Survey Comments
99% Good 1% Bad or Ignorant
Most of my eBay transactions have been positive experiences.Only a very small percentage of sellers seem to think that it is OK to recycle the description from another seller's goods and apply it to their own,inferior, items for sale.Very often the 'borrowed'description will be for an as new piece of equipment with all the accessories supplied when new.The borrower's piece of equipment can turn out to be filthy dirty,incomplete or just so well used that it could not possibly warrant being described as being 'as new'.This happened to me with an AOR AR3000A,the description sounded great and looked spookily familiar.Sure enough it was borrowed from a previous auction that I had not won.The receiver I ended up with lacked a vital accessory and the front panel was covered in dust and greasey finger marks.It looked pretty sad,complete with a coffee stain on the top.The seller thought that because it was in its' original box that it was OK to describe it as being 'as new'.
At the other extreme I have had some absolute bargains,like the AOR AR7030 that no one else bid on,or the JRC NRD535 sold by a secondhand furniture dealer who's description was so poor that no one else seemed to notice it.
If you can avoid the auctions ending at weekends,especially Sunday nights,there are some bargains to be had.
On the selling side I have not had a problem, yet!The secret to success is a full and honest description and some good photos.Also do the listing in big bold print, it's amaizing how many people don't bother to read the small print.In the UK eBay seems to have made a big impact on the more traditional ways of selling second hand ham gear.The members ads section in RadComm is a shadow of its' former self.
Posted by
GW4JPC on 2006-10-14
PayPal is no Pal
Two negative experiences.
Purchased transceiver on eBay. When it arrived, it did not match what was advertized. My complaints produced a tirade of email from the seller and NO support from PayPal. PayPal supported the deceptive seller.
Sold a FM rig. Buyer purchased via PayPal.
PayPal CANCELLED payment due to unspecified
reasons. Buyer has not returned rig. Emails
to PayPal and buyer go unanswered.
You want a different rig?
Save your money and purchase it new.
Ed, KC2QBK
Posted by
KC2QBK on 2006-10-05
Re: Oh brother! reply
Hey, no harm done--no problem. I can understand that a few people have legit reasons for posting the way they do--although it seems that an inordinate number of this sites users post anonymously just to be able to avoid problems they cause--and 99.9% of the time, they post to cause problems.
You are one of the handful that don't do that--and one that I will answer. If you have issues with the site, its none of my business--some ligit users get kicked off for no good reason, the site webmasters can't investigate every little thing that happens and sometimes do that.
The double post problem doesn't only happen when the 'contribute' screen comes up, its happened to me too, and during my subscription. Its because of the multiple branching possible in the website operating system programs--and the 'contribute' screen is just one of the recurring branches. See you on the site and 73.
Posted by
K1CJS on 2006-08-13
Your point is well taken. However, just to make my point clear one more time, the double post issue doesn't bother me. My only thought about it was for the sake of others.
As for the site admins, they can torpedo my account all they like. Simply sign in under another one and your all set to go. Is it right? No, I doubt it. But when folks feel they've been unjustly extinguished they'll do whatever to jump back in there. And the thing is there's nothing the admins can do about someone simply creating another account, signing on and continuing right where they left off. Of course, this is both good and bad but that's another issue.
Causing havoc here wasn't my intentions. I acknowlege your original tongue-in-cheek humor and I appologize for coming off strongly here. However, having said that, what doesn't help matters is when others pick up what was an original light-hearted comment and turn it into "you're not a subscriber so shut the **** up" comments by those who know nothing of my past on this website but want to throw their comments in anyway. For some reason people absolutely love to toss things into the ring in an attempt to deliberately stir the pot. But that's not just hams, that's people in general.
I appreciate you taking the time to further explain your original approach. I too [in the beginning] meant no ill-will.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-12
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
I could care less . . .
The fact that eham fails to fix their own web problem is of no concern to me. My original comment was directed to those who do subscribe. I don't and won't subscribe to a website with this kind of bullshit going on - that is, people like you who completely freak out everytime someone who doesn't use a callsign, mis-spells a word or pays to use this website. Why would anyone actually pay for this kind of baloney? So I say to you, "Just UNsubscribe" because I have no intentions of going away anytime soon. Not everyone shares your thoughts on eham. And although I will continue using the resources here, eham used my resources some time ago until I put a stop to it because of unfair exchange issues. So now the exchange is one-way ONLY. But regardless of why I'm here the fact remains we're all here for one reason or another, and not everyone is going to be a paying visitor. Telling someone to pay or go away will only incite further postings and break down this thread even further.
If you don't have a problem looking through all the double postings then don't worry about it. I guess you're pissed off because you spent money on a website that not everyone sees in the same light as you do, and this bothers you greatly.
Get over it. Or you can simply UNsubscribe.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-11
Oh, brother!
Yepsure, you are the POed one here. I did a little tongue-in-cheek humor and you took it the wrong way. I said if the double posting problems bothered YOU, why not just subscribe? Let me make one thing clear--That problem doesn't bother me, and neither do you.
I use this site just as you do. I don't own or control it so why get mad at me? I've never had a major issue with the site--the only thing that bothers me is no identification by flamers and bullsh*tters. You can post your ravings a hundred time if you want, I don't care. Of course, it may bother the webmaster of the site, but that is YOUR problem because you will suffer the consequences, not me.
Posted by
K1CJS on 2006-08-11
K1CJS Wote: "It would also be nice if Eham could finally figure out how to keep double-postings from happening. Following their instructions by clicking "refresh" after receiving one of their plea's for financial help after you've just tried to submit a comment will guarantee a double post. Maybe one day they'll fix it."
The built in fix is this--send them the $25 for a subscription. Stops those financial pleas really well! ;-)
Posted by K1CJS on July 28, 2006
HOW ABOUT I NOT GIVE EHAM $25 AND LET THEM (AND YOU) DEAL WITH DOUBLE POSTINGS AND WASTE FURTHER BANDWIDTH OF EHAM'S PRECIOUS WEBSITE. THEY CAN BEG FOR MONEY ALL DAY LONG FOR ALL I CARE. DOUBLE POSTINGS HURT THE READERS AND PAID SUBSCRIBERS OF THIS SITE, NOT ME.
MY PRIOR COMMENT WAS MEANT CONSTRUCTIVELY BUT I WILL NEVER GIVE AWAY MY MONEY TO SOMEONE TO ELIMINATE SOMETHING THAT SHOULDN'T BE THERE TO START WITH!
EHAM CAN LEAVE THE DOUBLE POSTING PROBLEM RIGHT WHERE IT IS, MAKING THESE THREADS EVEN MORE CONFUSING FOR ALL YOU BIG PAYING SUBSCRIBERS!!
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-08-10
JUST SUBSCRIBE!
How about this: just subscribe! Now there is an idea. Does it absolutely kill someone to support a web site that they frequenctly use? Surely not.
But here is another answer: just leave! If you don't like double postings (or anything else) ... just don't vist E-ham. This is especially true if you are not going to support the web site.
There is some very real irony here: complaining about a web site ... to which you do not subscribe!
I really do not mean this in a critical spirit. But I grow sooooo weary of whiners.
Best 73s ... KC4CP
Posted by
KC4CP on 2006-08-10
Just subscribe
Yepsure, I was expressing a little tongue in cheek humor, so if you don't appreciate it......too bad. KC4CP said it well--If you don't like it--just leave! Freeloaders who continually whine and flame waste bandwidth too. You also said: "DOUBLE POSTINGS HURT THE READERS.....OF THIS SITE, NOT ME." So you aren't a reader of the site information? Huh! Could have fooled me.
Posted by
K1CJS on 2006-08-10
Time to change the poll
This topic is WEEKS old now. Let's move on...
Posted by
KI4GPX on 2006-08-09
EBAY SHILLS
MOST AUCTIONS ON EBAY HAVE SHILL BIDDING DON'T BUY FROM NON HAMS ESPECIALLY WOMEN NON HAMS EBAY IS LIKE PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE WHAT I REALLY DON'T LIKE IS THE RATEING THING THEY ALLOW SELLERS THAT RIP YOU OFF TO POST NEGITIVES ABOUT YOU SINCE WHEN DOES A STORE RATE THE CUSTOMERS I DID GET A GOOD JEEP OFF EBAY MOST OF THE HAM EQUIPMENT HAD PROBLEMS NEVER EVER BUY JEWELRY OFF EBAY
Posted by
CONSERVOZILLA on 2006-08-08
bought many items
I have been an avid ebayer for about 2 years now. Just watch the feedback and ask ALot of questions.
Posted by
N2TNK on 2006-08-08
Ebay is good
I've purchased several items on ebay including hf rigs, antennas, generators, keyers, etc. The key is to be a good consumer and have patience. If you get out bid on an item, there will always be another one like it soon. Don't over pay, ask lots of questions, and research the sellers. Just about my whole shack is via ebay now. I've saved a lot of money on ebay.
Posted by
KD6WKY on 2006-08-07
Ebay is good
I've purchased several items on ebay including hf rigs, antennas, generators, keyers, etc. The key is to be a good consumer and have patience. If you get out bid on an item, there will always be another one like it soon. Don't over pay, ask lots of questions, and research the sellers. Just about my whole shack is via ebay now. I've saved a lot of money on ebay.
Posted by
KD6WKY on 2006-08-07
I've bought a couple of things on ebay like a 2m xcvr for $5, kit that the guy never finished, etc. Things that I knew were projects and/or stuff for ye olden junque box. Once or twice I've been surprised to find out they really work!
Posted by
KE7FHO on 2006-08-07
EBAY BREEDS SNAKES
Lot's of Lurkers and crooks on EBAY.
The ADDS say, TESTED, Working, In Good Condition. You ask the party how it was Tested?? How do you know for a FACT it's working?
