were good and the one so-so experience wasn't due to misrepresentation on the part of the seller.
My key things to remember:
1) Carefully read the ENTIRE auction listing. Don't expect something that's not explicitly spelled-out. It pays to ask questions (the only bad question is the one not asked).
2) Review the seller's history and feedback. A significant amount of negative feedback is a red flag. A seller with a lot of activity is bound to get at least one negative.
3) Do some research on the current value of the item you're considering. Before you bid, decide on YOUR bidding limit. You'd be surprised that some people will bid more than the NEW price for a USED item.
4) NEVER bid until the auction is nearly over, unless you want to get into a bidding war and possibly wind-up paying more.
Bryan WA7PRC
Posted by
WA7PRC
on September 13, 2008
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I can find what I want!
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If I am looking for a speaker for my mint Tempo 2020 I would spends hundreds on gas going to hamfests and hours looking over the web at for sale ads. If I find one on E bay I use Bid Slammer for my bid and hope for the best. It has worked out well for me.
Dennis N5DPK ex kw5g
Posted by
KW5G
on September 13, 2008
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I've done great on ebay with the exception of ham radios. It seems to be a dumping ground for radios that do not work properly. I've purchased 4 radios off ebay and only 1 lived up to its claims (IC-271H for $300). $805 for a IC 746 that only put out half power from a guy calling himself holyman. After a big debate, I got my money back except shipping. I've learned my lesson.
Posted by
NV2A
on September 13, 2008
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eBay STINKS!!!
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Got rippped off on an stolen dual band Alinco. Police got the radio and the seller got my $$$. A double loss. Don't bother complaining to eBay, they don't care.
Posted by
KE5QAR
on September 12, 2008
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I buy stuff from E-bay all of the time and have only got burned once for about $50 when it was all said and done. One transaction out of almost 200.
Posted by
WA7MR
on September 12, 2008
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While I've never been burned by eBay I have found that the merch is not in the condx as claimed by the seller. Also people really tend to overpay for a lot of this stuff.
Posted by
NG0K
on September 12, 2008
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Found hard to find items
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I have bought and sold on eBay with decent results.
1. I do not buy big ticket items on eBay.
2. Located parts and acessories not found
found any place else.
3. DO NOT SELL TO OVERSEAS BIDDERS.
4. READ carefully the description of the
Item you are trying to buy.
I have had problems with the free ad sites however now I use them more. Got ripped of on a Yaesu FT-817 but the Court arrianged for my money to be returned 2 yeras later.
Posted by
W1LVL
on September 12, 2008
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AVOID Seller "Pennradio"
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A real dirt bag, I wont bore you with details but he sold me a used R7 antenna, no big deal. The antenna arrived in something that looked like a box and wanted me to defraud UPS by filing a damage claim for his inability to properly ship something.
Never again on E-Bay will I buy gear.
Posted by
K4OB
on September 11, 2008
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You get what you pay for.
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I'd rather pay full price from AES or somewhere like that and have a new product with a warranty.
Posted by
WB4M
on September 11, 2008
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Ebay superstore
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I seldom buy from Ebay, but there are items not readily available locally. I buy commercial radios from a couple of ebayers, and have had good luck, with only one not working. As for not having the manuals, I have several radios that I purchased from individuals that i know, and have misplaced the paperwork. Fact is, I don't know where all of my manuals are right now!!. Personally, I go through QTH.Com every day, looking for needed items. BUT, beware, not all sellers there are reputable. You send your money and pray to God you made the right choice. 73 happy buying Roy
Posted by
RADIOROY
on September 9, 2008
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eBay second chance offers
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eBay second chance offers by email have become a favoried way for scaming your money.
A few years ago I listed an HF rig to sell and it did not reach it's reserve price so I did not relist it. However several of the highest bidders got emails from scammers stating they were me and offer the radio as a second chance. The hams emailed me and I set them straight that it was a scam. I now always put in my description that I do not offer second chances.
Buyer beware of eBays these days. I understand that eBay business is down because of all the dishonest people using it these days.
K4YRK
Posted by
K4YRK
on September 9, 2008
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Ebay once was a bargin but with high shipping costs often one lump sum for shipping it has become a silly gambit, people bid so someone else doesn't get an item rather than stopping their bidding when the price has gone past reasonable, I am sure there is seller bidding on some items, the price just goes to high to fast, I wonder how many sellers have bought their own items back by underhanded bidding.
Posted by
KD8Z
on September 8, 2008
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I buy parts and tubes now. I'm not in a hurry.
I check seller's feedback; I know what readings the tubes I buy should have to be suitable for my uses--same for the descriptions of items I'll be using for parts.
Many years ago, I bought a few rigs via eBay and eHam. Overall, the eBay ones were as described or better.
Some of the descriptions, crack me up!
I've got a used light bulb that worked good the last time I used it. (It burnt out, so I stop using it).
Rare! Collector Quality!
A crystal controlled, 19 tube, FM business radio on 45.9Mcs that receives better than solid state rigs!
73
Bob
Posted by
W7ETA
on September 7, 2008
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Auctions in General
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My brother used to run a little country auction, and one of the often used terms were variations of "auction size", "auction working" etc... simply condensed to "buyer be smart"... I have bought and sold lots of ham gear on eBay, mostly good results. I have bought and sold autos on eBay, mostly good results... (Win a few, lose a few). BUT, the way this question was posed is rather missleading, just because we have good experience, does NOT mean it was a "bargain galore"... just handy and available.
