eHam

eHam Forums => Hamfests => Topic started by: N1GMV on April 22, 2022, 08:24:39 AM

Title: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: N1GMV on April 22, 2022, 08:24:39 AM
So this is how it is? Lie to unsuspecting buyers at a Hamfest?

"Selling for a friend", "Worked last time I used it!"

Assume everything for sale is Broken unless proven otherwise.

I Purchased for a Good Used Working Price a 2 meter amp at Rarsfest that was DOA and then later purchased an Amp from Ebay, was told the pre-amp was out and clearly a main final was blown as well. A Motorola Final that is no longer made.

Tired of this crap and it needs to stop.

Who else here got ripped off? Sound off!
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KC6RCM on April 22, 2022, 08:34:53 AM
If the seller can't prove that the item works, I pass.  Caveat emptor applies here.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K6SDW on April 22, 2022, 08:45:21 AM
Hams hardly the only group that "lie" ..... ever buy a used car off a car lot or Craigslist?

I recently bought a "near new" MFJ power supply listed here from a Florida ham and when I got it, the supply was anything but "near new." The meter LEDs were dead and the inside of the supply was caked with dirt and dust.

Like KC6RCM said: Caveat Emptor....

GL/73
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K1VSK on April 22, 2022, 08:48:37 AM
As if you never talked to a used car salesman…
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K7STU on April 22, 2022, 09:40:59 AM
Quote
So this is how it is? Lie to unsuspecting buyers at a Hamfest?

"Selling for a friend", "Worked last time I used it!"

Be aware not everyone is out to be your friend!
Don't give up on ham radio or yourself just because you made some bad purchase decisions. Learn from it and move on.
Always weigh the risk and rewards, if the risk outweighs the rewards....
If you purchase used try to buy local, so you can-do on-air test. meet up for a visual. Or buy from a reputable ham radio store. Do some research on who and what your buying, it helps.
I never make any big purchase with ebay or private market!
Good luck
   
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K1KIM on April 22, 2022, 09:42:02 AM
From Friends or NEW..........

The only way I go now. I won't ever sell a piece of equipment over $50 on any website.

The knife cuts both ways. I actually know someone who got a "return" back on eBay for an item he sold.
The buyer said it didn't work, wasn't as described etc.

The return was a used toaster oven, not the $500+ ham transceiver he sent out.

eBay of course sided with the buyer.  So the story was told to me!
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KV1P on April 22, 2022, 10:59:13 AM
if someone tries to screw you ie returning the wrong item look his or her's callsign and make a crimminal complaint with their local law enforcment dept.  That should get their attention and your radio back to you!!!
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: WA3SKN on April 22, 2022, 11:29:34 AM
Buy new!

-Mike.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: WA9AFM on April 22, 2022, 12:32:20 PM
If the hamfest has a 'test bench', use it.  If the seller won't let you take it to the 'test bench', walk away.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K1KIM on April 22, 2022, 12:53:55 PM
if someone tries to screw you ie returning the wrong item look his or her's callsign and make a crimminal complaint with their local law enforcment dept.  That should get their attention and your radio back to you!!!

Not Really. It can't be done. It's a "He Said/She Said" scenario.

It never works out well. Nothing can ever be proven.

"FRIENDS OR NEW" over $50 is my new mantra.

Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: GRUMPY2021 on April 22, 2022, 01:01:16 PM
"Lie to unsuspecting buyers at a Hamfest?"   My first thought was don't give up on amateur radio...stop going to these stupid swampmeets (not a typo).  Then I thought...  Amateur radio is a microcosm of society in general.  If you expected amateur radio to be any different than the cesspool, mosh pit, get everyone before you get got world around you... then you really should step away and find a different hobby.   
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: N7EKU on April 22, 2022, 01:18:03 PM
Hi,

Was the amp listed on eBay as "used" or "for parts not working"?

If listed as used, it is requried to work as intended or you can return it for a full refund (including shipping).  It doesn't matter what they say in the ad (no returns due to parts swappers, etc) if they listed it as used, it must work.  Many of these guys refuse to list as "for parts not working" because they don't want to take a hit on the final price, but that is their risk.

If you bought it when listed in the latter category, it's your risk.  It's a good system I think as the buyer then knows what the risks are.

