Gear Purchase on Ebay?

[wetnwonder]

I'm wondering about others experience buying used gear on Ebay.
Another way to ask: Have you gotten rid of gear on Ebay that was, let's say, questionable in it's ability to function? Or did it just not suit you but was still reliable / safe to use?

I'm considering shopping for a computer there.

Thanks for your input.

 

[ReefHound]

I've mostly had success in my purchases on ebay. I've sold a few things but as a active diver with a conscience I would never sell/loan/give another diver any piece of gear that was unsafe.

 

[tridacna]

I've only had success on eBay and I've bought a lot of gear that way. Check the seller's feedback very carefully.

 

[k ellis]

I have not purchased any gear on ebay myself but I have in the past heard some people get some shady deals from time to time. I also know from past experience on general purchases from ebay you occasionally get lemons that someone had sitting in their garage and just decided to sell with out inspecting it or any thing like that. (As is sales) So I tend to buy new gear since at depth the only thing keeping you alive is the quality of your gear.

 

[ron_cooper]

I have purchased probably 75% of my stuff on Ebay. I have shots of the major stuff in the photos for my own files, insurance. I haven't had any problems with items i've received. On two occacions I didn't get items paid for but that was corrected with Paypal. Generally you have to know what you want, what you are willing to pay for items. And deal with people that have a good rating. I have had to wait for some items to finally sell for what I was willing to pay, to get a good deal, but the wait is worth it. Everything has been described exactly as I received it. I would highly recommend use it. You can also get good deals by surfing different dive shop sites that sell online. There aren't alot in Canada, which is a shame but some shops will help you out. This could be as simple as sending an item by shipping by US postal rather than a courier, the couriers have extra brokerage fees. Or they may send the items marked as a present, no fees then.

 

[RonFrank]

I have purchased, and sold gear on ebay. I've never had issues. Make sure to read the description carefully, and ask questions before you bid.

 

[spoolin01]

I've almost without exception had good luck with pricey hobby stuff, like scuba, on eBay. The advantage with dive gear in particular is that there's lots of little-used stuff out there and unless it's trendy, it sells for a fraction of replacement cost. This probably keeps the fraud incentive down (no arbitrage trade), or at least puts the odds in your favor. When I sell stuff I try to point out things I think a buyer might be dissappointed with, and for the most part offer a money-back return policy. I've only been asked to take something back once for 'false advertising', and maybe once I got beat for a $5 give-back by someone who figured I'd give in.

You're obviously at a disadvantage buying sight-unseen, but learn to read between the lines and you'll do fine. A big buyer advantage now is that all sellers have to accept credit card directly or via PayPal, so ask the exact questions you want to have on record, use a credit card, and if you get something other than what was agreed, you can get your money back.

 

[dave4868]

Most purchases of scuba gear on eBay will be completely satisfactory, IMHO.

As far as buying a dive computer on eBay, or any other electronics, look for a good return policy, that is, something like "money back guarantee if item not as described". Also, make sure the item description states the item is currently working perfectly or is guaranteed to work perfectly.

Even without such a stated policy, the buyer who pays with PayPal is usually protected very well, but buying from sellers who offer good return policies is often enough to insure you won't need the protection.

I'm an occasional buyer and a frequent seller on eBay and I agree completely with the advice that a buyer should contact the seller and ask questions if anything is unclear. Don't assume something that's not written clearly in the item description. As a seller, I'm very happy to have a customer ask questions prior to purchasing. That helps avoid misunderstandings.

Speaking of buying a dive computer on eBay, I recently purchased one without any problems and, in fact, it was in better condition than I expected.

Prior to the purchase, because I knew what to look for, I asked the seller a few questions and his responses convinced me that the computer was in excellent condition. It was.

In addition to checking a Seller's Feedback reputation, a seller's responses to questions will tell you a great deal about their integrity and service.

Since there are so many good sellers and good deals on eBay, there's no need to go with a seller who's not first-rate.

HTH.

Dave C

 

[Colliam7]

I'm wondering about others experience buying used gear on Ebay.... I'm considering shopping for a computer there.

Good success on eBay with a substantial number of scuba gear purchases (wings, BPs, wetsuit, computers, fins, etc.) Have purchased a transmitter for a Vytec computer, and a Nitek He computer without any problems. My only 'neutral' experience - I bought a regulator and found out much later the second stage housing was cracked (I suspect the seller was aware of this, but didn't include that little detail in the description) and needed to be replaced, plus the seller didn't bother to replace the port plugs when they removed the SPG and octo (not included in the sale) before shipping. Not a problem for me to fix, but I waited several months before even looking carefully at the item after I received it, so there wasn't anything I could do about it when I discovered the issues. My only advice would be to inspect / test whatever you buy, immediately after receiving it.

 

[b1gcountry]

I've found better lick and better prices buying stuff off board members here on Scubaboard, and on The Deco Stop. Both seem to offer better prices, and I've never had a problem.

The only downside is there aren't as many folks selling on the boards as there are on Ebay, so you have to be patient and check back frequently.