Posted by
W4CKI
on September 7, 2008
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Posted by KE7AAS:
Very very few bargains anymore. Lots of junk, overpriced surplus, and just plain ripoffs. eBay has no policing, and now to sell in most areas you HAVE to use PayPal. A straight ripOff. Used to be fun to dig thru the auctions but now it is just like fingernails on a chalkboard....Scams, Shills, and ripoffs galore!!!
This is the best, most truthful post to date!
Posted by
K1CJS
on September 6, 2008
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ebay
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I've bought quite a few radio items on ebay, and sold a couple too. I've got some really good deals and a few ripoffs. "You pays ur money and takes ur chances."
I live in a rural area and the advice of buying from a reputable dealer, while good advice, is not really appropiate to folks like me.
The fact is that I've had better experiences with selling items on ebay than I have trying to sell on eHam or QTH. eHam, QTH and QRZ.com tends to get all the low ballers and folks trying to trade their junk for what you have.
Just my two cents worth.
Posted by
WN4DW
on September 6, 2008
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buying on eBay
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Have bought ham gear on eBay and have never been burned. Wouldn't say there are great prices but ok. With the wording of the survey, it seems it was skewed in favor of a bad experience.
Posted by
K0UPW
on September 5, 2008
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buying on eBay
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Have bought ham gear on eBay and have never been burned. Wouldn't say there are great prices but ok. With the wording of the survey, it seems it was skewed in favor of a bad experience.
Posted by
K0UPW
on September 5, 2008
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Over the past few years, I have bought radios on Ebay. My first radio was an ebay special. The radio worked just like it was described. No bad surprises. It worked fine. I have also had some learning experiences that others have alluded to in the process. I suspect that a good policy is to treat Ebay with suspicion. I also think it pays to know a lot about the item you are bidding on and ask questions. As one writer noted, hostile responses to questions are tip off. Another issue is that of price. Radio items on Ebay seem to be going up despite questions about quality. Two meter radios that would have sold at a hamfest for $50 now go for over $70 plus shipping charges which is another issue. Buyer Beware!
Posted by
KC8ZTJ
on September 5, 2008
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Ebay VS Eham
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You can get burned on eham as well as ebay......one is no better than the other.
Dont be stupid and you can do well on either.
Its a simple as that.
Hundreds of transactions and only been had once buying a transceiver/power supply from Canada (ebay)and the supply never made it.......learned to stay within the states.
Seller said customs swiped it .......
Posted by
KG4PFO
on September 5, 2008
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Beware when seller is an idiot
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Frankly, no matter what the source or advertising venue, I'm very wary of anyone selling ham gear without the manual and original accessories.
Could be he has Alzheimer's and just forgot where all that stuff is; but more likely he is the type to not really take care of anything.
Not a good deal for me, even if the rig is pristine.
WB2WIK/6
Posted by
WB2WIK
on September 4, 2008
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Call for e-Bay id
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On e-Bay right now is a Kenwood HF rig up for bid with issues. The seller gives a ham call as his id. So I looked on QRZ and the ARRL and the call look up says no such call exist. How ever QRZ on a old call look up shows the call had expired in 1998
Posted by
KA5ROW
on September 4, 2008
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Interesting data
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Of the respondants now, 28% said "great" and 72% said less than great or never tried it.
Posted by
WB2WIK
on September 4, 2008
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Survey Results
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I believe you should always purchase from a reputable dealer. Have a factory warranty for me is a sense of security. I would support buying from someone you know or even a friend of a friend. Ebay is out for me.
73s
Posted by
N2NB
on September 4, 2008
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How to Sell a Non Working Radio
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How to sell a non working Radio, and not be liable or held accountable for it.
Take the best photos you can. Give some factory specs.
Then!!!!! State the following.
I was told by the guy I got it from it works fine.
Unable to test, No antenna.
It lights up did no further testing.
It worked the last time I used it. ( 5 years ago )
No power cord.
No power supply
No tubes but it works.
Buying a Radio or Amp with these statements the seller is telling you it does not work. Then when you contact the seller they will say. I told you I did not test it. "Sorry Chump"
( How many times have we seen all the statements in the description )
Posted by
KA5ROW
on September 4, 2008
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No More !!! Burned!!!
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Ripoff capital of the world, they sell stolen items and junk that's been submerged at the bottom of every water filled ocean, sea, river, lake and puddle. they have pictures that has nothing to do with the item they are selling just so you would buy.
Here's a good one the box came delivered to my QTH and the box was empty.....
OK enough said..
73
Posted by
W3NRL
on September 4, 2008
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Not that good anymore
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Very very few bargains anymore. Lots of junk, overpriced surplus, and just plain ripoffs. eBay has no policing, and now to sell in most areas you HAVE to use PayPal. A straight ripOff. Used to be fun to dig thru the auctions but now it is just like fingernails on a chalkboard....Scams, Shills, and ripoffs galore!!!
Posted by
KE7AAS
on September 3, 2008
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SERIAL NUMBERS
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Always ask the seller WHATS the SERIAL NUMBER? (if you decide to buy somethin)
I always get a HOSTILE answer, then you'll know the item is Stolen!
EBAY is a SNAKE PIT full of Fuckin' Crooks.
Posted by
KPAX2
on September 3, 2008
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Ebay Survey
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There are few bargains at e-bay any longer, mostly sure to misrepresented merchandise,
SHILL BIDDING, and just plain ripoffs. Pay Pal "protection" and Ebay policing are a JOKE. I have done much buying and selling on Eham classifieds and QTH.com and have had
better and more satidfying experiences.
