Posted by Paul Wegemann on February 15, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Do any of you folks buy used gear from the Fred Miranda forums? What measures do you take to protect yourself? For that matter, I guess the same question applies to buying from the NPN classifieds.
Thanks,
Paul
Posted by Steven Peckham on February 15, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Paul,
I have bought some stuff off of FM before. I saved some $, but it was on some small priced tag items. I wonder if it would have been worth the risk of getting something sight unseen for a big ticket lens.
If I were to purchase a big ticket item I would look for many of good reviews and stuff like that. But bottom line: caveat emptor.
S
Posted by Phillip Noll on February 15, 2009 at 11:29 PM
I've sold about 8-10 items on FM in the last 1.5 months. Haven't had any problems. They have a feedback mechanism so you can see the ratings for any particular seller/buyer. You may have to be registered and logged in to see the ratings though.
I haven't purchased anything from FM. Generally when purchasing from a forum or Ebay, etc., I try to see what feedback there is on the seller. I have used an escrow company before for high priced items--many sellers don't want the hassle but you can ask. As long as the seller has good feedback you probably won't have any problems.
Posted by Timothy Tonge on February 16, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Ive had good luck buying from FM, though items are on the higher side, fair priced but not discounts, sellers are very aware of the value of the items. But generally a good bunch at FM
Posted by Mel Ladewig on February 16, 2009 at 11:18 AM
I've bought two items through FM and both went fine but they were low dollar. One was a RB67 kit, the other was some accessories for my Panasonic LX3.
Posted by Guy Schmickle on February 17, 2009 at 2:02 PM
I've both bought and sold at FM and would much prefer to deal there than on Ebay. I'd definitely pay attention to the reviews of the sellers, but in general it's a good community with honest people. Because the participants tend to be photo-centric and knowledgeable, you won't find many deals. If you do, they won't last long!!
Posted by Paul Wegemann on February 17, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Thanks folks. I appreciate your input.
Posted by Jesse Speer on February 18, 2009 at 3:12 AM
I've bought/sold there several times. Only deal with people who have solid feedback there - and elsewhere if possible. For selling, I usually prefer PayPal (to confirmed addresses) for payment - or cashier's check/USPS money order. When buying, I always ask for a money back guarantee - if I don't like what I get. Sellers usually give a day or two for evaluation. If they don't, I move on. Generally, everyone is very friendly and I've had great experiences to date.
Read it every day, and you'll find good deals every now and then.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on February 18, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Discussion
8 repliesThanks,
Paul
Paul,
I have bought some stuff off of FM before. I saved some $, but it was on some small priced tag items. I wonder if it would have been worth the risk of getting something sight unseen for a big ticket lens.
If I were to purchase a big ticket item I would look for many of good reviews and stuff like that. But bottom line: caveat emptor.
S
I haven't purchased anything from FM. Generally when purchasing from a forum or Ebay, etc., I try to see what feedback there is on the seller. I have used an escrow company before for high priced items--many sellers don't want the hassle but you can ask. As long as the seller has good feedback you probably won't have any problems.
Ive had good luck buying from FM, though items are on the higher side, fair priced but not discounts, sellers are very aware of the value of the items. But generally a good bunch at FM
Read it every day, and you'll find good deals every now and then.