= = = = They can't answer you!! = = = =
W-A-T-C-H out for the S-N-A-K-E-S.
EbAy BREEDS it all!! TOTAL FILTHY BASTARDS.
===========================================
nanike5001 - this guy is the worst. If you insure something as I did, He smashed up his radio, made me file the claim with UPS for $500.00 telling me his radio was damaged, I send him the check from UPS, UPS gets screwed on a Bogus Claim, He puts new tubes back in the radio, and gets his radio plus makes a Ton of Cash on it!!
Posted by
KPAX2 on 2006-08-06
Ebay
You have to look at Ebay like a garage sale. You buy, You take your chances.
EXPECT NOTHING TO WORK and you will not be disappointed. If it works all the better. If not learn how to fix.
73
YO.
Posted by
JA1ML on 2006-08-06
Ebay
You have to look at Ebay like a garage sale. You buy, You take your chances.
EXPECT NOTHING TO WORK and you will not be disappointed. If it works all the better. If not learn how to fix.
73
YO.
Posted by
JA1ML on 2006-08-06
ebay & Pay Pal
I've been trying to get them to quit sending me email for over two years. Pay Pal screwed up a sale offer I made on ebay and I've had nothing but headaches ever since. That sale got made when I drove to the sellers town and picked up the item and paid cash! I will NEVER shop EBAY AGAIN.
Posted by
N4VNV on 2006-08-05
Burnt on Eham
The only time I have been burnt is on Eham and it was last week. Someone wanting to sell a TS-2000. I made an offer. Sent him the money and never heard from him again until today.
He tells me he is sending my money back NOT the radio.
Guess he took all offers and the money. I just hope I get the money back. If I don't, you will know his callsign. I'm not a bank for someone to use my money for a week while they get more out of the radio. Better luck on Ebay (feedback) to look at.
Posted by
N4ZKF on 2006-08-05
Never heard of eBay
What is this eBay all about? Never heard of it. Buy & sell amateur stuff over the Internet? Is that what this eBay is?
Tom kcØw
Posted by
KC0W on 2006-08-05
Mostly Good
Watch out for the New In Box (NIB) and the New Old Stock (NOS). I fell for a couple of these and found out why there were still new in the box or new old stock. They were returned because they didnt work back then and still dont work now. Couldnt be fixed! Do business with hams with a good track record. I bought all my major radios on ebay and have have great deals on IC-746, IC R-7000, TS-570s, and over 500 others items. Been totally robbed only about 3 or 4 Times! Before you begin, do the research and find out what these units are selling for. One week you buy a TS-60 for 600 and the next week you see one for for 450 in the same condition. It just goes to show you that somethings true value is only what someone is will to pay for it! Theres the chase.
Its fun though!!
Posted by
N9OJU on 2006-08-04
Ham purchase on eBay
Had good and bad experiences. The bad was always resolved but too bad they happened. One guy with the red curtain pictures mis-represents many of his offerings, clearly doesn't know what he is selling.
One thing you have to expect, you will have to fix, repair or re-align something on it, from eBay or other classifieds - doesn't matter where.
Bob - W6OPO
Posted by
W6OPO on 2006-08-03
EBAY..SELLERS MARKET PERIOD!
The only rigs I did not get burned on were commercial rigs.
Stay away from big ticket ham HF radio's.
Posted by
WA2JJH on 2006-08-03
Ebay Purchases
I have purchased several items on Ebay including my Kenwood TS-570D HF rig with excellent satisfaction. The most important thing to do on an Ebay purchase is to ALWAYS READ THE SELLER'S FEEDBACK! If you don't want to get burned, take the time to do this or risk getting cheated. This goes for all Ebay purchases, not just ham related. It's as simple as that.
73 de KU4GW Cliff
Posted by
KU4GW on 2006-08-03
good and bad
I have found buying from a ham is usually a good bet if on ebay.
It has been my experience to stay away from power sellers. As said in earlier postings don't be afraid to ask questions and ask alot of questions if needed.
If the seller's answers are not to your satisfaction - DON'T BUY !
Posted by
KZ5I on 2006-08-01
NO COMMENT
USE one account for Buying- One Account for Selling, Lock the the Buying account to PRIVATE so people can't see what you're buying.
Leave the Selling Account open or closed. Are you gonna take your junk with you when you die? What's the use of worrying now then?
But what kind of a call-Sign is KPAX2?
-->> point and Case.
Posted by
KPAX2 on 2006-08-01
Just watch for KEY WORDS
The main thing I have noticed on Ebay is that a person should watch out for certain words which should be viewed as RED FLAGS.
FIRST OFF, I SAY SORRY FOR ANY MIS-SPELLINGS OR GRAMAR MIS-USAGES FOR ALL THE BRAINIACS WHO LIKE TO TRASH OTHER PEOPLES POSTINGS ON THESE LEVELS :)
BOUGHT FROM AN ESTATE SALE... This is usually a common phrase used by a person who just buys a lot of stuff at low prices and is interested in nothing more than selling as high as possible. Usually not a ham and knows absolutely NOTHING about the radio equipment being sold.
USED UNTESTED or DIDN'T HAVE ANTENNA TO TEST UNIT... Once again usually an indicator that this is likely a person who knows nothing about the equipment being sold. Possible could be a piece of junk equipment and the seller just says can't test due to lack of test equipment.
EQUIPMENT LIGHTS COME ON NO FURTHER TESTING PERFORMED... Watch out for this one Might be an empty box with meters and lights and some dials. Especially if the auction ends with the words NO WARRENTY OFFERED OR IMPLIED...
NEW OLD STOCK or NOS... Sometimes it may be... yes this may be the case. As I used to work in an electronics repair center it was common practice to replace weak parts and the old parts were placed in the new parts box or package in order to offer them back to the customer. If the customer did not want them they went in a store room in a bin marked as USED/WEAK etc. BE CAREFUL ! ! ! A lot of the old mom & pops shops have gone out of business and were bought out by auction goers. You know what I'm getting at.
A WORD OR 2 ON AMPLIFIERS... This is probably a very common item that people get ripped off on on Ebay. If not ripped off this is an item that will get damaged easily in shipping if proper care isn't taken in the process. 1) Ship tubes separately 2) Secure transformers with packing around them, the cabinet and chassis when possible. One good drop to the amplifier can rip a transformer right off the chassis because of the weight of the transformer. The tube damage is obvious and self explanatory. These things are true with any type of electronic equipment if not packed correctly. So, paying a little extra for GOOD packing is well worth the cost. That is if it isn't just some fella gonna stuff a couple rolls of toilet paper inside the cabinet of your radio/amp. U.P.S. Not to rip on one particular company seems to have the worst reputation for damaging equipment in shipping. Not so much on a commercial level but definately on a private level.
A COUPLE MORE WORDS ON RF AMPLIFIERS... NEVER NEVER NEVER purchase an amplifier that states it has been modified for freeband, 11 meters or CB. Not only because of the legal issues but moreso because the FACT (not possibility) that the amp has most likely had an under (if not completely un) qualified person with the screws out of the thing and probably no idea of what he/she was doing with too cold/hot of a solder station performing tasks that were only disgussed over an arguement about who had the bigger amp and who could key on who from 10 miles or less away. And watch out for the people who sell mobile amplifiers who refer to the Final Output Transistors as 1 Pill - 2 Pill - 4 Pill so on and so forth. This is all CB talk. Not to rip on the CBers...
NOT TO RIP ON THE CBers...
We all came from somewhere... I remember back in the early 1970s when cb radio was kinda cool. There are a LOT of really great ham operators still joining the ranks today as well as yesterday that have roots in CB radio. Some would never admit this though...
BACK TO EBAY and IN CONCLUSION...
As in many many other forums; This is a buyer beware situation. Read the description for the item CAREFULLY ! Ask many questions ! If the SELLER DOSEN'T ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ...He/She either dosen't know or is hiding facts.
Not to sound sinical but, unfortunately, we live in a sinical world so, a little discression is always wise. Afterall it's YOUR MONEY. SPEND IT WISELY AND BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR EBAY EXPERIENCES
73
KC8BYF
Posted by
N8NSN on 2006-07-31
Would you have bought this rig?
I was hunting for a nice FT-102. I found this rig on Ebay. Was it as advertized when it arrived? First, read the description. Sounds perfect, eh?
Cut and paste the entire link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Yaesu-FT-102-One-of-the-Last-Great-Classic-Yaesus-A1_W0QQitemZ250003238737QQihZ015QQcategoryZ40069QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
What arrived: Cigarette stinking, no ouput, no receive, the readout was so blurry from nicotine I thought my eyes were going, both lamps out.
The seller, was nice enough to offer a refund...let's hope it arrives.
The real kicker was he quoted MY eham review in the ad!
Posted by
WA2MGB on 2006-07-31
interiorwonders
was Ripped off on e-Bay
By Mike Hill, Tampa, FL interiorwonders
The person your are placing your bid with interiorwonders
Ripped me off. I e-mailed him and he said the only issue was a single ding to the speaker grill and it was a fine looking radio.
My package was very poorly packed. His product description was not even close to what I received. Here is what I got,
1. The radio was DOA
2. Two of the front knobs were caved in.
3. The coax connector on back was shoved into the radio.
4. Two of the 4 feet were missing.
5. Only had 2 screws folding cabinet together out of 8.
6. Chrome face badly wore
7. Mildew spots all over. Will not come off. And it stunk in a bad way.
8. The radio was badly scuffed up
So be careful when you deal with this person.
Name : ...............interiorwonders who is Mike Hill, Tampa, FL
Seller's Email:....guitardreamer65@hotmail.com
I Item bought No. 250007410312
His Description exactly as the stated. ( Cut and pasted from the actual e-bay add )
Vintage Midland INTERNATIONAL 13-880B AM/USB/LSB/CB BASE STATION RADIO
Good Condition and still working with manual and antenna.