You can keep e-bay.
Posted by
5R8GQ
on September 2, 2008
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Overpriced
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I used to love ebay, but now it is very hit and miss. Most want way too much for their used stuff. I have been looking for a desk mic, and the one I want sells new for $125 shipping included. That same mic on ebay goes from $110 to $135 (including shipping) !!! That is for a used unwarranted item!!! Come on people!!
It is partly our fault, I can't believe a ham is not smart enough to research an item before he bids on it on ebay. If we would stop overpaying for stuff then it would come back to earth!
Research and think about it before you bid!
W9RYN
Posted by
W9RYN
on September 2, 2008
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Ebay ain't any different...
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Ebay is just like the medical industry, wall street and oil; Everyone simply wants a bigger slice of the pie. Trouble is, that pie ain't getting any bigger. Like the fellow said earlier, ebay will see the fate qvc has and wind up being only a venue for people who can't go to wal-mart in order to save 25% ... or those who don't know any better. By then, the ebay geeks will have made their millions and left. Same book, different cover.
Posted by
K9CTB
on September 2, 2008
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Non ham sellers
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Never buy any amatuer gear from a non-ham, especially if the item is from an "estate sale" All their trying to do is make money.The first thing I bought off ebay, got burned. It's easy to detect when the seller uses the word "ham" in the item title. I got some great bargins from fellow hams off ebay since then
Posted by
N9GGE
on September 2, 2008
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One ham purchase, DOA
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I was looking for a noise bridge, and bought an old Palomar one. I finally tried to use it and found that it was completely dead. I guess a previous owner (the seller told me he got it from a ham fest) tried to transmit with it in the line.
I'll stick to coins, which I'm pretty good at, and few of them will malfunction when they arrive.
Posted by
KJ4FUU
on September 2, 2008
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So far not any real problems with radio stuff. Ebay is good for hard to get not available locally things. Got scammed because I let the time limit pass befor complaining. All things considered, lost a little, gained a lot.
Posted by
VE6AAO
on September 1, 2008
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Used it on and off. Mostly to sell what would not sell elsewhere.
But with the new payments policies of eBay and PayPal recently started I have stopped using both and closed my accounts.
All they want to do is hold your money and collect interest now delaying payment to the seller.
It was getting to expensive for my tastes anyway.
Posted by
W7WV
on September 1, 2008
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Survey Results
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I agree with K6JPA. My eBay experences have been FB. But I will have to admit; the equipment prices on eBay have been more than those found here on eHam or QTH. eBay is a seller's market and the other two seem to be more of a buyer's market.
C r a i g
K6JPA said, It's interesting that 5 of the 6 choices available to vote on are
"never used it" or various levels of discontent."
Posted by
N4CQR
on September 1, 2008
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eBay transactions
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Over the past 8 years, I have had many dealings on eBay both buying and selling. If you're selling, the best thing to do is accurately describe what you're selling and provide as many pictures as practical. Start your bidding at the very lowest price you would sell your item for rather than a 'low-ball' number just to get bids coming in.
As a buyer, the things to look for are how long the seller has been on eBay and what their rating is. Read their feedback and especially any negative items. Negative items were a bad ideal all along since eBay is unwilling to remove them even if they are posted by a buyer who wants revenge for something that doesn't meet their expectations. Ask lots of questions before you bid if you're aren't sure of something. Depending on how the seller responds, you can also decide whether it is something you really want.
I have only had one bad experience with a seller who never actually had the item he was selling, only collecting payments. Turned out to be a 16-year old kid in Calif. who ended up selling a motorcycle he didn't have, collected over $2K and never delivered, of course. He was arrested for internet fraud and PayPal refunded my payment for the radio I never received about two months after my complaint was filed.
eBay has gotten way too big to keep up with everything. Some of their restrictions and rules are ludicrous but, their legal council has cautioned them on liability issues and they almost always rule on the side of caution. I use them mostly for non-ham items although QRZ has a good forum for non-ham items to sell as a convenience to the ham community.
All in all, I like using the ham lists much better, QRZ, QTH & eHam. ARRL's classified ad feature wasn't very good since one couldn't post a photo and was limited on the size of their ad. They were also unwilling to improve or expand that feature and for good reason; there were other sites that simply did a better job.
For me, I prefer using QTH.net as they have a good feedback forum where you can look up a buyer or seller and learn about them first hand before you do business with them. Scott does a great job of maintaining the site and it's easy to make a small donation to him, which isn't required but, allows the service to continue.
73, Paul Cavnar - K7IN
Cold Springs, Nevada
Posted by
K7IN
on September 1, 2008
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Used to be the place
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I've never been scammed and always gotten what I thought was some good deals.
Ebay in the last few years has turned into not such a deal any more. Used to get great deals and could count on great auctions. Now most things can be bought at the same price or less getting it local.
But there are still deals that can be found. I bought a new HT a year ago and got it for $100 bucks less than anyone else. Been an excellent HT and the transaction was great. I think you'll get a mixed bag of reactions from Ebay. Just beware and read everything real good.
73, John
Posted by
KE7UCW
on August 31, 2008
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Oner 400 trabsactions no problems an 100 % positice veedback
Posted by
N8FZ
on August 31, 2008
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No Problem ! but beware
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So far no problem,one in awhile if I didn't hear from this person. I'll be calling rather than sent email them, I've always look for High rate.