73.



Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KB8VUL on April 22, 2022, 01:35:02 PM
I figure MANY of us have been taken advantage of with the "removed from service working" description.  I have on a couple radios.  Honestly I would rather by someone's broken equipment KNOWING it's broke. And pay a reasonable sum for it in it's current state. 

At a hamfest I carry a watt meter, volt volt meter and a known working power supply if I am looking for WORKING radios.  If they will not allow me to fire it up I offer a broken radio price for it.  And yes, I have gotten into FU matches with people selling gear that refused to allow me to power it up and got 'offended' when I offered equipment prices for it.  And I make SURE to say very loudly, WELL YOU ARE THE ONE REFUSING for me to verify the operation of teh equipment and are offended that I offered you a broken radio price.  Usually so I can be heard three isles away after the FU's start flying.  Because of course,,, hams being hams will all talk about it to the point the guy can't sell a bucket of water to a guy who's hair is on fire.

And yeah, I have had guys threaten violence, I just tell them I will give them a minute to think that over and consider the fact they have no idea who I might be, and how bad I may beat their ass.  I haven't been in a fight since high school and I lost that one... but they don't know that
Like 'removed from service working" it's all about perception.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K7LZR on April 22, 2022, 01:51:47 PM
OP: Sorry that this happened to you.

But don't lose faith. I have only been burned once in about 40 years. I think that it is a combination of luck and due diligence which has worked for me.

eBay is actually a good place to buy because if the item really is not as described, you generally have recourse and in most cases can return the item and get a refund. In fact, the flip side is that many dodgy buyers take advantage of same and screw legitimate sellers. They will buy, receive item, remove & swap needed parts in order to fix another unit, and then return the original item claiming that it was not as described. I no longer sell on eBay because it is too risky.

In your case, if the eBay seller listed the item as "Non-working, for parts only", then probably not much you can do even if they claimed otherwise in the description.

Another thing that has helped me is that I usually only buy from certain, known sellers. I also check feedback ratings and spend some time reading feedback even if its 100%. That helps me to form a gut feeling about the whole thing.

Again, I'm sorry. It really sux to take a hit like that. Here's to hoping that you get it resolved a come out with a working amplifier.



Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KG4RUL on April 23, 2022, 03:33:01 AM
If the hamfest has a 'test bench', use it.  If the seller won't let you take it to the 'test bench', walk away.

I agree!  If the hamfest does not have a a 'test bench', I simply don't buy anything other than cables, connectors and other passive devices.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K6BSU on April 24, 2022, 11:50:09 AM
At a swap meet, you have the opportunity for a thorough visual inspection.  If the item appears clean and not butchered, you have a reasonable expectation that any repair you might need can be identified.  So unless you are unable to do troubleshooting and repairs, then swap meets might not be the place for you.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: W9FIB on April 25, 2022, 09:07:38 PM
Simple rule of thumb on any used equipment purchase...don't spend any more than you are willing to write off. Sooner or later, you find one in your price range and won't feel the burn.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K7MEM on April 25, 2022, 11:53:25 PM
Well, I don't by anything on Ebay and don't use PayPal. But I love ham fests. I don't buy big items, but when I do buy something, I assume it does not work. In fact, I look for things that don't work. Usually they are cheap and I know I can fix it.

I bought a nice MFJ Antenna Tuner once for $15. The seller had burned out the SWR circuit and melted the plastic cup that held the balanced line toroid. A few spare parts and it's working again. I don't use balanced transmission line, so I didn't need the melted core and disconnected it.

I once found two HD-1410 keyers for $10 (for the pair). They were both dirty and didn't work. But a little cleanup, and an hour or work, and they are both still working. I have seen HD-1410s being offered for $100 just recently.

Another good purchase was a SB-650 digital display for my SB-101. I don't remember the price, but it was cheap. I knew it didn't work, but it wasn't a charred mess, so I knew I could fix it. It was worth the price for the Nixie tubes alone.