Clock still works too..
No mic.
I have included photos to prove my story. At ka5row.com
Under the link ( Beware of Bad E-Bay Deals from interiorwonders )
I don't CB or have used a CB in 25 years I bought the radio because I had one like it when I was a kid and thought it would be nice to have one play with a few times and then put it on the shelf. I gave interiorwonders a negative report on e-bay. He e-mailed me and cussed me out and said what did I expect for a 30 to 40 year old radio. I EXPECTED IT TO BE CLEAN LIKE HE DESCRIBED. He also threatened to give me a negative report when he was paid on a buy it now
Posted by
KA5ROW on 2006-07-31
Ebay, Shmebay
I take all my stuff to the local Hamfest.
I spend three days getting ready, packing, food, snacks, pricing....etc, etc.
I spend $90 in gas to get there and back.
I sit in the hot sun in my bib overhalls.
My warm bologna sandwich gives me diarrhea.
I smell bad by the end of the day.
My overpriced equipment doesn't sell there, then I have to pack it up again for the next Fest.
Why would I want to use eBay?
Posted by
WPE9JRL on 2006-07-29
Stop buying junk
There wouldn't be so many buyer / seller horror stories if people would stop the casual and thoughtless buying. I'll bet that half the stuff on eBay was bought on a brain dead buying urge and then it gets sold on Ebay after you can't figure out why you bought it in the first place. I only buy stuff that I really want and I quit buying on the first or second urge. Now I have much less junk laying around and have very little to sell to all the lowlife buyers. I save a ton on money with my new austerity program. There really is no joy in buying stuff I didn't want. If I want something that I'll keep for awhile, I buy it after a week or so or waiting.
Posted by
SSB on 2006-07-29
I've probably bought five or six radios via Ebay and sold as many. Never have I had a problem.
The only time that I had any regrets invoving Ebay was from my own silliness. After a Saturday evening of imbibing about ten Budweisers, I foolishly....out of sentimentality....bid on an FT-101ZD. I spent the entire next day praying that someone would outbid me. At the last minute, someone did. Whoever you were, thank you!
Ebay is no more a crap shoot than any hamfest. You win most and you lose a few. If you want guarantees.....go to HRO or AES and purchase new equipment. Can't have your cake and eat it too.
Posted by
KC5CQD on 2006-07-29
Ebay & Paypal
I have bought many Ham related items including radios on ebay and I have sold many items also. I have 2 negitive feedbacks from jerks that tried to rip me off. Both were for computer parts I bought not ham gear. Now Paypal is fine for the honest buyer and the dishonest too for that mater but they have no protection for the seller. I sold a pulled 3cx300a7 that still had full output 5000W from a transmiter that was replaced with a solid state transmiter. The guy had it for a month then said it was bad when I sent it. I tried to get paypal to read the eingineers report of the transmitter tests before it was taken offline that showed that it had full output still but they would not listen to any thing I said. That cost me 400.00 dollars the guy fried the filament and there was a short between the plate and grid. So the lesson I learned was DONT USE PAYPAL if you sell anything they will not stand by you. In fact the will treat you as you commited a felony against them.
Posted by
AH6RR on 2006-07-29
Sorry
Should have been 3cx3000a7
Posted by
AH6RR on 2006-07-29
Ebay
One gripe I have is how many sellers expect me to test their crap at my expense. Thats right, if the item is defective and/or not as represented, they expect it shipped back to them and expect the buyer to eat the shipping charges. I don't have any time left in my life for dealing with morons or unethical people. I will buy new at retail, buy used in person, sight seen or do without. I'm not impatient nor greedy and I'm not looking for something for nothing in life. If I were selling you something, I assure you that I would rigorously test it and represent it accurately down to the last detail. I expect that in return.
Posted by
WA4DOU on 2006-07-28
The fix?
"It would also be nice if Eham could finally figure out how to keep double-postings from happening. Following their instructions by clicking "refresh" after receiving one of their plea's for financial help after you've just tried to submit a comment will guarantee a double post. Maybe one day they'll fix it."
The built in fix is this--send them the $25 for a subscription. Stops those financial pleas really well! ;-)
Posted by
K1CJS on 2006-07-28
Mostly good experiences
I've been a buyer and seller on eBay for 4+ years, and as mentioned here many times you have to be careful, but that applies to any transaction.
I've bought "like new" equipment on eBay with no problems. I assume its often people with buyers' regret that couldn't return the item to the store. The buyer gets it for a discount and doesn't have to pay tax, since its second- hand.
On the other hand, even after asking a bunch of questions, I once received a "clean" radio that smelled so bad of cigarette smoke that it actually made my whole room smell. I've never seen a seller openly admit in a listing that their item may smell of smoke - cigarette or otherwise!
Tech specials are fun - especially if you know a rig and its faults. Of course, breaking out the soldering iron for a simple repair is not for everyone - their loss, my gain.
Watch the feedback numbers, read the comments left by others, and use secure payment methods. Remember that "untested" likely means "broke" -bid accordingly (and don't be afraid to walk away) and you'll be better off.
Posted by
N6CAZ on 2006-07-28
Ebay- A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
I have bought many ham stuff on ebay. MOSTLY VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE.
BUY FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS LOTS OF GOOD FEEDBACK. I'VE FOUND MOST PEOPLE ARE GOOD. IF YOU BUY ITEMS TEENS MIGHT HAVE LIKE VIDEOS GAMES, PHONES AND PDA ITEMS, YOU ARE LIKELY IN MY OPINION TO HAVE TROUBLE. I HAVE FOUND MOST HAMS TO BE REALIABLE.WHERE ELSE CAN YOU BUY AND TEST RADIOS TO SEE IF YOU LIKE THEM. SOME PEOPLE ARE JERKS. THEY PURCHASE A EXPENSIVE RADIO AND NOT INSURE IT. IF YOU SELL ONE, MAKE SURE IT HAS INSURANCE. FEDEX SHIPPING IS GREAT. USPS PRIORITY IS TOO, BUT PARCEL POST, WATCH OUT. BOXES GET DROPPED I FEEL AND DAMAGE SOLDER JOINTS. ASK QUESTIONS 1ST IF UNSURE AND READ AUCTION ALL THE WAY THROUGH. MANY PEOPLE DON'T READ THEM. BUY A RADIO OR SCANNER THAT HAS SOME SCRATCHES BECAUSE YOU WILL GET A BETTER DEAL AND IT WILL GET SCRATCHED ANYWAY(HANDHELDS THAT IS). PAYPAL IN MY OPINION DOES NOT DO JUSTICE TO BUYER OR SELLER. REMEMBER, YOU ARE TAKING A CHANCE BUT YOU WILL GET A GREAT DEAL IF YOU ARE PATIENT. THERE IS NOT PERFECT RADIO SO MANY PEOPLE TRADE. WHY WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR AT A HAMFEST. YOU'RE NEW RADIO COULD DEVALUATE $50.00 FOR WAITING. AS A SELLER YOU ARE IN GREAT SHAPE. AS A BUYER YOU NEED TO REVIEW ON EHAM BEFORE YOU BUY.
Posted by
KD7YHF on 2006-07-28
THANK YOU EBAY
Had it not been for Ebay I would not own 26 D-104's, dozens of cheap chinese AR15 parts, an infared remote for my Nikon D50 digital camera (cost $1.00, shipping $19.95) Hey people,it's all good, welcome to the future! Instant photos,correspondence,movies and more. I love the internet and I love EBAY!
Posted by
WD40 on 2006-07-27
THANK YOU EBAY
Had it not been for Ebay I would not own 26 D-104's, dozens of cheap chinese AR15 parts, an infared remote for my Nikon D50 digital camera (cost $1.00, shipping $19.95) Hey people,it's all good, welcome to the future! Instant photos,correspondence,movies and more. I love the internet and I love EBAY!
Posted by
WD40 on 2006-07-27
Doesn't take a rocket scientiest
I won't buy from an ebay seller whose ad is sparse on detail, or loaded with spelling/grammar errors. If a person is so oblivious to such details, then my experience has been that they will say things because they've heard it said before like "I guarantee you'll like it", and then NOT actually support that guarantee...they said it without understanding it.
I've bought/sold about 1200 items on ebay. One piece of software turned out to be a pirated copy - got my money back. No other problems. I only sell things with a warranty and I rarely buy things without a warranty, unless they're very cheap.
Sadly, my success rate at hamfests has not been as good. I bought one radio from a guy at a 'fest, who said it worked, and he "stood by his word". Got his callsign and phone number. Got the radio home and it turned out the PA transisters were bad - only put out 1/2 watt instead of 100, and it did not have the CW filter, as he said it did. I called him to ask what he wanted to do about it, and he exploded, saying "I should never have sold the radio to a damned girl" and said I was stuck with it. I've never had that experience on ebay - only in person!
k
Posted by
KASSY on 2006-07-27
Ebay or ARRL?
The ARRL may be giving eBay and the other auction sites a little competition in the Amateur Radio arena this fall when the first ARRL Online Auction gets under way.
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/07/26/1/?nc=1
Posted by
KC8VWM on 2006-07-27
Good & Bad:
I got burnt once on eBay for $15. I can't count how many times at Hamfests. Failure to deliver manuals, power cords, or special connectors most common.
Watch out on eBay for listings that sound or look too much like a manufacturer's data sheet. The seller probably doesn't know what he's selling.
Don't be afraid to ask eBay (or any seller) for the serial number. I've asked a few times on eBay and the next day the auction was "ended early". Ask! You may avoid being ripped-off or ending-up with a stolen unit!