Jackie
KG4ORX
Posted by
N4MJG
on August 31, 2008
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Ebay
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One guy wanted ten bucks to ship a $6 golf cap. I told him to shove it....
Posted by
WB4TJH
on August 31, 2008
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SCAMBAY......
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Tried to purchase a Davis Weather station two years ago from an ebay(scambay) seller. I put in my top bid which was about 35 dollars short of the winning bid. After the bidding closed, a day or so later, I received an email from the seller saying that the winning bidder had failed to pay for the item and they were offering me a second chance offer because I was the second highest bidder. Needless to say, it was a fraud scheme initiated by a scammer who high-jacked the seller's page(Provantage Corp.) trying to scam money from unsuspecting bidders. After that episode, I no longer use SCAMBAY. BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by AC7WN on August 28, 2008
I didn't get burned by this scumbag scammer for $400.00 because I called the business directly and talked to them about the email that I received. They told me that they never offer a second chance on a high priced item. They would just re-list the item again if the winning bidder failed to pay for it.
EX-SCAMBAY user. Buyer Beware!!!!!!!!!
Posted by
AC7WN
on August 31, 2008
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E Bay Blows
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This is funny... This exact same thing happened to me but, on a different item... read on...
Scambay.....
Tried to purchase a Davis Weather station two years from an ebay(scambay) seller. I put in my top bid which was about 35 dollars short of the winning bid. After the bidding closed, a day or so later, I received an email from the seller saying that the winning bidder had failed to pay for the item and they were offering me a second chance offer because I was the second highest bidder. Needless to say, it was a fraud scheme initiated by a scammer who high-jacked the seller's page(Provantage Corp.) trying to scam money from unsuspecting bidders. After that episode, I no longer use SCAMBAY. BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by AC7WN on August 28, 2008
The following are my personal experiences with E-Bay other than the potential scam that came my way similar to as above.
The only things I have ever bought on e-bay that had "burn potential" were, 1 "high ticket" item, which was a good deal and a great experience and I bought a 10 meter radio that wasn't so great. The 10m radio had a lot of problems when I received it and I notified the seller. That seller was great in that they sent me a full refund... EVEN THE SHIPPING! I was very LUCKY and happened to buy with 1 seller that actually had ethics. Most internet sellers, e bay, qth, eham, craigs list or you name your place don't have those kind of ethics. All the other purchases I made were for "parts" items such as H.V. variable caps, cabinets, easy to determine "condition" items and other larger miscellaneous parts. I have been fortunate to have NEVER been "burned". This is due to what I have bought and paying close attention to details.
But that was then and this is now my observations...
1) Everything is WAY over priced.
2) Scams are everywhere
3) Pay Pal "protection" is a big fat JOKE.
4) Even parts are ridiculously expensive.
5) Shipping has become a scam in itself
E Bay and several other internet sites still get researched by myself regularly to just see what people are willing to ask for and pay for things but, I will NEVER purchase through the internet EVER again. It's like a lot of other things... Starts off great and then gets flooded by greedy people and scammers that ruin it for everyone.
No more internet purchases for me... It just isn't worth the risk nor the current prices.
Posted by
N8NSN
on August 31, 2008
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There are good deals!
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Bought my current rig (a Yaesu FT450) off of ebay a few weeks ago. Got it for $510 with free shipping after reselling a couple of items that came with it that I didn't need. It arrived in mint condition with the original box and all, and works great. The only bad part of the transaction was UPS screwing up the shipping (so what else is new) which made me wait an extra 3 days for it. I did check the feedback of the seller, which you can't do on many other for sale websites.
The only complaint I have against ebay selling is with people who charge outrageous shipping charges. I had to pay $15 for a diplexer to be shipped a couple of years ago. I had just sold a different one and shipped it for $4 via the post office.
73s John AA5JG
Posted by
AA5JG
on August 30, 2008
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survey results -- ebay
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Ebay is ok if one can afford the inflated prices and costly shipping.
I prefer using the available ham related classified sites, hamfests, flea markets and yard sales.
Ebay is not and will not be the demise of the flea market or ham fests. (especially the way they are treating small sellers lately) It is just one of the many places to buy and sell.
The worst thing with buying any used electronics on Ebay is knowing what you are buying and having the ability to repair it if it does not work or taking the hit when purchasing something beyond repair. There is a lot of 'not tested' or 'powers on and no further testing done' stuff on Ebay. So buying this, one has little recourse if it is junk, after all it was properly described in the listing. Negative feed back isn't the same as getting a refund $$$$$
Worst thing I find talking to some who have bought tube rigs from Ebay is the fact that many of them have had mods done by the technically incompetent, CBers, or the like. If they are being sold by non hams (transmitters cannot be tested on the air) or non technical people they would not know there was anything wrong with the rig. If they are not a ham and do not have the proper test equipment they could not tell if a rig performed as it is supposed to perform.
Sometimes there are bargains on Ebay, but most likely those bargains are on other sites and internet groups.
So. There are good things sold on Ebay and junk. I have been lucky enough to get some good deals, a few things that I had to repair (so what? The same with some things I got elsewhere) and nothing that did not arrive beyond repair.
Posted by
AI4WM
on August 30, 2008
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E-bay vs. fleamarkets
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E-bay in its original conception did spell the death of the fleamarket, but it didn't kill fleamarkets off. Now that e-bay has walked away laughing, the 'corpse' has gained new life.
Fleamarkets may never regain the popularity they used to have, but one thing is certain--they're far from dead.