I could go on and on with what I think are good purchases. But not everyone wants to get their hands dirty fixing things. To me, "used" just means "not working".
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KC6RWI on April 29, 2022, 10:49:01 AM
I Have heard those stories of returning the wrong item on ebay, there was post earlier in this thread that a toaster oven came back in place of an HF rig.
Recently I saw a piece of rohde swartz test equipment listed for $10,995.00, how could someone trust ebay if the policy favors the buyer, I guess I would
just have to say the seller is taking a big risk, maybe not aware of ebay's policy?
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: AC2EU on April 29, 2022, 03:39:03 PM
"Lie to unsuspecting buyers at a Hamfest?"   My first thought was don't give up on amateur radio...stop going to these stupid swampmeets (not a typo).  Then I thought...  Amateur radio is a microcosm of society in general.  If you expected amateur radio to be any different than the cesspool, mosh pit, get everyone before you get got world around you... then you really should step away and find a different hobby.

If you can't test it, assume that it has a problem and price accordingly. That said, don't buy anything you can't fix yourself!
Also, if the deal seems way too sweet, RUN!
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: G8FXC on April 30, 2022, 02:45:54 AM
Buy new!

-Mike.

Agreed - unless it is second hand from a reputable dealer who is giving a warranty of at least a couple of months. I have always followed that principle - until a few months ago when I bought a moderately expensive item from a Silent Key sale - I'm still trying to repair it!

Martin (G8FXC)
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: W4QG on April 30, 2022, 07:20:57 PM
You have the following categories of hamfest sellers:
1. High priced, works perfectly, they know it and they want top dollar for it.
2. Works more or less, may have minor issues, generally they are electro-mechanical problems. (price variable, depending on time, mood, etc...)
3. Works perfectly, they want to get rid of it ASAP and will take reasonable or unreasonable offers for it.
4. Complete garbage, they know it, you know it, they still want top dollar for it, you run, not walk away from it.
5. Not working 100%, but not terrible, they know it, you know it, they are honest, you make a deal for gear with issues and its a win-win (my favorite)
6. Lying POS, "It works fine" - Does not work or works with major issues. - May you burn in hell.
7. Has no clue what they are selling. (Can be good or bad)
8. Thinks it has problems and does not - A somewhat rare occurrence, but does happen with some frequency. I've paid next to nothing for
gear that the seller swore was broken (on very rare occasions highly technically competent hams, inexplicable). Well, it works. 
9. Honest estate sellers. "Was my great uncle Elmo's stuff". Price and quality varies widely.
10. Broken, looks fairly good, cheap, seller seems to be okay..... Ugh... My nemesis...  Tens of thousands spent....
11. Works, cheap, clean, good deal. (oh yeah!)
12. Variations and combinations of the above.

Of course you can buy new, I can go to HRO today and buy a Collins 75S-3C... Not...
Some hams don't want new gear all the time. Me personally, I've never bought a new radio ever.
Don't purchase used if you can not fix it, unless it is so cheap that it does not matter.
Your mileage may vary.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K4GTE on May 06, 2022, 05:31:20 AM
Be the vehicle and example for change.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K7JQ on May 22, 2022, 07:49:53 AM
*IF* I buy anything used, it will be $125 or less and/or not be a very complicated technological item. That way, if it doesn’t work as specified, not a big financial loss.

If a price is too good to be true, it is. I recently saw an Elecraft KPA-1500 amplifier ($6,700 new) in the classifieds for $4,600. Hmmm. And some folks price their used item too close to new retail with a warranty…not worth it. Otherwise, everything is bought new.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KE0ZU on May 25, 2022, 05:03:57 AM
If you don't know enough about an item to be able to fix it, don't buy it!!!   But if you just can't resist the urge, simply consider the purchase your overdue "STUPID TAX" payment.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K7JQ on May 25, 2022, 06:06:48 AM

If you don't know enough about an item to be able to fix it, don't buy it!!!   But if you just can't resist the urge, simply consider the purchase your overdue "STUPID TAX" payment.

So everyone should have sophisticated test equipment benches, and be able to diagnose and repair/replace miniature surface mount components? Is that realistic? I know plenty of EE’s that send their equipment out for repair.

What about the poor repair centers that would go out of business ;)?
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: AC7CW on May 26, 2022, 09:57:50 PM
Ops that can repair their own stuff rule!!
They have old classic gear.
It always is in good working order.
They don't have problems with shipping to/from repair centers. They don't have problems with repair centers.
They get a lot of satisfaction out of operating.
They don't spend much on equipment if they don't want to.

