buying used on Ebay?

[wetnwonder]

I'm new to diving.... whew! I wonder how long I'll be repeating that.

I'm wondering about others experience buying used gear on Ebay.
Another way to ask: Have you gotten rid of gear on Ebay that was, let's say, questionable in it's ability to function? Or did it just not suit you but was still reliable / safe to use?

I'm considering shopping for a computer there.

Thanks for your input.

WNW

 

[deepstops]

I'm new to diving.... whew! I wonder how long I'll be repeating that.

I'm wondering about others experience buying used gear on Ebay.
Another way to ask: Have you gotten rid of gear on Ebay that was, let's say, questionable in it's ability to function? Or did it just not suit you but was still reliable / safe to use?

I'm considering shopping for a computer there.
Thanks for your input.

WNW

While I'm sure it happens every day, I wouldn't sell life support equipment that was questionable in its ability to function. That would just be so wrong on so many levels.

 

[jcolombo1]

I would be careful. There are those out there selling questionable stuff. I have bought and sold on eBay, but anythiung I have purchased I have taken and had it immediately serviced at my LDS.

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

Take a look at Scuba Gear Scuba Diving Equipment Discount dive gear Snorkeling Equipment and Wetsuits Cheap online. They have great pricing and all gear comes with the manufacturer's warranty. They will match other online pricing and also offer a 10% SB discount.

I would me sceptical of ebay for my computer purchase.

PH

 

[NudeDiver]

I bought a video card on ebay. Got screwed. Buyer beware I guess.

 

[pollywogg]

I have both bought and sold SCUBA gear on Ebay. It's a great thing. I make sure that everything I sell is tip-top. I have never recieved questionable gear. But you do need to look out for the "too good" deals. Sometimes people come across gear that's been sitting in a garage for 6 years, clean it up real nice and try to sell it. You just have to be careful when you go on Ebay, and ask questions.

 

[Scubagolf]

I have done 100+ transactions on eBay, both as a buyer and seller, primarily involving golf, computer, and scuba stuff. My personal rules for successful eBay buying:

1. Know exactly what you are buying.
2. The seller must have an excellent 98%+ positive seller history.
3. Pay through PayPal only.
4. Have any "life support" equipment, i.e., regs, computer, BCD serviced by a
qualified service person ASAP.

 

[calwolf]

I've bought a lot of scuba gear on eBay. Most of it was great stuff at fantastic prices. It's a great way to gear up *if* you know what you're doing. Occasionally you will get something worthless (like a BCD that won't hold air). I recommend you only buy dive gear on eBay if you know what you want and what questions to ask the seller. This usually means new divers should either have a more experienced friend help them through the process, or just go the more reliable route of buying new gear at a local shop or online through a reputable dealer, like Scubatoys or Dive Right in Scuba (two of my faves).

 

[bill_bain]

Buying anything on eBay is a bit of a gamble. Having said that, it does represent an opportunity to for some significant savings if used knowledgeably since dive gear is expensive and a significant number of folks buy gear and then don't dive and sell it later. When my son took up diving, we were able to pick up a complete Conshelf 21 set (reg, octo, 3 guage console) for $75, but the selle was kind enough to take very detailed photos AND we knew to ask to take photos of the protential problem areas (cracks in the 2nd stage housings). $50 more at the LDS to have it serviced and he was good to go with a regulator set that he can use for many years if he doesn't abuse it. Of course, I've got a couple of other Conshelfs if that one didn't work out.

If you're going to buy on eBay it's imperative that you do your homework. Some older dive computers, for example, did not have replaceable batteries, so buying one of those that "needs batteries" is not a smart way to spend money. Likewise, basic gear like masks and fins are tough to buy on eBay since fit is so crucial, so the LDS may be a better choice. Still, there's nothing wrong with doing the home work here to see what other folks like or dislike (Force Fins area great example - folks either love 'em or hate 'em) so you'll know what to look for when you do go to the LDS.

 

[mike_s]

It's like buying somethinng at a garage sale or flea market...


I've bought several items on ebay and they were exactly what they said they were.

however, a few people have down right lied or just not "told all the facts" about an item. Like rust hiding in a spot that isn't shown in the camera.

Also, people tend to "overbid" for something when they think they are getting outbid and are going to lose it... don't fall into that game. you'll pay for used gear 90% of what a new one under warranty cost.

One more thing to factor in at least on regulators. If you buy new, you typically get "free parts for life" on reg servicing.... If you buy used, you have to pay for them yourself. figure that to cost you $50-$60/yearly-service. Or $200 to $240 after 4 years that you wouldn't pay new.

Also, buy used and the first thing is you'll want to do is get it serviced. labor and part will be about $100 to $120 on average for a complte overhaul...

so the question is, did you really save $300 to $350 bucks off new price buying the reg on Ebay? Beacuse that's what your additional service costs are going to be over 4-5 years.