Posted by
K1CJS
on August 30, 2008
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E-Bay changing
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There aren't as many good deals on e-bay as there used to be. Anyway, e-bay is changing from their starting intended use which was 'to be an internet site where you could put your unwanted possessions up for auction to a wide buyers market' to more of a quantity sellers 'internet store' type of site.
That change, along with the regulation changes that are designed to pinch the incidental users (sellers) and give more lattitude to the quantity sellers have changed e-bay to a internet department store which was based on an auction principle.
I got burned by paypal and took the hint--I closed out my account there (both e-bay and paypal) and now use other means for buying and selling. E-bay used to be a convenience site for selling that took a bit from the sellers to a money grabbing profit machine for their investors.
Posted by
K1CJS
on August 30, 2008
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Yep
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>Ebay versus Flea Markets?
>>>>I've said before, eBay foretold the death of the flea
market. It (the flea market) is over.<
Wow! If anything, I think there are more hamfest
swapmeets and other electronic fleamarkets now then I
have ever seen before. Here in the northwest, you have
almost an average of one hamfest per month (all within
reasonable driving distance). Sometimes more then one
per month. Also, we have four super-sized hamfests that
have hundreds of vendors -- individual and commercial.
Posted by K7PEH on August 29, 2008<
::Yep, same here. I think eBay, like "QVC" and "Home Shopping Network" on television which preceded it, is mostly for people who are "shut ins" and can't get out, or for people in rural areas who don't have many shopping options.
In urban areas, it's silly. I can walk to swap meets, garage sales, flea markets, and several malls...as well as HRO, etc.
One of the advantages of "city living."
:-)
WB2WIK/6
Posted by
WB2WIK
on August 29, 2008
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Ebay versus Flea Markets?
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>>>>I've said before, eBay foretold the death of the flea
market. It (the flea market) is over.<
Wow! If anything, I think there are more hamfest
swapmeets and other electronic fleamarkets now then I
have ever seen before. Here in the northwest, you have
almost an average of one hamfest per month (all within
reasonable driving distance). Sometimes more then one
per month. Also, we have four super-sized hamfests that
have hundreds of vendors -- individual and commercial.
Posted by
K7PEH
on August 29, 2008
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On the other hand
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>WA9PIE writes: Buy only from reputable sellers - anywhere
Regardless of whether you buy off eBay or from a hamfest flea market... buy only from reputable sellers. It's that simple.
I'd bet good money that the folks who've been burned on eBay were buying from sellers who had less than a few eBay transactions... probably the same folks who found that no one was going to flea markets anymore to buy their junk.<
::Not true at all in my case. I had 3 transactions, all 3 were not with "individuals" but with companies having thousands of transactions and very high "scores." They all lied anyway.
>I like eBay because sellers get rated.<
::They do, but they can also change the ratings.
>I've only been burned at a flea market. I've never been burned on eBay. Then again, I won't buy from anyone on eBay who is not rated. As such, I don't buy from flea markets anymore - they're not rated at all.<
::True enough, and you've had good experience. We're not all so lucky. At flea markets at least I can "try out" anything I wish: I always have AC power available, and a 14AH gel-cell try try out DC-powered stuff; battery cables, power cords, a dummy load, wattmeter, and portable service monitor (signal generator/SINAD meter), plus some mobile antennas. There isn't much I can't "bench test" right at a vendor's table, except for maybe KW amplifiers.
>I've said before, eBay foretold the death of the flea market. It (the flea market) is over.<
::Might be where you are, but here in the Big City they're still thriving, everywhere. Not just ham radio swap meets, which are plentiful and we have three monthly, but for all other items (general household goods, food, clothing, nursery items, etc) and they are as popular today as they ever were. In some ways, more popular as the economy isn't doing so hot and people are looking for bargains.
-WB2WIK/6
Posted by
WB2WIK
on August 29, 2008
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Buy only from reputable sellers - anywhere
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Regardless of whether you buy off eBay or from a hamfest flea market... buy only from reputable sellers. It's that simple.
I'd bet good money that the folks who've been burned on eBay were buying from sellers who had less than a few eBay transactions... probably the same folks who found that no one was going to flea markets anymore to buy their junk.
I like eBay because sellers get rated. I've only been burned at a flea market. I've never been burned on eBay. Then again, I won't buy from anyone on eBay who is not rated. As such, I don't buy from flea markets anymore - they're not rated at all.
I've said before, eBay foretold the death of the flea market. It (the flea market) is over. Local ham vendors are also disappearing. Therefore, buying new from vendors like R&L, AES... and so on (in-store or online)... or buying used from those companies or eBay is our option now.
Posted by
WA9PIE
on August 29, 2008
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Buy only from reputable sellers - anywhere
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Regardless of whether you buy off eBay or from a hamfest flea market... buy only from reputable sellers. It's that simple.
I'd bet good money that the folks who've been burned on eBay were buying from sellers who had less than a few eBay transactions... probably the same folks who found that no one was going to flea markets anymore to buy their junk.
I like eBay because sellers get rated. I've only been burned at a flea market. I've never been burned on eBay. Then again, I won't buy from anyone on eBay who is not rated. As such, I don't buy from flea markets anymore - they're not rated at all.
I've said before, eBay foretold the death of the flea market. It (the flea market) is over. Local ham vendors are also disappearing. Therefore, buying new from vendors like R&L, AES... and so on (in-store or online)... or buying used from those companies or eBay is our option now.