I'm not active at all but when I was I got a lot of satisfaction out of operating with stuff I bought cheap and refurbished, enhanced, modded, etc...
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: WW5F on May 27, 2022, 02:02:40 PM
For several years now...

This is why I don't buy or sell *anything* USED on line.

This is why I don't buy or sell *anything* USED at ham fests any more.

Sold the last of my tube-type Drake and Heathkit stuff at the last ham fest in Jackson MS.  Now I'm down to a handful of "new in box" modern day solid state transceivers.  Still using a very reliable IC-7410.  It's been going 100% for about 10 years now.  When something goes wrong with it, I'm going to SCRAP IT, and open the box on another brand new IC-7410.  I think I have enough ham gear to last me the rest of my life doing this.

Every time I went to a ham fest and sold used gear, I was 100% honest and asked real prices and it was always an absolute feeding frenzy before I even got everything on the table because everyone was throwing cash at me (literally!) saying, "I'll take it!"  "I'll TAKE IT!"  "Get away from that, I SAW IT FIRST, it's MINE!"  And then I was always driving away with almost nothing left by 9:30AM with cash in my pocket.

And then, almost 100% of the time, they'd put it on their table at the ham fest and ask at least double the price they gave me.  I'm happy, they're happy.  I feel sorry for the mark who buys it from them but there's nothing I can do about it.

When ever I walk into a group of people and can't spot any sheep, I come to the conclusion I'm the sheep in a room full of wolves.  (I'm pretty sure I have "sucker" tattooed on my forehead that I don't see in a mirror, but everyone else sees it!)

For several years now, I've been operating on the assumption that if some ham opened the box from brand new and now wants to sell it, it's broken in some form or fashion and I don't want it at any price higher than 1% of new price.  And I haven't been burned since.  As far as I know, I'm the only one who has ever asked 1% of new price for a broken piece of ham gear and got it. 

To the hams who buy used gear at ham fests and get burned, I'm sorry.  But you'll never buy any of *my* old radios from *anyone* and get burned!  You're welcome!
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: N2SR on May 28, 2022, 05:15:29 AM
For several years now, I've been operating on the assumption that if some ham opened the box from brand new and now wants to sell it, it's broken in some form or fashion and I don't want it at any price higher than 1% of new price. 

Disagree. 

Friend of mine won an Icom 7610 at a hamfest.  Sold it unopened, brand new.  Why?  He's not an "Icom guy." 

Another friend won an HT.  Sold it unopened, brand new.  He's not a "HT guy." 

There are plenty of reasons to sell something brand new, be it unopened or opened.  Of course it depends on who you are buying from. 

Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K0UA on May 28, 2022, 06:40:50 AM
At the last hamfest I attended, I sold a brand new in the box HT that I didn't want. I traded for it in a swap from a guy that had just won the HT at the hamfest and didn't want it. I turned it for a profit. And the guy I sold it to was happy as a clam.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: W9FIB on May 30, 2022, 04:20:17 AM
It amazes me how people complain about the dumbing down of HR and then say that they can't or won't fix equipment. The ability to troubleshoot and repair IS the technical end of HR. And it isn't just the tranciever. It is any component in a station.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K7JQ on May 30, 2022, 07:22:22 AM
It amazes me how people complain about the dumbing down of HR and then say that they can't or won't fix equipment. The ability to troubleshoot and repair IS the technical end of HR. And it isn't just the tranciever. It is any component in a station.

Ever since exam question pools have been published (the 1950’s?), ham radio has always been, as you say, “dumbed down”. And don’t talk about the elimination of the Morse code requirement as a contributing factor. That’s also just memorization and practice, not understanding complex electronic theory.

As I’ve said before, this is a very diverse hobby…people from all walks of life. Some are very technically inclined…tinkerers…and seldom, or never, actually operate on the air. Others are not that technically savvy, but are always on the air…the “appliance operators”. They also save our frequency spectrum by using it.