Posted by
N9LCD on 2006-07-27
Ebay or ARRL?
The ARRL may be giving eBay and the other auction sites a little competition in the Amateur Radio arena this fall when the first ARRL Online Auction gets under way.
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/07/26/1/?nc=1
Posted by
KC8VWM on 2006-07-27
No major problems yet
I've been on ebay since 1999. I have 350+ transactions under my belt. I have had a few bad experiences, BUT PayPal has refunded my money (after waiting the required 30 days) EVERY time I got screwed over. I don't know why people keep knocking PayPal, they have refunded 100% of my money at least 10 times now after the buyer did not ship the item. As far as HAM equipment, if there is a particular model you want, search every day for a month until you find EXACTLY what you want. I got my Ranger RCI 5054 6M rig for $150 after shipping.
Posted by
KB3LSR on 2006-07-26
No major problems yet
I've been on ebay since 1999. I have 350+ transactions under my belt. I have had a few bad experiences, BUT PayPal has refunded my money (after waiting the required 30 days) EVERY time I got screwed over. I don't know why people keep knocking PayPal, they have refunded 100% of my money at least 10 times now after the buyer did not ship the item. As far as HAM equipment, if there is a particular model you want, search every day for a month until you find EXACTLY what you want. I got my Ranger RCI 5054 6M rig for $150 after shipping.
Posted by
KB3LSR on 2006-07-26
No major problems yet
I've been on ebay since 1999. I have 350+ transactions under my belt. I have had a few bad experiences, BUT PayPal has refunded my money (after waiting the required 30 days) EVERY time I got screwed over. I don't know why people keep knocking PayPal, they have refunded 100% of my money at least 10 times now after the buyer did not ship the item. As far as HAM equipment, if there is a particular model you want, search every day for a month until you find EXACTLY what you want. I got my Ranger RCI 5054 6M rig for $150 after shipping.
Posted by
KB3LSR on 2006-07-26
EBAY
I HAVE BOUGHT AND SOLD ON EBAY FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW SO FAR SO GOOD , BUT BEWARE YOU GOT TO USE YOUR HEAD ON IT OR BAD THINGS CAN HAPPEN . I HAVE READ THE COMMENTS LISTED ON THIS SUBJECT AND OH BOY DO I AGREE WITH WHAT I HAVE READ . THANK YOU FROM AC5JV
Posted by
AC5JV on 2006-07-26
Ebay
... So who are the 11 individuals who own computers, have internet access but yet don't know what eBay is?
Posted by
KC8VWM on 2006-07-26
So ya think yer safe, eh?
Ebay can be a great place to find what you're looking for, amateur related or otherwise. But don't think for a second you're safe because of eBay's Safe Harbor or PayPal's buyer protection plans.
Having been screwed over by both of these wonderfully conceptual idea's, they are nothing more than a facade that helps make people sleep better at night than actually providing any level of buyer/seller protection. In the end the only thing eBay and PayPal want, now one in the same, is YOUR money.
Even if you've been taken advantage of in the clearest sense of the word these fine folks frequently side with known criminals because they keep money flowing through the eBay/PayPal infrastructure, and in the end that's all that matters to them.
If you've never had a bad deal go even more wrong by a financial judgement go to the person who was clearly wrong, just give them a little more time and you too will join the ranks of thousands who were not only victimized by low-life people using these services, but by the very people who have been doing their best to convince you their services are safe and have protections in place "just in case". Truth-be-told, you have no more protections from these supposed claims than just sending hard cash in the mail. And you're just fooling yourself if you think otherwise.
The only real protection is self-serving for THEM. In the end many are left with worthless junk and a PayPal payment that was reversed by lied-about transactions.
I know all this makes doing business sound bad but all transactions have the potential to turn out this way. But there are honest people out there and they are the ONLY thing that make the difference between a good experience and a bad one, NOT eBay's or PayPal's buyer/seller protection plans, which are merely feel-good words that are as worthless as ever.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-07-25
So ya think yer safe, eh?
Ebay can be a great place to find what you're looking for, amateur related or otherwise. But don't think for a second you're safe because of eBay's Safe Harbor or PayPal's buyer protection plans.
Having been screwed over by both of these wonderfully conceptual idea's, they are nothing more than a facade that helps make people sleep better at night than actually providing any level of buyer/seller protection. In the end the only thing eBay and PayPal want, now one in the same, is YOUR money.
Even if you've been taken advantage of in the clearest sense of the word these fine folks frequently side with known criminals because they keep money flowing through the eBay/PayPal infrastructure, and in the end that's all that matters to them.
If you've never had a bad deal go even more wrong by a financial judgement go to the person who was clearly wrong, just give them a little more time and you too will join the ranks of thousands who were not only victimized by low-life people using these services, but by the very people who have been doing their best to convince you their services are safe and have protections in place "just in case". Truth-be-told, you have no more protections from these supposed claims than just sending hard cash in the mail. And you're just fooling yourself if you think otherwise.
The only real protection is self-serving for THEM. In the end many are left with worthless junk and a PayPal payment that was reversed by lied-about transactions.
I know all this makes doing business sound bad but all transactions have the potential to turn out this way. But there are honest people out there and they are the ONLY thing that make the difference between a good experience and a bad one, NOT eBay's or PayPal's buyer/seller protection plans, which are merely feel-good words that are as worthless as ever.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-07-25
One More Thing . . .
It would also be nice if Eham could finally figure out how to keep double-postings from happening.
Following their instructions by clicking "refresh" after receiving one of their plea's for financial help after you've just tried to submit a comment will guarantee a double post.
Maybe one day they'll fix it.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2006-07-25
500+ deals no problems !
over 500 deals and no problems,
always read and read the descriptions again.
pull the sellers history and see if that
radio was just purchased as a doa for $ 20
and he is selling it for $ 200
or one of the ad copiers, lifts ad copy from other guys auctions... for his..
I'm selling my ts-570D for medical bills...
Reason for upgrade, I got a new rig on the way. all in the same auction. funny.
If the ship calculator is way off, ask them to check it, many times the ship quote defaults to next day pricing.
If it is too good to be true, forget about it !
I found a nice ts-50S + at-50, buy it now
for $ 225. Too good a deal ?
Checked his history, 300+ deals, all good,
he was selling out his stations, collins, heathkit, etc. gave him a phone call and
I got a great rig and tuner. He just wanted the stuff to be in good hands and to be used on the air.
Like others have posted, if the ship fee is too high, there will be others to bid on.
Just like at Dayton, you got to ask questions.
Even email the sellers customers and see if
they are happy with their purchase.
73 james
Posted by
KE4DRN on 2006-07-25
I got a good astron...
Seller w/good feedabcks + 500 listed
astron as guaranteed # 25 bin, $ 20 ship.
Got it fast, always check fused on all stuff before I power it up, fuse is blown...
email him to make sure he sent the right ps (yeah right) and ask him if I can try new fuse, he says he did not test the ps, but he will take it back if doa, less my ups fees,
to me and back to him...ha ha....
He tells me that these sell for $ 75 or more.
Like I don't know that...
well, I open it up and noticed cover has soot on it near the MOV, MOV is toasted !
I clip the MOV out to test the ps with new
fuse, and it works fine. New mov $ 1.00
I told seller I'll keep the astron, it was
worth it for the transformer..
Joke on him, I relisted it the same week
and got double my money for it and charged the buyer acutal fedex ground ship fee.
Posted by
KE4DRN on 2006-07-25
Buyers and shipping
"Buyers kill me. There are some rotten sellers on ebay but the buyers on average are worse. Buyers constantly complain when they think a seller is overcharging them $ 2 on shipping, especially when its flat rated for convenience of everyone."
There is that, some buyers are notoriously cheap and complain, but there are the dishonest sellers as well.
One item I bought was shipped differently that stated in the auction. The auction stated "will ship 2nd day priority mail" and the charge (through the on line calculator) was the then current priority mail charge. When delivered six days later, the seller had shipped it first class mail.
Now you tell me I didn't have the cause to leave less than perfect feedback. (I left neutral with the reason, just for the record.)
Posted by
K1CJS on 2006-07-24
Buyers and shipping again
I forgot to mention the seller pocketed the overcharge for shipping, in excess of $20.00. Like I said, care to tell me there aren't less than honest sellers out there?
Posted by
K1CJS on 2006-07-24
"Shipping" Fees
On the average, it cost 11% of the final selling price to cover the eBay and PayPal fees. So the trend is to cover these with costs with the shipping fees. There is nothing wrong with this as long as the buyer has the opportunity to know specifically what the total fees are prior to bidding, either as a fixed "shipping" amount or as a "calculate shipping fees" amount. My gripe is with sellers that simply state "buyer to pay shipping and handling" then hit the winning bidder with a high "handling" fee. A lot of the negative feedback left for sellers addresses this very point. Lee WB6SSW
Posted by
WB6SSW on 2006-07-24
Poor Packing
I only got burned big time on a DX-60B because the person packed it so poorly. Ended up buying a 2nd one and using the damaged one as a parts rig.
Jerry - NR5A
Posted by
R5A on 2006-07-24
beware of buyers
Buyers kill me. There are some rotten sellers on ebay but the buyers on average are worse. Buyers constantly complain when they think a seller is overcharging them $ 2 on shipping, especially when its flat rated for convenience of everyone. Buyers don't seem to have a problem when:
1. sellers have to pay ebays abusive listing, final value, and paypal fees.
2. sellers end up paying much more for shipping than estimated because of size or other factor.
3. sellers have to buy boxes, peanuts, bubble wrap, tape, and drive 20 miles round trip to UPS to send your stinking package. I don't get this stuff for nothing.
4. sellers get stung on listing fees from deadbeat buyer that disappear after winning an action not to mention the time wasted.
