Buying used camera equipment

[RandySmith]

I want to believe that if I was to purchase some used camera equipment that the item(s) that I purchase are totally legitimate, however, in the unlikely case that the equipment happened to be the unfortunate result of someone else "losing" their equipment, I could possibly end up without the equipment if I happen to send back to factory for calibration/repairs, that is if the s/n was identified as stolen.

Does anyone happen to know of a way to search serial numbers or some other recommendation for purchasing used equipment to safeguard the investment ?

Thanks for any thoughts you might have.
Randy

[venchka]

Buy from people you know. Buy from people who have sold to people you know. Buy from people with a good history at this Forum.

[kenw]

The simple answer is to buy form a reputable re-seller who will make good if it turns out to have a history.

[bondarnes]

[QUOTE=RandySmith;965651 I could possibly end up without the equipment if I happen to send back to factory for calibration/repairs, that is if the s/n was identified as stolen.[/QUOTE]

I doubt that the repair facilities keep a list of stolen s/n, but I was wrong one time before. I agree with the others. Know who you are dealing with to reduce the chances to almost nil of this happening.

[RandySmith]

Thanks everybody, I'm interested in an item that I've seen on-line for sale, but unfortunately I cannot honestly say one way or another about the individual that has the item for sale, no disrespect intended at all. I don't know them personally, and hopefully being a fellow member of TPF is enough credibility should the sale go through. I sincerely really want to believe, but the cautionary wallet is also talking to me too.

[bondarnes]

Did you check the sellers i-trader history? Click their name and go to the bottom of the fly-out. I just checked yours and you have no history.

[RandySmith]

Great suggestion Don, that gave me a little more info to build on. Both(2) feedbacks were positive so I'm a little less nervous. If I have an opportunity to meet the gentleman, I'm reasonably confident I'll be okay. Just purchasing on-line from folks I've never met is a little discerning for me. Thanks again for the tips.

[Truckman]

Randy, I've had 24 transactions with TPF members and have yet to find one that is not upstanding...Ben

[RandySmith]

Thank you Ben for the reassurance.

[toverman]

I've had more interactions with TPF members than my iTrader rating accounts for as some deals were offline completely or sprung off threads that weren't mine. I have had 100 percent satisfaction with the transactions and people I've met and dealt with here. Not saying that will hold true forever, but I've bought with confidence.

[L Stegall]

I too, have had good experiences buying and selling on TPF. Don't be afraid to ask questions about an item. When I buy used, I always ask specific questions - including whether the person is the original owner of the item, whether they have the original packaging, date of purchase, condition of item, useage of item, etc. Either I'm then comfortable that I'm dealing with the rightful owner/seller or I move on.

The other place I trust to sell used equipment on the up and up is KEH.com.

[Truckman]

Originally Posted by L Stegall

The other place I trust to sell used equipment on the up and up is KEH.com.

I was extremely happy with my one purchase there and check their listings daily now......Ben

[johnastovall]

Used equipment dealers I trust and have had multiple transactions with.

B&H

KEH

Popflash

Igor Cameras

Collectable Cameras

Kevin's Cameras

[S-Man]

I used to be very hesitant when purchasing from forums, but I do it without blinking now. I still investigate people from whom I purchase larger items from, i.e. camera body, lens, etc. Visit their websites, blogs, forum profiles, message history, etc.
But the more you hang out here and get to know people, the more trusting you become of those individuals. And it's usually those with a higher post count.