Without the appliance operators, all the remaining “techies” would be forced to home brew, troubleshoot, and repair their own equipment, because there wouldn’t be enough of a customer base for companies to manufacture equipment ;).
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: G8FXC on May 30, 2022, 08:52:20 AM
I built tube radios from scratch when I was first licenced - fifty years ago... But technology has changed - a lot! My first transmitter was three of four tubes, crystal controlled on 2m with screen grid modulation - it worked, but I would not want to be relying on it now! I have a degree in electronic engineering, but I would not consider myself competent to design and build something equivalent to the current output of Icom, Yaesu or Kenwood!

Martin (G8FXC)
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K7JQ on May 30, 2022, 10:12:12 AM
I built tube radios from scratch when I was first licenced - fifty years ago... But technology has changed - a lot! My first transmitter was three of four tubes, crystal controlled on 2m with screen grid modulation - it worked, but I would not want to be relying on it now! I have a degree in electronic engineering, but I would not consider myself competent to design and build something equivalent to the current output of Icom, Yaesu or Kenwood!

Martin (G8FXC)

Exactly! Thank you, Martin. There's enough room in the hobby for all to enjoy it, no matter what their interest is. Just because it's "technical" in nature doesn't mean that you're expected to troubleshoot and repair today's sophisticated equipment...compact construction, tiny circuit boards stacked on each other, crowded with miniature surface-mount components. And have the diagnostic equipment to do so.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: W9FIB on May 31, 2022, 03:33:21 AM
I built tube radios from scratch when I was first licenced - fifty years ago... But technology has changed - a lot! My first transmitter was three of four tubes, crystal controlled on 2m with screen grid modulation - it worked, but I would not want to be relying on it now! I have a degree in electronic engineering, but I would not consider myself competent to design and build something equivalent to the current output of Icom, Yaesu or Kenwood!

Martin (G8FXC)

Exactly! Thank you, Martin. There's enough room in the hobby for all to enjoy it, no matter what their interest is. Just because it's "technical" in nature doesn't mean that you're expected to troubleshoot and repair today's sophisticated equipment...compact construction, tiny circuit boards stacked on each other, crowded with miniature surface-mount components. And have the diagnostic equipment to do so.

Don't get me wrong...I totally agree. My point was the double standard some bring to the table. For me, I just roll with the punches. I do find ideas that come from being a designer of industrial controls and use that if possible. Doesn't mean I can design a radio from scratch either. So I guess that puts me in the appliance operator camp.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KC3TEC on November 20, 2022, 01:41:22 PM
OP: Sorry that this happened to you.

But don't lose faith. I have only been burned once in about 40 years. I think that it is a combination of luck and due diligence which has worked for me.

eBay is actually a good place to buy because if the item really is not as described, you generally have recourse and in most cases can return the item and get a refund. In fact, the flip side is that many dodgy buyers take advantage of same and screw legitimate sellers. They will buy, receive item, remove & swap needed parts in order to fix another unit, and then return the original item claiming that it was not as described. I no longer sell on eBay because it is too risky.

In your case, if the eBay seller listed the item as "Non-working, for parts only", then probably not much you can do even if they claimed otherwise in the description.

Another thing that has helped me is that I usually only buy from certain, known sellers. I also check feedback ratings and spend some time reading feedback even if its 100%. That helps me to form a gut feeling about the whole thing.

Again, I'm sorry. It really sux to take a hit like that. Here's to hoping that you get it resolved a come out with a working amplifier.
I have been using tamper resistant lables on equipment i sell for a long time.
And also marking equipment with a brinks marker (uv light needed to see mark)
Ive caught numerous scammers that way.
Also detailed photographs are taken including the tamper labels.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K4GTE on November 20, 2022, 02:00:28 PM
90% of the hams I've encountered at Hamfests have been decent, reputable sellers. But if you believe it's something unique to Hamfests, you haven't been paying attention.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: W9WQA on November 20, 2022, 06:06:26 PM
So this is how it is? Lie to unsuspecting buyers at a Hamfest?

"Selling for a friend", "Worked last time I used it!"

Assume everything for sale is Broken unless proven otherwise.

I Purchased for a Good Used Working Price a 2 meter amp at Rarsfest that was DOA and then later purchased an Amp from Ebay, was told the pre-amp was out and clearly a main final was blown as well. A Motorola Final that is no longer made.