Posted by
WA9PIE
on August 29, 2008
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Up to this point, I have had great success on eBay. Bought many rigs and various ham related gear off of there. People just need to use common sense when using eBay though. Make sure the seller has great feedback. If there are some negatives involved with some sellers since NOBODY can satisfy everybody all the time. Generally with the power sellers. But a private owner with a 100% feedback rating means it is pretty safe to buy from. Stay away from folks with very little feedback, 10 or less is my general rule.
Great bargains can be found. Show some patience. I just bought a TS-940S/AT for $650 shipped. Works great! A lot of hams just want to get rid of stuff to clean the shack up a bit and want quick sales. so they will put it up for a low BIN price. Swooop!!
Posted by
N7IC
on August 29, 2008
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WB2WIK's comment
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Steve's comment is certainly true BUT Steve in a fairly populated area in California. That means "more people = more Hams = more equipment for sale". Here in the hinterlands of western Kentucky where it is a 3 hours drive to the nearest Ham Store (HamStaion in Evansville IN or Memphis Amateur in Tenn), the used equipment choices are few and far between. Around here most stuff is sold on a "dibs" basis. That is if a Ham buddy has and item and he/she is discussing selling or trading it, there is usually someone else who will put "dibs" on it and the sale is never offered to the public.
Point of all this:
I buy from Ebay & QTH & eHam because I can, not because I prefer to. Admitedly I have not made any major purchases but have had luck in finding and getting accessories and parts and the like. Some around here have and even had success in doing so but my major purchases come from Ham Radio Stores either new or used.
Clint - W5CPT
Posted by
W5CPT
on August 29, 2008
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Please READ!
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I didn't have time to look this up on SNOPES to see if this is a hoax, but it sure sounds legit and came to my PayPal e-mail....
----------------------------------------------
Steele et al. v. PayPal, Inc. et al., Civil Action No. 1:05-CV-01720 (ILG)(VVP)
Notice from Federal Court. Please Read.
You may be eligible to receive a benefit from a class action settlement if you funded a PayPal transaction using a source other than your credit card between February 1, 2004 and the present.
A federal court has directed that this notice be sent to inform you of a proposed class action settlement. Records show that you may be eligible to receive a benefit under the proposed settlement.
The settlement will resolve a lawsuit against eBay Inc. and PayPal, Inc. (collectively, "Defendants") involving claims arising out of representations in the PayPal User Agreement regarding PayPal's policies and practices for responding to refund requests from those customers who pay for transactions through PayPal using funds from funding sources other than credit cards. Under the settlement, Defendants have agreed to establish a settlement fund of $3.5 million to pay claims to potential class members. The proposed Class is defined as:
all U.S. based PayPal account holders who funded a PayPal transaction after February 1, 2004, using a source other than a credit card: (i) who subsequently requested a reversal of the transaction through PayPal's prevailing Buyer Complaint Policy and/or Buyer Protection Policy (collectively, "Policies"); (ii) who did not receive a refund equal to 100% of their transaction payment in response to such request from PayPal or their bank; and (iii) who, through the timely submission of a Claim Form under oath, attest to a reasonable and good faith belief that they would have received a full reversal of such payment had they used a valid credit card in their possession at the time of the subject transaction to fund the payment and filed a timely chargeback request with their credit card issuing bank. Excluded from the Class are any judicial officer to whom this Litigation is assigned; PayPal, eBay and any of its affiliates; any current or former employees, officers, or directors of PayPal or eBay; any Persons currently residing outside of the United States; and, all Persons who timely and validly request exclusion from the Class pursuant to the Notice.
To see if you are a Class Member and to obtain full notice of the Settlement, the required procedures, the deadlines, your obligations, and your options, you must visit www.steelesettlement.com. This email is only a brief summary of the full notice that is posted on the website.
If you are an eligible Settlement Class Member, you have rights, obligations, and options under the proposed settlement. You have until December 14, 2008 to file your Claim Form and Certification Form. Your legal rights are affected whether you act or not.
1. Submit The Claim Form And The Certification Form By Mail
This is the only way to get a settlement payment. You must: (1) print and fill out the Claim Form and return it by mail to the address provided on the Claim Form; and (2) print the Certification Page of your Claim Form, sign it, and return it by mail to the address provided on the Claim Form. Your Claim Form and signed Certification Page must be mailed and postmarked no later than December 14, 2008. For more information on these deadlines, the Effective Date of the settlement, the Claim Form procedures, and the settlement benefit, you must visit www.steelesettlement.com.
2. Exclude Yourself – Opt Out of the Settlement
If you do not want to remain a member of the Class and participate in the Amended Settlement, then you may exclude yourself (opt-out) from the Class by mailing or delivering (email is not permitted) your written request. Your original, signed request for exclusion must be RECEIVED on or before October 31, 2008 and mailed to the following address:
PayPal/Steele Class Action Settlement
c/o The Garden City Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 9309
Dublin, OH 43017-4209
Your request for exclusion must contain your name and address, be signed by you, and include the reference "Steele et al. v. PayPal, Inc. et al., Civil Action No. 1:05-CV-01720." If you exclude yourself from the Class, you will not participate in the Amended Settlement and will not receive any payment from the Amended Settlement.
3. Object
Write to the Court about why you do not like the settlement. Your objection must be filed with the Clerk of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Brooklyn Main Office, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York 11201, no later than October 31, 2008. Pursuant to the Court's Order, you may not be heard on or entitled to contest the Court's decision unless you have filed written objections no later than October 31, 2008. A hearing ("Settlement Hearing") shall be held before Hon. I Leo Glasser on November 17, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Courtroom 8B South, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York 11201.