5. sellers put up for auction an item when there are few buyers at that time and end up selling their item for .20 on the dollar and buyer is wetting his pants on the screwing the seller got.
6. buyers seem to think sellers get what they sell for nothing. everything I personally sell are my own things and when I get something close to what its worth I am happy. I loose money on everthing I sell.
I think there are alot of buyers out there that think to be a shrewd buyer they must screw the seller. In other words a shrewd buyer is one that gets win-loose deals. They win, other party must loose big. Buyers don't understand the win-win concept of commerce. I don't sell or buy much on ebay.
Posted by
SSB on 2006-07-23
buyers suck
I forgot to mention the cheap buyers that don't want to pay the flat rate because they live 70 miles round trip from me and expect me to drive to an area near them and deliver it so they don't have to pay any shipping. I just love you people.
Posted by
SSB on 2006-07-23
flat rate shipping
I've seen several comments on flat rate shipping, and over priced flat rate shipping. And yes there is a ton of it done on ebay. But it's real simple to deal with. Decide what your maximum value for an item is, including shipping, and bid that amount. If the shipping makes the item too expensive, DON'T BID! If you think a seller has over priced his shipping amount, send him an email BEFORE YOU BID. But don't carp about it after you win! I've seen cases where laptops were listed with a bid of just a few dollars, but the shipping was $200!! I would not sell like that, or bid on an auction listed like that. And if more people would check the shipping charges before bidding, this stuff would stop....
The main thing, as a few others have pointed out, is spend some time before you bid. Read all the fine print, check the sellers feedback, watch for shipping and handling charges, decide on your top dollar, then bid.
Good luck & 73
Dan
--
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla>
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Posted by
K9ZF on 2006-07-23
ebay tips
if the guy is selling 12 items of gear and they are all tested as working , and then he has this one piece that he "doesn't have the ability to test", means its really broke.
"it was working when I stored it 3 years ago"... broke also.
"sorry about the pictures, I am not a photographer",,,.. means it is really scratched up / poorly repainted etc.
"works well and looks good", ... a legitimate ebayer with some good stuff.
"as with all electronics, it is sold as is" . A sad state to be in but I also use this, too many folks hook up powewr backwards, or put 110 v on a 12 v rig.. and send it back , broken.. sad but true, seller beware
then there is the guy who buys your "it will work or refund if not happy" who gets his "returned" radio back with a set of exchanged finals in it, that happend to be blown because the buyer swapped them and sent the rig back as broken , or damaged in transit etc.
and my favorite, I sold a piece of gear as broken, does not work, parts only bid accordingly, as is , no return, and then get negative feed back from the guy who bought it who says It came broke and does not work.
if you have a person with feed back greater than a hundred or so, ther wil be some retalitory negative feedbacks in there somewhere.
all in all, with care, you can get 99 out of 100 auctions as advertised, for every one shyster, if you are careful,
I've been on ebay since 1998 and have a fb of over 750, and check it daily for "deals.
Posted by
N6AJR on 2006-07-23
Auction fever
I have bought several items and the only problem I had is when I wanted an old MFJ tuner just for the variable caps in it. There was and old beat up MFJ-941 with dirt and writing all over it and a note saying the meter had a problem. You wouldn't believe the number of people bidding and how much they bid. There were other much newer and nicer ones for sale but I guess they wanted junk.
Posted by
W6OP on 2006-07-23
The EBay business model
EBay from their beginning implemented a business model that is sesm to be based on the notion that for every customer they lose they gain 7 new unsuspecting ones. Their procedures obfuscate the recovery of fees when a buyer fails to remit... or when a seller fails to send an item, one gets easily frustrated when winindg through a labrynth of process/procedures that accomplishment little or nothing at all. They do not police, to any extent, the unscrupulous seller who fails to ship an item even though paid via PayPal. EBay will advsie a selelr that a refund of seller fee has been issued, but when it never shows up, a seller ahs no way to get EBay to follow up. Ebay failed on thre occasions ot do this for me as seller. A certified letter to corporate never receives a reply. Thanks to them, as a seller, I lost over $25 in fees thanks to buyers that never remitted funds. Secondly, a buyer can post the final negative comments even if bogus, just out of spite and you cannot follow up to have it removed. There is no mechanism after a seller's first refutation.. the buyer gets the final word.. ebay does not get involved... no policing... so a miscreant buyer can say anything they want, no matter how erroneous. Ebay seems to "laugh" all the way to the bank as they give no indication that they are interested in anything except revenue... no matter they did not earn it.
Posted by
KA4AIY on 2006-07-23
Buying From Ebay
Only once in 30 or so transactions did I have a problem. And even then the seller contacted me before the item arrived to say there may have been a problem.
I bought a book on vertical antennas from a fellow. I got an email about 2 days later saying he may have sent the wrong book. He sent mine to Italy and the one that was to go to Italy came to me. And if it was the wrong one he would refund my money, and pay to have it shipped back.
When the book arrived it was the wrong one so I sent it back and emailed him with the cost. 20 minutes later I got an email from paypal that my money had been returned to me.
I left positive feed back for him, and he for me.
I could have left negative for getting the wrong Item, Heck I could have not mailed the book back and had the cash to boot!
I find most of the people I've delt with to be great. One fellow hardly comunicated with me at all. But I did get the item. He never did leave me feed back, and didn't reply to the 1 reminder I sent him. But oh well.
Posted by
VE1SLL on 2006-07-22
Heathkit keyer
Only close call i had was on a heathkit keyer. I ask the guy what kind of shape it was in and he said "perfect". Well, it looked perfect on the outside and had all kinds of junk rolling around on the inside. It was all there though and i had a ball restoring it. I might as well have bought one years ago and put the whole thing together myself hi hi. It was fun taking what someone thought was junk though and making it look and work like new. Ah yes sometimes the simple things in life are what it's all about. 73 John WR8D
Posted by
WR8D on 2006-07-22
Watch out on shipping costs
Since 2001, I've purchased numerous new and used ham radio items on eBay, with good to excellent results.
But it seems that the trend on eBay is to make a profit on the shipping costs. Several times, I have paid a certain *flat rate* shipping cost, and when the item arrived, the stamp on the package indicates an actual shipping cost of anywhere from $3 to $15 less than what I paid. Most of these items are small and less than $100.
I just find it annoying that someone will charge $15 *flat rate* shipping to send a small item that weighs a few ounces.
On the few items I've sold, I had the buyer pay actual shipping costs or the fixed shipping rate was within a dollar or two of the actual cost.
I also see more sellers charging *new* prices for used gear, or they make the combined item cost and shipping cost for a used item more than what one could get it new through HRO, AES, etc.
With these trends, I find myself using eBay less often lately.
Posted by
K6IHC on 2006-07-22
Ebay- Its all good!
I have purchased many items on Ebay and most of it ham stuff. I have never been burned and have only come close once.
The key to trouble free buying is not to do anything stupid like purchase items from a seller with virutally no rating or one with several bad feedbacks. In the one case where I almost got burned, the seller had 3 bad ratings in the last 6 months. I learned from that experience and only but from sellers that have a long track record of good sales.
Posted by
W7MY on 2006-07-21
Feedback
Many comments here about the Ebay feedback system. It is better than nothing but not very effective. Consider that many do not leave feedback at all. Those that do are often not honest when it comes to providing negative feedback. It seems that human nature will encourage retribution when receiving negative feedback. If I give you negative feedback for being late on paying or poor communication, etc., it is quite likely that I will receive negative feedback from you. While this is unjustified it stains your record none-the-less. Please don't be so quick to dismiss someone because they don't have 100%! Check the circumstances and apply common sense.
Posted by
W7RJR on 2006-07-21
GOOD
never got burned on Ebay, But got burned on eHam
Posted by
W3HD on 2006-07-21
something for nothing
i quit dealing with ham equipment on ebay due to the fact that the only problems i have had were from other hams, not too say all are bad but after getting burned for a few hundred dollars worth of paper weights. like when i was a child playing with fire hurts, so i don't
Posted by
N9MSH on 2006-07-21
Best luck with Hams
To be honest, all I ever use eBay for now is ham-related transactions. I find hams to be far more up-front than general merchandise sellers, and the ones who are literate and have some degree of knowlege of their wares are a pleasure to do business with.
I've never been gouged for shipping by a ham from whom I bought an item, and with one exception, those who've bought from me have always considered me a fair trader. The one exception was a 2m rig, in perfect working order that I sold (from the estate of a SK who I suppose was a smoker). The guy went off on me for selling a smoke-filled rig even though he got a great rig for about 1/2 of what they usually go for. Can't please 'em all, I guess. Maybe he'd have preferred it if I let the smoke out <grin>?
I find the secret in buying is to ignore the illiterate sellers and those who don't know the details of what they're selling. Feedback DOES count against a seller (a couple of negatives don't bother me if the guy who left the negative was a "piece of work"). Communication is what this hobby is about, and if the parties to an eBay deal don't communicte, well, they deserve what they get (or don't get).
Posted by
W2IRT on 2006-07-21
Better Than Dayton
When I first got my license back in the 80's my Friends and I used to go to Dayton Hamfest every year without fail. I purchased a lot of new stuff there from dealers and never had a problem but the used stuff from the "Trunk Sales" Outside was a different story. I got screwed over and over again!
Every year I say I am going back to Dayton but I never do, always something going on and its just not needed.
I have set up 2 complete shacks (Home and the cabin) and have purchased almost everything on ebay, I have a Yaesu FT-897D I got on ebay and I keep looking for another one. I own 2 Ameritron amps, I purchased one new and one on ebay, I have problems with the one I got new, the ebay amp has never given me any trouble.