Tired of this crap and it needs to stop.

Who else here got ripped off? Sound off!

i just dont buy used on forum.
hamfest...i buy parts, nothing big.
i bought 1 radio, drake2b.
didnt work, seller took it and paid shipping.
thats all for me.
ebay and amazon cover me or i go to my credit card, never lost

oh , just ordered an sdr...
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KC3TEC on November 20, 2022, 06:08:37 PM
I like to build them and i have the equipment i need.
Searching for a lot of plans for homebrew i usually find ones with unobtainable components or dead websites links.
But some i find are pay me to get the plans.

Some kits you buy may be nice kits but who wants to spend over 150 for a one or 2 watt kit.
Or pay 300 for a parts only radio.

Im not trying to be mr cheapskate but i am limited income.
A very large percentage of amateurs are retired and on a fixed income, a lot of the very young hams dont have an income yet as they are still in school.
So for both of these groups, the biggest impedance is the cost of the hobby.

And it doesnt help when lower cost equipment is "" not available"" but the higher priced one is.

It doesnt help much when you have hams with a lot of disposable income constantly crapping on those who cant afford the "shiny"
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K1VSK on November 20, 2022, 06:28:55 PM
Hamfests used to be different in that everyone knew everyone else or at least knew someone who knew someone which might explain why people were honest then. Now, welcome to the new, improved progressive ham radio culture. Trust no one!
Title: UPDATE:
Post by: N1GMV on November 27, 2022, 05:41:56 AM
Update, I repaired the amp after replacing a relay, resistor and a couple other parts I had to order from RF Parts. Got it working. So Into it for about $215 now.
The other Amp, was an easy repair, had that one going in under an hour.

I then bought another Amp, this one off Ebay and was sold AS-IS Parts-only.
LOL discovered that one worked fine didn't need a thing! Go figure.

I think integrity can be determined if the seller is wearing a Callsign badge and has the manuals or box that it came with. Everything else we need to by with caution.

Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: AI5BC on November 27, 2022, 07:01:15 AM
Hamfests used to be different
Yep, they were much younger. Problem is it is the same tired old crowd of aging white male baby boomers.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: W9FIB on November 27, 2022, 10:21:32 AM
Hamfests used to be different
Yep, they were much younger. Problem is it is the same tired old crowd of aging white male baby boomers.

Participate and change the demographic. Whining about it changes nothing other than some peoples' opinion of you.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: K5DH on December 21, 2022, 06:28:40 AM
We all know there are plenty of dishonest sellers out there.  There are also sellers who honestly know little or nothing about what they're trying to sell.  When buying used gear, you must use common sense and have realistic expectations.  If you allow yourself to be "taken", it's your fault.  Buyer beware! 

I have no qualms about buying used gear under the right circumstances.  Been doing it for decades.  But I'm smart about it.  If I can test the item myself, then I'll know it works.  If I can't test it myself but the seller is either someone I know personally or a well-known "good guy" with a reputation as an honest trader, then it's a low risk transaction and I don't worry about it.  In my 45 years as a Radio Amateur, I have NEVER been cheated by anyone who falls into either of those two categories. 

If I cannot test the item and I don't implicitly trust the seller, then I will attempt to buy the item using these two assumptions: (1) it does not work, and (2) I will likely be able to repair it myself.  I offer a "parts rig" price for the item, and if I get it, fine.  If I don't get it, that's fine, too. 

I will knowingly buy equipment that doesn't work and I know I can't repair it as long as it's worth the purchase price as a parts source for other projects. 

Again: Common sense and realistic expectations are the order of the day. 

73,
Dean K5DH
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KC3TEC on January 01, 2023, 09:26:59 AM
 ;D :D :D you would be surprised how quickly the seller's might drop the price when you pull out a mini o- scope and pocket signal generator.
My ready bag has my portable oscope, generator, multimeter,  and wattmeter/dummyload
As well as battery, multiband radio, and wire antenna
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: AI5BC on January 01, 2023, 10:30:25 AM
There are two primary reasons why there are so many scammers out there, and hams cannot fix either issue.