4. Do Nothing
You will automatically be included in the Settlement Class and give up your right to be part of any other lawsuit about the claims in this case, but you will not be eligible to receive a settlement benefit unless you submit a Claim Form.
To get complete information about the proposed Settlement, the required procedures, the deadlines, your obligations, and your options, you must visit www.steelesettlement.com.
Please do not contact PayPal, or PayPal's customer support about this Notice, or the Settlement. Instead, you must visit www.steelesettlement.com for complete information about the proposed Settlement, the required procedures, the deadlines, your obligations, and your options.
Please do not reply to this message. We are unable to respond to inquiries sent in reply to this email. To contact us, please access the official settlement website at www.steelesettlement.com.
Posted by
WA8MEA
on August 29, 2008
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Amp Ads on EBAY!
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Love the ads where CB AMPS are listed for Amateur Radio use only! Then when you email Ebay they never pull ad as they might lose their fee! ALL AMATEURS should not list amps on Ebay, only on sites like this so CB'ers do not get our amps! Plus all hams should report these ILLEGAL AMPS to Ebay!
Posted by
W9LVM
on August 29, 2008
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beware
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Used to be good. Used to be if a person was a HAM they were trustworthy or you found out about it pretty fast. HEY used to be there was no cussing, nasty talk or bad deals on ham radio. Now? The majority are good but ya have to beware.
Jim W4EPA W4EPA@juno.com
Posted by
W4EPA
on August 29, 2008
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I have purchased from e-Bay listings.
Transceiver purchases have been, with some exceptions, a negative experience.
Keys, bugs, paddles, outboard filters, and like items have been, with a very few exceptions, a positive experience.
So a mixed bag, over-all, I guess.
Posted by
N2UGB
on August 29, 2008
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Scambay.....
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Tried to purchase a Davis Weather station two years from an ebay(scambay) seller. I put in my top bid which was about 35 dollars short of the winning bid. After the bidding closed, a day or so later, I received an email from the seller saying that the winning bidder had failed to pay for the item and they were offering me a second chance offer because I was the second highest bidder. Needless to say, it was a fraud scheme initiated by a scammer who high-jacked the seller's page(Provantage Corp.) trying to scam money from unsuspecting bidders. After that episode, I no longer use SCAMBAY. BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by
AC7WN
on August 28, 2008
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Scambay.....
|
|
Tried to purchase a Davis Weather station two years from an ebay(scambay) seller. I put in my top bid which was about 35 dollars short of the winning bid. After the bidding closed, a day or so later, I received an email from the seller saying that the winning bidder had failed to pay for the item and they were offering me a second chance offer because I was the second highest bidder. Needless to say, it was a fraud scheme initiated by a scammer who high-jacked the seller's page(Provantage Corp.) trying to scam money from unsuspecting bidders. After that episode, I no longer use SCAMBAY. BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by
AC7WN
on August 28, 2008
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Ebay experience
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It seems to me like there's an awful lot of reasonably good looking stuff being offered for sale that is described as:
1- "...untested..."
2- "...don't have the license to test it..."
3- "...All the tubes light up..."
4- "...I have no idea what this is..."
5- "...the guy I got it from said it worked great...". (this is my favorite!)
Caveat Emptor.
Posted by
WA2ROC
on August 28, 2008
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I bought several items over the years and I have never (yet) been ripped off. On the other hand, I've probably only really gotten "killer" bargains twice. Generally, speaking, in my opinion, one is far better off if one can see and operate the item before purchasing (OK, that's a no-brainer). Short of that, talking to the seller at length and negotiating a fixed price is way better than rolling the dice on an online auction. Given a choice, I would feel much more confident buying from a seller on eHam or QRZ than through an online auction.
Posted by
W2KG
on August 28, 2008
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eBay
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The vast majority of my ham related needs have been purchased on eBay with absolutely no problems or surprises. I only pay what I feel the item is worth based on my research, and I ONLY buy from sellers with outstanding feedback scores.
Posted by
NC4A
on August 27, 2008
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I've purchased items on Ebay with good results. But not so good on eHam
Posted by
W3HD
on August 27, 2008
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Selling VS Buying
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I rarely buy ham gear on eBay. Why pay 85%+ of new/retail to get something without a warranty? Sellers typically want more than their used gear is woth. Who can blame them if people are willing to pay?
Selling on eBay can be great! I love it when people get all wound up in the bidding frenzy and pay more than I would. On occasion, I have sold used gear for more than I paid for it new. Mind you, the items I sell are fairly described, in good working order, etc. Go figure...
Posted by
K8DXX
on August 27, 2008
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Good Luck So Far
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I've made quite a few amateur radio related purchases on Ebay, so far so good. Mostly its been connectors, cables, ladderline and that sort of thing - these were all new so had no problems and got what I expected. I did purchase an FT-101 and some matching accessories this way too - got me on HF originally for around $140 which ain't bad I guess.
As to prices, well, its like any other auction, live or online...you can get carried away - but whose fault is that? In an auction, something is worth exactly what gets paid for it at the moment the hammer comes down...to the person who made the final bid. Economics 101 - its the exact point where the supply curve intersects the demand curve.
Posted by
VE6JJO
on August 27, 2008
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Good Luck So Far
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I've made quite a few amateur radio related purchases on Ebay, so far so good. Mostly its been connectors, cables, ladderline and that sort of thing - these were all new so had no problems and got what I expected. I did purchase an FT-101 and some matching accessories this way too - got me on HF originally for around $140 which ain't bad I guess.
