ebay: potential buyer asking for serial number

[Redneck]

I have a lens on sale on ebay. A potential buyer is asking for the serial number and I'm not sure what to think of it.

Just wondering, what can he do with a serial number? Is there any risk for me in sending this number to him?

[auddii]

On his end, he can check and see if you stole it. Other than that, I have no idea.

[KenJulio]

If you stated it is a US model, he may be looking to validate to see if it's a US model, for instance, US######

[KdLaneJr]

There is at least one serial number registry for stolen camera gear online. That might be all they are after.

Check the prospective buyers feedback. If it's good, weigh your options.

[Photogdude]

yup , i would ask for the number also

[groovyone]

Ditto here on asking.

[Redneck]

Yeah, i did mention it is a US model. I just wasn't sure if any "bad guy" could use the number for ... I don't know what kind of scam.

[KenJulio]

You could provide majority of the serial number, and offer some piece of mind that the lens is not stolen, assuming youre the original owner, or you can call nikon yourself to verify if youre not.

[Ralph Merlino]

I was told that you can tell the age of
a lens buy the serial number. Don't
now if that is true.

[RexGig]

I am more comfortable bidding on a serial-numbered item if the seller shows the serial number, or will provide it via a message or e-mail. With some types of items, I simply will not bid if the serial number is kept secret.

A serial number may show if the item was sold in the US market; some repair centers will not work on a grey market product.

A serial number may indicate a production date, which is important if an update occurred as of a certain date or certain point in the serial number series. For example, when I was considering a Canon 5D, I looked for serial numbers starting with the numeral 2, for a reportedly improved LED screen, and to get one less likely to detach its mirror.

Stolen items are certainly a possibility, and I interpret a refusal to provide a serial number a possible indication of a stolen item. Keep in mind that an item legitimately reported as stolen belongs to the crime victim forever, even well after the statute of limitations has passed for prosecution of the original theft.

[Stargazer77517]

Not sure about Nikon, but canon has a date code and serial number on the L Glass, and just a serial on the other glass.
I really dont think any harm could come from it if you do give the serial number to him.

[Redneck]

I gave him the serial number but he didn't win the auction.
He sent me an explanation for his request afterwards.
"If you could not give a serial number I would not bid. Unfortunately, not you, but others are selling nikon after markets that they are calling legitimate nikon brand but when shipped do not have a serial number attributed to nikon or not have one at all. I hope this helps your concern on why I asked the question. Thx for responding."
Looks like he was just trying to avoid getting screwed.

[nameBrandon]

The only negative thing someone could do would be to falsely report it as stolen and screw you over, forcing you to lower your price and/or sell it to them, but I have a hard time seeing most people doing that for fun.. that would be like a revenge / attack thing.

I sell a good amount of equipment, and every now and then someone will ask for a serial number before buying.. I've always given it to them, but it does make me slightly uneasy as well. If it's an expensive piece of equipment, I can understand their concern.

The good news is someone looking to scam you probably isn't going to waste time asking for the serial number, so it is an indicator of a serious (and picky) buyer, at least from my experience.

[brewercm]

Originally Posted by nameBrandon

The only negative thing someone could do would be to falsely report it as stolen and screw you over, forcing you to lower your price and/or sell it to them, but I have a hard time seeing most people doing that for fun.. that would be like a revenge / attack thing.

Not to mention Ebay would have an email trail along with you of that happening. I just can't see that as a likely concern unless the person on the other end is really stupid, but I'm sure someone along the way has tried.

[picman]

Here's an excellent reason to ask for a serial number. Sucks for the person who bought the hot equipment.
$9,000 in stolen camera equipment recovered through Flickr search | Technology News Blog - Yahoo! News