Look at feedback but if there is only 1 or 2 bad and a bunch of good then go look at the guys that gave him the bad feedback and see if he has lots of bad feedback because its true you can get bad feedback for many reasons. And if you have to leave bad feedback its almost guaranteed they will give you bad in return. I have gotten 3 bads (over 500 good) and all of them have been when I have had to give bad feedback.
Watch the shipping, thats where I get burned once in a while if I find something I really want and dont read it real close.
I think I will go and see whats in the Ham section on eBay now. 73's
Posted by
K8OCN on 2006-07-21
You just have to be careful that is all
Just like any other transaction buyer beware. If you just close your eyes and bid, well, you are a fool and should be cheated. If the description is not clear enough, ask for more detail before buying. Buy only from other hams that have a call sign that you can check out on QRZ. If there is no email address on QRZ forget it. Email the guy and ask for a phone number that works. Don’t buy from anyone who has anything less than 100 percent positive feedback unless you can verify that the negative feedback was not justified. In all your communications, keep a copy and make sure that state in your communications that, if the item is not as advertised that you will most definitely leave negative feedback. I would surly refund the purchase price before I would get a negative feedback. There are a lot of guys like me that will not buy from anyone who is not 100 percent. Insist on using PayPal so you can watch the money going from your account to his so you will have a record that he got the money. If you are cheated, there is some insurance available from PayPal that may give some of your money back if you can prove fraud. These steps are a pain sometimes but works for me. I have never been cheated on Ebay on ham gear or other stuff I have bought or sold.
If there is a better way short of buying new from vendors I would love to hear about it. All the other places that hams trade have very limited means for checking out sellers and in most cases no real feedback system. I have had a lot worse experience buying stuff at ham flea markets and on-air swap meets. I even stood face to face with a guy in his home and he ripped me off so even that kind of transaction does not guarantee anything. A lot of the folks who say they don’t buy or sell on Ebay have very seldom if ever used it and just go by scary stories of others who are equally ignorant.
Posted by
W3OZ on 2006-07-20
No Problems
I have bought and sold several items on e-bay and have had positive only. Even when I bought a 10 meter radio that didn't work when it arrived. The seller told me to keep the item and he refunded my money including the shipping without having to contact pay pal or e-bay. You can also get hard to find items there. If you are careful and know what your top price will be for any item you should be OK. Check the seller SCORE for positive scores.
Posted by
K5FRB on 2006-07-20
Good Luck, Bad Luck
I've had very good luck purchasing ham items over Ebay. However, I had a bad experience a few years ago when I bought an expensive digital camera. The guy had good reviews but he was selling stuff he didn't have. Several others were caught in his scam. My credit card company reimbursed every penny! However, I learned a good lesson...don't buy anything from anyone who doesn't have a LONG record of good reviews. Even then bad things can happen but your chances of getting stung are reduced.
Kelly
K7SU
Posted by
K7SU on 2006-07-19
No trouble
I have purchased a total of 47 items from Ebay. Everything, from computers to radio equipment, to solar panels, binoculars and yard lights. I have only had a couple of items I was disappointed in, but these related more to interpretation as to quality rather than any sort of deceit or fraud. Also, it some geographical areas there are zero sources for some items, but thanks to shipping advances they packages come from all over the world. I have also saved some good money on some items that even though I paid for shipping half way around the world I saved hundreds of dollars over buying locally.
Posted by
VK4DGG on 2006-07-19
buying on E-bay
I have bought numerous HAM radio equipment on E-Bay and only got burned once. I BOught a Yaesu FT-5100 mobile. It worked once and after that it stopped working. I even gave it to a friend of mine who owns a Communications Radio store, selling and repairing HAM & CB radios and he got the radio to transmit no problems but it wont receive worth a darn and he said it would cost more to fix than buy a new rig. Oh well I might give him my FT-7100 so that he has a mobile to use when neccessary. But for the most part I have been extremely happy with my E-Bay purchases, and I will keep on bidding and buying on E-bay.
So.....73s Mike, N0mud
Posted by
N0MUD on 2006-07-19
Mixed Reviews
I have purchased bugs and Vibrokeyers on Ebay. All the Vibrokeyers arrived in ok condition. Not all new and shiny but all functioning perfectly. The bugs were a mixed bag. Most were ok but a couple should have been sold for "parts". They ended up for that purpose any way. Have purchased several good Kenwood boatanchors which are operating fine. A couple need at least re-alignment. Purchased stand-alone audio filters...all ok.
Any purchases from Ebay "stores" selling new goods (not just ham), and that includes the "No Counterpoise Antenna" store, have sold a fine product.
I think getting cought up in bidding wars can be a problem. Almost like on-line gambling if not careful.
Posted by
W2RDD on 2006-07-19
So far, so good
I have purchased a couple HTs from ebay. Good luck with both, both were as good or better than described.
Keep in mind that you're still buying something more or less sight unseen from somebody that you probably don't know... ebay is just the mechanism that allows it to happen. I personally tend to steer away from the "big gun" sellers who have hundreds of items up at any given time, with all the boilerplate and fancy graphics. What catches my eye are the auctions listed by hams cleaning out the shack or other people who are "selling for a friend", since they will probably be able to give you better individual attention than the mass marketers if you have questions or concerns.
Also be wary of feedback scores. Just because somebody has a very high number or a high percent of positive doesn't mean that they won't screw you over... it just means that they have made enough people satisfied enough to offset the ones they have upset. Read the comments, and anyone who leaves a negative comment, go and read the other comments they have left. Read the feedback comments the seller has left for others, too. These are really the only things you have to go on.
I do tend to "snipe" on ebay, but I will concur with the others who have said that you should keep your absolute maximum in mind and don't get caught up in last-minute bidding wars ("Oooh, I'll just go a few bucks higher; there's only 2 minutes left").
Posted by
W3STX on 2006-07-19
Avoid Resellers
Purchasing used comes with attendant risks with Ebay being no exception. Ebay is especially useful for purchasing hard to find items. The feedback function can be helpful in determining reliability, but...
I avoid resellers whose goal is to make a profit and may deceive you regarding the condition of the equipment. My experience has been that individual hams are generally honest and simply want to obtain a fair price for their gear. Look for those that detail the condition of the equipment; avoid those that offer excuses for not knowing the condition. Ask questions via email. How quick was it answered and how detailed? Was the response posted for all to see? Avoid those that promise only that it won't be DOA (dead on arrival). That's not much of a guarantee. Look for those that offer some kind of refund policy. Check any negative or neutral feedback. The seller should have made some effort to respond or fix it.
Feeback is useless unless all parties are honest, but the Ebay feedback system is better than nothing at all. At least you have some kind of track record to see.
Know the market value of something before you bid on it! Do a search for the same item that has been sold and see what they are going for. Stay firm on your maximum bid.
Honesty and integrity should always be rewarded with a positive feedback!
Posted by
W7RJR on 2006-07-19
Translating eBayese
As is = thou shalt regret it
Guaranteed not to be DOA = crap
I dont have an antenna and I can't tell whether it will transmits or not = Yea, sure.
Condition unknown = If you're dumb enough to believe it, go directly to the dump and get rid of it.
I am not a ham = Danger, bubonic plague !
etc.
(contributions welcome)
Marius
Posted by
WB4ENI on 2006-07-19
I've bought several pieces of equipment on Ebay with generally good results. One joker had apparently placed a lot of listings, took the money "Check only, no paypal"then disappeared. Otherwise, good results, one went so far as to tell me that the model#was a 'B' not the current'C', and did I still want it. I also bought a vintage Heathkit at a cheap price and that is going to be my next winter project.
Posted by
KE7FHO on 2006-07-19
I've bought several pieces of equipment on Ebay with generally good results. One joker had apparently placed a lot of listings, took the money "Check only, no paypal"then disappeared. Otherwise, good results, one went so far as to tell me that the model#was a 'B' not the current'C', and did I still want it. I also bought a vintage Heathkit at a cheap price and that is going to be my next winter project.
Posted by
KE7FHO on 2006-07-19
BEWARE
Brendasamps advertises 100% ready amps, and tested, and shows deceiving pictures. I just got burned with a DOA SB220.
Never again on E-Bay buying. Will never again buy equipment I don't see first and try out.
It,s been an expensive lesson.
Posted by
N4PIQ on 2006-07-19
BEWARE
Brendasamps advertises 100% ready amps, and tested, and shows deceiving pictures. I just got burned with a DOA SB220.
Never again on E-Bay buying. Will never again buy equipment I don't see first and try out.
It,s been an expensive lesson.
Posted by
N4PIQ on 2006-07-19
BEWARE
Brendasamps advertises 100% ready amps, and tested, and shows deceiving pictures. I just got burned with a DOA SB220.
Never again on E-Bay buying. Will never again buy equipment I don't see first and try out.
It,s been an expensive lesson.
Posted by
N4PIQ on 2006-07-19
EBAY
i've sold stuff and buying stuff without any problem.check out the high score feedback ! and do not buy low feedback they will screw you up just watch out very low feedback go with high feedback.
73
Jackie
KG4ORX
Website http://webpages.charter.net/kg4orx/
Posted by
N4MJG on 2006-07-19
argh QRP stickers
Wow, just got, I consider, burned today. There's a guy selling
"QRP" stickers that look like those oval country stickers you
see in Europe. I thought, wow that would look neat on my
car! So, I sent off the $ for one, well, they're SMALL. About
1/4 size. So, if you get one, keep this in mind - it would look
idiotic on your car.
Posted by
NS6Y_ on 2006-07-18
Have you ever bought any new or used Ham Radio equipment from eBay?
Been using eBay for years. No problems at all.
Blaming eBay for "bad deals" is like blaming the spoon for making Rosie O’Donnell fat.