As to prices, well, its like any other auction, live or online...you can get carried away - but whose fault is that? In an auction, something is worth exactly what gets paid for it at the moment the hammer comes down...to the person who made the final bid. Economics 101 - its the exact point where the supply curve intersects the demand curve.
Posted by
VE6JJO
on August 27, 2008
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What about selling?
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Poll questions also didn't cover selling experiences.
My very first sale was an antique clock. The fella who had the winning bid NEVER RESPONDED to ANY of my e-mails, or the intercession by Ebay.
So I voided the sale.
Next day, the guy gives me negative feedback and lies about me not giving him time to respond. (I gave him ten days!)
When I contacted Ebay and stated I will never be able to sell another item because of this first sale's untruthful negative feedback, Ebay's response was; "Well you can post negative feedback on him...."
Wow! An Ebay flame war!
I told Ebay to take a flying !@#$%^&* and never looked back....
Bill - WA8MEA
Posted by
WA8MEA
on August 26, 2008
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QTH.com
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Why fool with Ebay, when the best for buying and selling is QTH.com???
73, Bill
WA8MEA
Posted by
WA8MEA
on August 26, 2008
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Do your homework
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I bought and sold several items on eBay. It's quite simple do your homework, feedback is key. If the seller has lot's of pictures and good feedback with a return policy how can you go wrong? I use it and will continue to, lot's of good stuff but I repeat do your homework first!!!
Posted by
W3END
on August 26, 2008
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ebay
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Bought my kenwood 830s and vfo on line... had to put $200 in repairs afterwards but happy with my rig...
Posted by
N5IVZ
on August 26, 2008
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Gave it a shot
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I tried, had negative experiences (3), gave up. Haven't used it in years. Likely won't again.
Didn't find PayPal to be helpful in resolving complaint.
I do peruse the items for sale sometimes and if I can identify a "local" seller (exclusively) sometimes I'll contact them directly to go have a look. If the item is something I want, I'll either join the auction or wait to see if the auction expires without a sale, and then go make an offer directly.
Only local deals for me from this point forward.
Posted by
WB2WIK
on August 26, 2008
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Biased question
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As previously noted there was only one "pro" answer and the rest were just varying degrees negative. All in all a very poor survey question.
I would also rate eBay as being "about the same as" other places for one on one ham radio dealings. And it does have a number of advantages over ham only trader sites.
My choice would have been "Decent" if that had been a choice.
Posted by
N9DG
on August 26, 2008
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slanted poll
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Although I am no fan of eBay, why do you have six of your seven questions damming them? Notwithstanding their slow downward sprial, there are still good bargins to be had if you are careful and as with any sales transaction 'let the buyer beware'.
Posted by
KE7KLY
on August 26, 2008
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Buying on e-bay
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I suppose that buyiong on e-bay is a great idea for many people but I like to actually "touch" and "feel" (i.e. INSPECT) the radio before I buy it. Maybe it's "old school" but it hasn't failed me yet!!
Posted by
AF4KK
on August 26, 2008
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Lots of pictures help
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I've purchased several large ticket items on Ebay with good results. I find ham sellers with good to excellent feedback helps. I look for pictures. Lots of them. Inside, outside, etc. For bargains I look for non-hams sellers. Bidding wars happen and items go over value easily. You need to set a max and stick to it. Also snipers will hit your item in with under 10 seconds to spare so be ready on the bidding trigger. Most ebay items are won in the last 10 seconds of the transaction. To me ebay is like the hamfest that never goes away!
Posted by
W7NWH
on August 25, 2008
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Sometimes overpriced
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People sometimes get hung up in a bidding war. There should be a selection for "Sometimes overpriced, but if it's something you can't find anywhere else...".
I've met a lot of nice people through eBay deals, and one total alpha sierra sierra who wouldn't send payment for one of my auctions, cyberstalked me and my family, and got me suspended from eBay. (Turns out she may be a he.) Beware of eBay user "Appboone", aka Maria Spencer, aka Jason Spencer, aka I.R. Heck, of Jefferson, NC. He/she has gotten other hams suspended from eBay too. There's a definite pattern. Read about this jerk at ripoffreport.com. eBay won't "unsuspend" me in spite of me sending them a copy of the police report I filed and having the district attorney in Jefferson back me up on my assertions. So- eBay won't be getting any more of MY business.... -KR4WM
Posted by
KR4WM
on August 25, 2008
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Never used never will because of all the horror stories.
Posted by
KC9MAV
on August 25, 2008
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I think there should be a "middle of the road" selection for it's fine, not great, would use it again if the item/price is fair.
Posted by
N9GXA
on August 25, 2008
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Survey Results
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It's interesting that 5 of the 6 choices available to vote on are
"never used it" or various levels of discontent. I've always
been pleased with my radio and other communication
equipment purchases on eBay, and have done so over 100
times. As far as I'm concerned, it's at least as good as
purchasing from other sites. At least you can easily track the
seller's feedback and there is usually plenty of photographs.
Posted by
K6JPA
on August 25, 2008
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Survey Results
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It's interesting that 5 of the 6 choices available to vote on are
"never used it" or various levels of discontent. I've always
been pleased with my radio and other communication
equipment purchases on eBay, and have done so over 100
times. As far as I'm concerned, it's at least as good as
purchasing from other sites. At least you can easily track the
seller's feedback and there is usually plenty of photographs.
Posted by
K6JPA
on August 25, 2008
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