To ensure that your next eBay purchase leaves you with a positive experience and the photography equipment you really want, this article will provide you with 5 tips on what you should do and what to look out for when buying photography equipment from eBay.
5 Tips for Buying Digital Photography Equipment on eBay
When shopping around for photography equipment, it is often tempting to take a peak on eBay to see if a deal can be had. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering buying off of eBay rather than an online or retail outlet. Some of these tips should go without saying, but they do need to be kept in mind when seeking out a bargain.
1. Look closely at the seller
Go further than just looking at their feedback number next to their username and look at the feedback itself. See if the feedback being left is on a similar item to what you are looking at. This will assure you not only that the seller has sold something of the like before, but also that the buyer was satisfied. This is particularly important when the seller is listing a personal piece of equipment rather than a store selling their merchandise on eBay.
2. Check the return policy of the seller
Make sure you read up on the seller's return policy and that you're happy with it before bidding on the item. This will help eliminate future disappointment in the chance that you may need to return the item if you are unsatisfied with what arrives.
3. Make sure that the image matches the description
Sometimes stock photos are used and mistakes can be made. Images of the item itself should be preferred since this will allow for as much of a visual inspection as you will get before taking ownership of it. The use of stock photos can be deceiving when considering factors like wear or dust on the photography equipment.
4. Consider what's included
If the photography equipment is used or refurbished, make sure that it comes with all the pieces or accessories that the new version would have, or at the very least, consider if you can do without. It is no fun buying a used lens and then having to go to the local store to buy lens caps for it.
5. Consider the location of item
Where is the item being shipped from? In a lot of cases with digital photography equipment, items listed on eBay are being sold from overseas. If higher shipping rates and longer delivery times don’t scare you off, then consider this; in the case of Nikon equipment, Nikon USA will not honor the warranty of an item that was originally made for certain countries, like Peru. While you may be getting a genuine Nikon product, you may have to deal with the Peruvian customer service department in the event that you need to use the warranty. Keep in mind that eBay allows users to filter search results by the location of the item being sold.
Good luck and happy bidding!!!