[TenTec] Buying on EBay

[d.e.warnick at comcast.net]

As for PayPal, it is very convenient and works well 



Now about buying on eBay. You have no more idea about the rig you are buying than any other one you don't see. qth.com and the other sites are no different. You can e-mail and converse with the seller on either. 



The biggest difference I see on eBay is the often inflated prices. It is up to the buyer to know the value of the item he/she is bidding on. I saw a TenTec filter go for $140 plus in the last month. They are available on this reflector and all the other sites for $65 to $70 shipped. I also have seen used items sell for more than I have paid new from a dealer. Here are some steps to follow: 



1) Research the item you are buying 

     a) Read e-ham reports 

     b) check manufacturers web sites 

     c) use google to look up the item and prices new or used 

     d) talk to others who know and use the model you are looking at 

2) Set your maximum bid long before bidding time 

     a) If you have done your homework, you will have set a good price 

3) DO NOT bid more than your maximum. 

     a) Another of the item or a similar one will come up later. If you overpay, it is your own fault and you have set a false value for others to follow 



As for getting burned on eBay: 

Yes I have been burned by unscrupulous liars who misrepresented what they were selling (it has happened on other sites and at hamfests also). I have bought a lot more good, well-represented items by a huge margin than I have been burned. Check the sellers satisfaction rating. Insist on photos. Look at return policy. 



Yep, I'll still bid on e-Bay. As for PayPal, once you've used it, you'll love it 



Just my thoughts. I still buy and sell on eBay (only occasionally). I also love hamfests and the other sites 



Dave 

WA3MKB 






----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roger Rippy" <svtincup at yahoo.com> 
To: TenTec at contesting.com 
Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 6:55:12 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: [TenTec] Buying on EBay 


I am constantly seeing rigs for sale on EBay. As tempted as I have been, I have been reluctant to bid on them for a couple of reasons. One is that I have never used PayPal and the other is the risk of getting burned. Would I be better off keeping an eye out on E Ham or QRZ? Does anyone on the list have any recent experience along these lines? Of course, I had to pass on a great deal with a fellow Montana ham a while back (Corsair II) and I still regret that. Oh well....... 
Thanks and 73s  Rip   W7RIP   


       
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