1. Hams are more than happy to overpay. You are willing to pay full new retail asking price on used antiquated equipment. In some cases, even more than what it cost brand new. It is like a drug; you cannot help yourself. Or go to Lost Wages where you are cheated at the tables, over charged for everything, and you cannot wait to go back and get robbed again.

2. Couple number one above with the fact that hams demographics are an overwhelming majority of aging senior white men with disposable income make for very easy soft targets.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: N0UN on January 13, 2023, 06:16:33 PM
I bought a Heil Pro-Set 6 boom mic/headset a few months ago at a local Swapmeet.

Plugged it in, mic didn't work.

Problem?  Mic element was completely missing.

N0UN
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KC3TEC on January 14, 2023, 06:13:39 AM
Reminds me of a time where I had to direct traffic near a local flea market fest.
( minor accident)
After the scene was cleared I browsed the tech looking for computer parts but was still in the gear.
Some boothes kind of cleared out quickly!
I wonder why ???
Maybe it was the big letters on the back of my vest that spelled POLICE.  ;D
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: AI5BC on January 14, 2023, 08:42:16 AM
Some boothes kind of cleared out quickly!
I wonder why ???
Maybe it was the big letters on the back of my vest that spelled POLICE.  ;D

Yep, Police officers are as welcome to a ham fest as they are a Grateful Dead concert. A bunch of old white men scattering for the hills.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: WA5VGO on February 20, 2023, 04:23:00 PM
I love hamfests. I’ve bought lots of stuff. They’re a great place to get bargains. The secret is to inspect the item carefully for obvious problems but still assume there are hidden issues with it. Then pay accordingly. When I have had problems with what I’ve purchased, almost without exception the repairs were simple and inexpensive.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: W8QW on February 22, 2023, 07:51:33 PM
I hate old cliches but I believe this all began when the FCC, via the ARRL lowered the standards for becoming a ham in the first place.  Example: Testing from zero to Amateur Extra all in one setting?  I don't think so.  Is this the same quality Extra Class amateur as one who tested back in say,..., the early 70's.  Again, I don't think so. While the code may not be necessary any longer, it certainly acted as a funnel for those cb'ers which jealously wanted that ham ticket yet who and never saw the need to study and learn what they were doing.  Face it, the dollar has taken over in the world of amateur radio.  Sell at a hamfest and then disappear - what a mantra.  Sorry to be so cynical but I really understand being taken.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KC3TEC on February 23, 2023, 02:56:02 PM
Sadly though, not every seller at a hamfest is an amateur radio operator.
Many are flea marketers.
I know one individual ( pawn shop owner) who purchases estates and sells junk for Gucci  prices plus his markups.
But it's not just our hobby that gets taken advantage of.
Anyone who sees they can make a quick profit from someone's desperation or interest  will do so.
And thats a trait I deplore.
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: W3WN on March 01, 2023, 11:37:24 AM
Had a table at my club's hamfest last Sunday, shared with several other club members.  My part had several small boxes of misc. CD/DVDs (Windows XP/Vista/7/10 OEM installations), misc. computer (video, sound, power, USB, etc) cables, and some adapters (ie VGA to DVI, etc)

Prices were $1 per CD/DVD, $1 per cable, $.50 per adapter.

Ham comes up, asks the prices (yes, they were posted), looking for a power cable.  Walks away.  Comes back a few minutes later to buy one power cable... for $.50.  Told him that the cables were $1, he states "no, you said they were $.50!".  Ham at the table next to mine pipes up "No, you were told $1 per cable, and we all heard it!"

Ham finally peels off a $1 from a thick wad of cash, hands it to me, takes the cable, and walks away muttering about how much of a ripoff it was.

Incidentally, I wasn't the only one with power cables for sale.  Everyone else's price?  $1.

*sigh*
Title: Re: I have frigging had it with Hams!
Post by: KC3TEC on March 01, 2023, 04:59:25 PM
It's not just hams though!
When I had my locksmith service I unlocked a door for a knucklehead.
He needed his house door and unattached garage door opened.
I unlocked the garage door , and he asked what the total would be for both doors.
( my rates were 20.00 per door)
He then proceeded to bitch like hell and kicked the house door in.

So his idiocy cost him more than 500.00 for the damage he did to the door and casing
It's been 40 years since that job and I can still hear his xyl ripping him a new arse.