Buying second hand on classifieds

[tt_johnsclist]

I’ve had good luck with warranties transferring, and have had great experiences with the fine members here. Optics do seem to be a favorite for scammers, so do your due diligence and walk from anything that seems to good to be true or doesn’t seem right.

 

[plux001]

I have not bought on this forum, but I have over the years on several others...including some high dollar shotguns. Even with well known members, I take two steps. First, I ask for photos from different angles than what is shown. This is to make sure the person actually has the item (and account hasn't been hacked). Then a phone call. Asking the right questions via phone will sort out any frauds quickly. Be careful out there...

Paul

 

[Macintosh]

I just had the warranty on a swaro spotter transferred to my name that I purchased used here--that was a big purchase for me so it was a concern. Both previous owners were helpful in getting the warranty transferred, and the process was easy with swaro. The guy selling it called me while I was literally knee-deep in a beaver pond looking for ducks, and we had a great conversation, etc while I tried not to tip over and fill my waders. I also sold my previous spotter to a guy in nevada, and talked to him and we texted as it was in transit, etc. I think a little effort like that goes a long way toward avoiding problems, and I personally enjoy chatting with folks like that.

 

[timbernomad]

I've never been scammed, but I've walked away from a few deals where I felt like something was off. I would be extremely hesitant to buy anything truly high dollar ($1000 plus) on here.

 

[BlackHillsShooter]

I just lost $170.00 from a guy on here. That amount is one reason I went through with the purchase. I can eat that much and I did.

Lesson learned, not again.

 

[jacobw5544]

I ended up buying a pair of Zeiss SFLs from a guy and purchase was successful. Happy I saved some money


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[crazygrizz]

Reading through this with an odd balance of success and horror stories kind of left me feeling the same as I went in... Nervous

 

[DBrickD]

I have gotten a couple of scopes successfully on other forums. You do need to get cell # and get some pics sent via text.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

I don't have a problem buying anything here and on other forums, if using PayPal I double up and use a CC to fund the G&S. If PayPal doesn't cover it the CC will be happy to reverse charges. I don't stress about it, bought a lot and so far so good. My worst transaction on RS I bought 192 pieces of brass and got 184. I can't complain lol.

 

[DBrickD]

I don't have a problem buying anything here and on other forums, if using PayPal I double up and use a CC to fund the G&S. If PayPal doesn't cover it the CC will be happy to reverse charges. I don't stress about it, bought a lot and so far so good. My worst transaction on RS I bought 192 pieces of brass and got 184. I can't complain lol.

Do you skip over ads from people with high flairs or reaction points that insists on only PP Friends and Family payment? Or do you pay the G&S fee on top of the price of the item?

 

[HairyScandinavian]

Do you skip over ads from people with high flairs or reaction points that insists on only PP Friends and Family payment? Or do you pay the G&S fee on top of the price of the item?

Sellers here understand so tend to not insist anymore so I just cover the fees. A couple years ago I was one who insisted on F&F because of the IRS thing but they backed that out so shouldn't be an issue with people accepting G&S now. I'll still send F&F for smaller amount items but it would cause a bit of a pause if the seller insisted on it. I'm probably not buying a high end scope or something with F&F. If I'm out $30 it's different than $900.

 

[TaperPin]

I expect to get scammed a certain % of the time even on eBay, usually with defective items that can’t be returned, but a few weeks ago a seller just never shipped an item and was radio silent. No response at all. This is a situation eBay is handy to use and the transaction was cancelled and money refunded this morning. Had he shipped an empty box I’d most likely be screwed. lol

 

[Kauaihunter]

Idk if this was mentioned already but Buyers also need to be prompt with payments and read and understand the conditions of the sale as set by the sellers. Two way street. Flakes on both sides.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Reading through this with an odd balance of success and horror stories kind of left me feeling the same as I went in... Nervous

You should be nervous. Complacency kills.

If there’s any takeaway from this thread, it’s to be cautious.

 

[Oafdeputy]

I buy all my stuff second hand. Saves so much even over military discounts and stuff. Just buy from a reputable seller, maybe pay using PayPal goods and services and put the fee on top

 

[SikaSeeker]

Got stung once for a pair of Olympus binos on FB. $80 worth. Useful lesson I suppose.

 

[KCviper]

I am quite picky on my equipment and leary about buying used optics. Like others, I try to do my due diligence, ask lots of questions, look at pics and then finally talk to the seller on the phone to get a better feeling. I recently bought a pair of Swaro NO Pure 12x42 from a forum member and it was 100% smooth!!!