Posted by
WW4DX on 2006-07-18
ebay
I only buy from another ham where their positive feedback is 99% or better. Stay away from the estate sale stuff and sellers that can't write well in English.
Posted by
K6ZOD on 2006-07-18
Never a problem
I bought in ebay and sell a lot of radio.\
Never, ever I have a problem.
I always check my seller/buyer; if is somebody whit low buys number, I call him.
Posted by
LU1HQV on 2006-07-18
Ebay is ok, but you have to be careful
I've got a long history with ebay, and have bought and sold all kinds of things, I'm over 230 transactions with "active" feedback (ie. within the last couple years that the other party bothered to give feedback for.)
In my experience you are best not to jump in at the last seconds of an auction as you will invariably miss critical hints that something fishy is up with the seller.
ALWAYS ask questions, if there is nothing you can think to ask brainstorm and come up with one, the buyer's answer and how long it takes for him/her to answer will tell you a lot about them.
Buying ham equipment from someone who lists their callsign (perhaps as part of their ebay id or e-mail address) is probably much safer than buying hamequipment from someone whom you have no idea is even qualified to turn the equipment on.
Don't accept "It's been in the closet for 2 years, but it worked when I last used it" as an answer to the question "How well does it work?" If they can't be bothered to switch it on and run a few tests they probably also will not be bothered to package it properly or there may actually be a problem that they don't want to tell you about and will claim ignorance of later when you find it.
I've had only a few Ham related transactions, but those I've had have been among the best of all my dealings with ebay users.
Also be aware that just because your package from one seller arrived in 3 days doesn't necessarily mean all packages arrive in 3 days. There is a reason the old catalog stores used to quote 4-6 weeks as shipping time. (this is especially true for cross border shopping on ebay) If it is sent by post you are at the mercy of the postal system, which is fast when they want to be and slow the rest of the time... personally I don't think ebay gives you enough time to complain about trasactions gone wrong, too often I've thought I was being scammed but it was just delayed in the mail... which leads me to the last piece of advice, ask for a tracking number right away. (before they even have a chance to ship) you do want to have that in case there is a long delay. (and if it is a USPS tracking number don't expect to be able to get a tracking result from the website for the first 2-3 days after shipping.
Posted by
VA3RPG on 2006-07-18
eBay
I can't help but notice a specific trend that reflects the idea that the majority of people dissatisfied with their eBay purchases seem to be the same people that didn't do their due diligence.
I find there seems to be many instances where "communication" is the underlying factor resulting in many "bad deals
during the seller / buyer relationship.
So, yes there are a small percentage of outright "bad deals", however I would say that this would be a very broad generalization not always indicative of defective or broken products received by the buyer.
Of course a number of these individuals wouldn't be as upset with sellers if they had taken out the appropriate insurance to protect their purchases in the first place.
The latest eBay trend is to blame everyone else but yourself for deals gone bad and don't forget that the seller is also somehow responsible for supervising how your package is handled by the employees at UPS too.
The psychology associated with this entire survey is that the seller is the big bad eBay corporation guy and the "Joe little guy" is usually the buyer who always seems to be the Innocent victim who always gets his hard earned paycheck taken away from him by the big bad Ebay wolf.
A better survey would have been, "Have you ever "sold" any new or used Ham Radio equipment on eBay?"
Trust me, some buyers are worse than most sellers in many cases. That would explain why some Ebay sellers have gone to the extent of requesting certain buyers to have an excellent feedback rating before they are even permitted to participate in any given auctions.
In conclusion, selling on ebay can be just as bad an experience for sellers in the broad generalization of the word as those purchasing from eBay.
Good communication helps resolve 92% of these situations you hear about. Never assume anything and you won't become disappointed "victims."
73
Posted by
KC8VWM on 2006-07-18
Dishonest sellers
Is it the fault of a buyer that a seller sells crap? Of coarse it is according to bad sellers. Its the bad communication by the buyer that creates dishonest sellers selling crap. Does anybody actually believe this load of bs?
Posted by
SSB on 2006-07-18
Dishonest sellers
Is it the fault of a buyer that a seller sells crap? Of coarse it is according to bad sellers. Its the bad communication by the buyer that creates dishonest sellers selling crap. Does anybody actually believe this load of bs?
Posted by
SSB on 2006-07-18
Its the bad communication by the buyer that creates dishonest sellers selling crap.
----------
A) Buyer doesn't "communicate" the intention to buy insurance for item purchased.
B) Item breaks enroute to buyer.
C) Seller is accused of selling crap to buyer.
Final Result: "Dishonest seller."
Posted by
KC8VWM on 2006-07-18
Ham gear on eBay
I've bought a TON of stuff on eBay, and only been "burned" once - an Alinco DX-70 advertised as "only needing new final transistors" had the entire final amplifier stage ripped out of it and the PC board nearly shredded. And I have had a few things not quite as nice as I'd hoped, but generally, as has been repeated above - the better the description, the seller's feedback, and the PHOTOS (to me, absolutely a requirement), the more likely the buyer is to be satisfied.
Brad
AL4T
Posted by
SERGEANT on 2006-07-18
Dishonest sellers
Oh, now its the shipping companies that turn all seller crap into bigger crap. Anyone believe this bs.
Alex
Posted by
SSB on 2006-07-18
Scammers Paradise(EBay)
I don't buy or sell widgets on EBay anymore.
Too many scammers on EBay. I once bought a dual-band 2m/70cm xcvr listed as in excellent condition. Upon receiving it, didn't tx or rcv on either band. I took a closer look inside the case and found out the seller tried to modify it. Did a lousy job. I then tried contacting the seller about the radio but the seller didn't respond to my emails. I quess I just bought a boat anchor for 250 dollars.
Posted by
VK7YZ on 2006-07-18
Scammers Paradise(EBay)
I don't buy or sell widgets on EBay anymore.
Too many scammers on EBay. I once bought a dual-band 2m/70cm xcvr listed as in excellent condition. Upon receiving it, didn't tx or rcv on either band. I took a closer look inside the case and found out the seller tried to modify it. Did a lousy job. I then tried contacting the seller about the radio but the seller didn't respond to my emails. I quess I just bought a boat anchor for 250 dollars.
Posted by
VK7YZ on 2006-07-18
Good Overall
I have bought ham equipment and computer parts on eBay without too many problems. I've only been slightly disappointed twice and almost burned twice out of over 100 transactions. My disappointments weren't the fault of the seller because they said it wasn't working, its just that the equipment required more repair than I had hoped for, I took a chance. I solved my almost burned transactions after numerous un-answered emails to the seller, by threatening to turn them into eBay as frauds. That seemed to get their attention and they quickly responded to my email and sent my purchases. Most of the advise given by the other respondants is absolutely correct, common sense, research and questions can reduce your risks and make ebay fun. However, as with all transactions, caveat emptor.
73,
Steve w7jsc
Posted by
WA7H on 2006-07-18
mostly good
I've bought a ton of stuff from ebay over the years. Most have went well.
I've been burned at hamfests numerous times!
If you buy used gear, you take chances...
73
Dan
--
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla>
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Posted by
K9ZF on 2006-07-18
Do Your Homework
If something seems too good to be true on E-bay, it is - guaranteed. Check seller feedback and be wary of those who are reluctant to provide details or photos of the item(s). I've bought and sold many things on E-bay and have had only one bad experience. Typically, there are few true bargains to be found on ham gear but occasionally you might run across one. It would be better if more folks didn't get caught up in the competition aspect of bidding and kept the bigger picture in mind. I've never understood bidders who place multiple bids on items - figure out what you are willing to pay, submit a single bid and leave it alone. If you can't do that, you'll nearly always pay too much for something but I guess you can have the satisfaction of saying you "won" the auction. Yeah, won the battle but lost the war.
Posted by
KN7T on 2006-07-18
Use PayPal
I have had good luck on eBay except for one buyer with two items. They were described and pictured as one thing and I received another of a larger size. I wanted my refund and returned the items. I went thru PayPal and they recovered the costs for me and I wound up losing nothing on the deal. Other deals have been good and I bid NO MORE than I think the item is worth. Not what the SELLER thinks it is worth.
Frank
KL7IPV
Posted by
KL7IPV on 2006-07-18
Buying & Selling
I have listed things on eBay in the past and I can sympathise with Frank's situation.
Things are not always what they appear in photographs. Some of it may be outright deceptive selling practices but I feel many times auction items might just be honestly misunderstood.
"Good Sellers" will usually offer a no questions asked refund (less return shipping costs) if the buyer is not satisfied with products purchased and my rationale is:
A) "Offering refunds" encourages more bidding confidence with "auction watchers" and you actually end up getting what the item is actually worth.
B) Maintains a level of integrity in your auctions.
C) Shouldn't be a problem to offer if the equipment auctioned is exactly as described.
I always thought it's always better to offer a person a refund, lose a sale and gain positive feedback than it is to gain a sale and get wacked with negative feedback.
Quite frankly, (no pun intended Frank :) it's really not worth it to sell "junk" on eBay unless a person openly exhibits it as such and offers a refund if not satisfied.
Hopefully others will consider a "refund" strategy even if they are in fact selling junk.. There's nothing wrong with the words "It doesn't power up anymore."
The problem is that not everyone reads that particular line in some auctions and they just hit that "Bid Now" button instead.
It arrives a week later and the buyer sends you nasty email:
"Hey, you ripped me off it doesn't work"
I reply, "Yes I know.. It said that in the auction. Would you like a refund?"
Honest purchasing mistakes DO happen. Offering refunds help.
73 Charles - KC8VWM
Posted by
KC8VWM on 2006-07-18
Use Common Sense
I saw IC-2KL amplifiers advertised as being in China with prices of 1/10 what they should have been. Obviously, this was an example of a scam. If you use common sense when bidding on ebay, you'll do fine. Remember that the whole world is watching items, so it is unlikely you'll get a really great deal. But the selection you'll find is unavailable through any other source.
Posted by
VE7RC on 2006-07-18
Use Common Sense
I saw IC-2KL amplifiers advertised as being in China with prices of 1/10 what they should have been. Obviously, this was an example of a scam. If you use common sense when bidding on ebay, you'll do fine. Remember that the whole world is watching items, so it is unlikely you'll get a really great deal. But the selection you'll find is unavailable through any other source.
Posted by
VE7RC on 2006-07-18
Use Common Sense
I saw IC-2KL amplifiers advertised as being in China with prices of 1/10 what they should have been. Obviously, this was an example of a scam. If you use common sense when bidding on ebay, you'll do fine. Remember that the whole world is watching items, so it is unlikely you'll get a really great deal. But the selection you'll find is unavailable through any other source.
Posted by
VE7RC on 2006-07-18
Bought a 10 meter mobile from a guy with a good user rating. When I got it, it would come on, but there was no output whatsoever. Had to threaten to sue just to get my money back.
Ebay is good for some things, but that's my first and last transaction for radio gear.
Posted by
K8NWX on 2006-07-18
Mostly good
Ebay is no different than any other venue. The worst piece of ham equipment came from here on eham. I would like to have the luxury to try it out at the local ham store before buying like some have suggested, but here in the lower part of Oklahoma, we don't have any ham stores to go to. So any piece of equipment has to be ordered, and most stores have the policy of you "bought you own it".
Besides, if you go into it with both eyes wide open and realize "that if it seems to good to be true", it usually is. Just remember as with anything else, buyer beware.
Posted by
KB5IYB on 2006-07-17
buying from ebay
yes i have bought quite a few items as far as ham equipment i have done very good. the name of the game is buyer beware, ask lots of questions before you buy. if they say not sure or wont take item back, buyer beware.most hams are honest. I sell my stuff with a 100 percent guarrantee if what i say is not true i refund including shipping. It is better than gambling in Vegas, when you lose in Vegas you have nothing. KA9HJZ
Posted by
KA9HJZ on 2006-07-17
Buying From eBay
I have purchased a number of items on eBay and haven't had a bad experience...yet. First, know what you are buying. Frequently, I see people get into bidding wars and the used item sells for more than the item cost new. This is insane! Look at the sellers history. It will give you a good idea what his/her track record is. Make sure the seller has original, sharp photos of his item. Got questions? Ask! If someone is selling a $4K amp for $500, "Buy It Now", steer clear, because it IS too good to be true. (Unless it is advertised as DOA.) If insurance is offered, take it! Following these guide lines I have participated in a number of auctions and have been quite happy. So far.
73 de KC2HZW
Posted by
KC2HZW on 2006-07-17
Buying From eBay
I have purchased a number of items on eBay and haven't had a bad experience...yet. First, know what you are buying. Frequently, I see people get into bidding wars and the used item sells for more than the item cost new. This is insane! Look at the sellers history. It will give you a good idea what his/her track record is. Make sure the seller has original, sharp photos of his item. Got questions? Ask! If someone is selling a $4K amp for $500, "Buy It Now", steer clear, because it IS too good to be true. (Unless it is advertised as DOA.) If insurance is offered, take it! Following these guide lines I have participated in a number of auctions and have been quite happy. So far.
73 de KC2HZW
Posted by
KC2HZW on 2006-07-17
Good & Bad
I got tired of having to deal with people who would not, or could not accurately describe the condition of items, or could not fathom the proper packaging of items. My last experience was bidding for and getting two Vibroplex bugs. When they arrived, I found the broken remains inside a box with the bugs wrapped in bubble wrap and a few pieces of crushed newspaper in between. They had beat each other from the west coast to NC along the way. I decided that life is too short to deal with this kind of stuff anymore. My motto now is:
1) I'll buy it new and pay full retail if necessary.
2) I'll buy it used if I can see the item and the seller simultaneously.
3) I'll do without.
I don't go anywhere near Ebay any more. Many good sellers but the aggrivation of dealing with some folks far outweighs the value to me.
Posted by
WA4DOU on 2006-07-17
No problems here
I bought a 2 meter rig and a power supply from parties on E-bay. The rig arrived well packed even though the 'padding' was on the sparse side, had the mike, the full power cord, bracket and hardware and even the manual in good condition with it. Just didn't get the original box--no big deal.
The power supply was well packaged in a substitute box too, but the former owner neglected to wrap the unit prior to putting it in styrofoam popcorn inside the box. It still was a good deal even though I had to open up the unit to clean it out a bit.
I look at the following when I bid on anything--first, the feedback from previous buyers. Secondly, the photo of the thing I'm buying, which I save in a file on my computer if I bid. I also look at the description and ask questions if I'm not sure--e-mail takes a while but if the question isn't answered or I don't like the answer, I don't bid. I also leave feedback comments for anything out of the ordinary, such as the packaging of the item. Lastly, if the price looks too good and the explaination of why isn't there or answered by e-mail, I stay away. That situation is usually an invitation to get burned.
I've bought about a hundred and fifty items on E-bay, including a couple dozen radio related items and even more electronic items and have only been burned once, on a computer processor chip. I quickly got my money back there through PayPal, so I've only been disappointed, not really burned. I'll keep looking and bidding--you never know what may pop up there next!
Posted by
K1CJS on 2006-07-17
some good some bad
I have purchased some equipment from a ham on ebay A Kenwood Ts 440sat and I was told that the vco problem had been corrected and would not be a problem well needless to say I had to send it off to be repaired but the good news is I got lucky and the seller paid for the repair. I have bought 2 2mtr rigs and both worked as advertised with out a hitch so I still look at the adds but pay particular attention to the feed back on ebay for the sellers and only deal with folks that have a lot of feedbacks and at least are rated at 99% good that is enough of my soapbax for now
Posted by
AE4NR on 2006-07-17
I've never had any bad experiences on eBay, as I'm careful about whom I buy from, and I try to be scrupulously honest in my own selling. Twice I had defective merchandise arrive, and both times the seller made good right away.
Too many people jump at what looks like a steal without being critical- and that's what the scam artists count on.
Posted by
W8MJE on 2006-07-17
Mostly good
At least there is a recourse on Ebay if someone tries to burn you. At a hamfest or some other classifieds, there is not. However, as with all ways of buying, its buyer beware! I've been refunded before after I had to sic paypal on someone for trying to sell me a broken cell phone.
I judge what I'm going to buy by the way it's described, and that includes spelling and capitalization, I think that has alot to do with who typed it, I can't count on a typing slob to be thorough! We are what we project, after all.
Posted by
KC0TUD on 2006-07-17
Read between the lines
I have a had a mix of experiences using eBay, but most transactions have resulted in obtaining equipment in good order at a fair price.
The key as stated above, is to view all equipment with a critical eye, and ask relavent questions of the seller.
In general, the best deals can be found on new or almost new equipment that for whatever reason does not fit the needs of the original purchaser.
When it comes to older gear, there are often big differences in how sellers describe the item and its actual condition.
If you are already familiar with a particular piece of equipment, and know some of the typical problems that it may have, you increase the chances of making a good buying decision. The Product Reviews here on e-Ham are invaluable in that regard.
Finally, decide what the item is worth to you and submit your maximum bid on that basis. Avoid getting caught up in a bidding frenzy at the last minute -- the auction sites count on this behavior to maximize their profit.
Charles
K5QED, ex KE5AVC
Posted by
KE5AVC on 2006-07-17
Good and Bad
I have found that you have to read the description of the item very carefully and then ask questions if the description doesn't satisfy you.
I have also realized that most peoples views of the condition (good,used, excellent, and etc.) often vary greatly from mine. For instance: Excellent condition, but I don't have power cord or microphone to check unit out. ????
Buyer beware if you question an items description and find out the person selling the item has purchased it from an estate sell and can tell you absolutely nothing about it or answer any questions that you might have. Also read any questions that someone else may have asked.
There are several good EBay stores that sell used ham equipment and these generally describe the items very well and can answer any questions that you might have.
I feel more comfortable buying a used item if the seller states if you not satisfied or the item is not as described, return the item and I will return the purchase price.
I agree that when you bid on an item, place your maxium bid that you are willing to pay and then wait until the bidding is over to see whether or not you won it. My experience is that if a price seems to good to be true, it generally is.
Posted by
KI4PGO on 2006-07-17
Life's too short...
...to buy stuff I haven't seen or tried out.
My other motto is, "I don't need anything so badly I'd buy it without trying it first."
I even try out *new* stuff. Which is why I go to HRO, try out the "demo" rig, and if I like it, I take THAT one. Not a new one in a box, but THAT one. After all, I wasted time trying it out, and I've never even seen the one in the box.
WB2WIK/6
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2006-07-17
eBay bargains ... rare
actually, eBay is SUCH a seller's market that I don't bother there much, anymore
there are FAR better places to buy stuff on-line, anyway, and I am often amazed at how I can get hamfest (or better!) prices on stuff as long as I keep my eyes out
Posted by
KZ1X on 2006-07-17
Ebay
I sell on Ebay and occasionally buy, and have the highly
jaundiced attitude one can expect from almost 10 years
on there.
I will say, sometimes I just plain can't find something
locally, I want a key, and I won't see a key, any at all, at
the hamfests for a YEAR. But I can go on Ebay, fine
whatever obscure key I want, bid on it, win it, send off a
check, and get it.
I'd say Ebay is 99% good, 1% PitA and sometimes that 1%
can loom like a mountain. For everything "high priced"
people are ignoring several things that are drastically
underpriced.
Posted by
NS6Y_ on 2006-07-17