Is Ebay reliable?
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=35700
Printed Date: May 03, 2024 at 5:13 AM
Topic: Is Ebay reliable?
Posted By: jakediggity
Subject: Is Ebay reliable?
Date Posted: July 16, 2004 at 2:48 PM
I am thinking about purchasing a head unit on Ebay because it is priced at $ 329 rather than $549 at crutchfield, and I was wondering if these wholesalers are the real deal or if they're takin a dump in a box and slappin a guarentee on it. If any of you have horror stories of buyin from ebay or think that its safe to shop there let me know, thanks.
Replies:
Posted By: Jay T
Date Posted: July 16, 2004 at 2:53 PM
I have been buying on Ebay for 3 years now. I have only run into one small problem in that entire time, doing over 60 transactions. The biggest thing I can recomend is pay through something like paypal and your credit card for added security reasons. Also Read the fine print because that $329 head unit may turn into $429 if you didn't read the part about the $100 dollar flat fee shipping. Etc. Feedback about sellers is usually fairly accurate to how they perform. Look for sellers with higher feedback ratings. And always ask quesions about the product if you have any concerns. New in box? open box? used? refurbished? I've gotten some great deals through Ebay you just need to shop hard and read the details. Best of Luck!
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: July 16, 2004 at 2:57 PM
Excellent advice above. There is nothing wrong with shopping on ebay as long as you understand the limitations and do your homework. Also I would suggest you ask the sellers if the factory warranties are honored on the purchase. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: Sweekster
Date Posted: July 16, 2004 at 4:56 PM
The reliability depends on the seller. I've both bought and sold stuff on ebay. When I'm selling something I try to give as much info as possible in my description. And I try to answer questions as soon as possible with as much detail as I can provide. Look for sellars that do that too.
------------- Duane...
If you think you're confused, imagine how you feel. 
Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: July 16, 2004 at 5:10 PM
Another tip on buying from individual sellers: look at the "seller's other auction items". I remember one who said the item (ink cartridge) I was interested in was never used because she got a new printer. Looking at her other auction items, I saw that she used the same reason for other types of cartridges (that would fit different printers). I knew then that the seller wasn't trustworthy. And always email a seller with a question that needs a somewhat knowledgeable answer before you place a bid. If they are selling the item, they need to know something about it. Do the same for the big stores, and you'll get some kind of idea of their service and response ethics. Don't bid anyway because the time is running out...there are plenty more out there. ------------- Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
Posted By: Coomer
Date Posted: July 16, 2004 at 5:17 PM
I've had great experiences with eBay as well...I've done over 30 purchases and all have gone through well. One time an item got looked over and when I didn't have it after 2 weeks, I emailed the seller, and because he didn't want negative feedback(I didn't even threaten him or anything, just asked nicely where it was), he sent it via express shipping, refunded all of my money, and sent me an extra lense filter(I was ordering a camera lense filter.)
Over the last couple weeks I've had 10 items for my new system arrive from eBay auctions, and I'm happy with all of them, and saved hundreds of dollars.  -------------
Posted By: NINsane18
Date Posted: July 16, 2004 at 7:54 PM
I agree, always look at the feedback, and go back a couple of pages at least, and you can tell if they are going to be worthwhile. The amount of money I have made/saved by buying and selling on Ebay has been awesome.
-------------
Tim-May!
Posted By: 94legend
Date Posted: July 16, 2004 at 8:26 PM
i bought alot of audio off of it. Just make sure exactly you know what you are getting. Theres a few bad apples in ebay just like everything else. So be sure to ask questions!
Posted By: xtreamcc
Date Posted: July 16, 2004 at 8:58 PM
I say ebay is cool for small componets, but I guarentee you will not get a real warranty or one that doesn't take 3 months to get service through anyone on ebay. I get all my connectors, my RCA junk, and stuff that is mostly maintenance free off ebay. Other than that I dont buy squat. I dont trust these people who say they have a 1 year MTX warranty or w/e brand you buy, and if its JL you know their full of it because JL doesn't have authorize internet dealers. Trust me, if you want something with a warranty that is honerable dont buy off ebay. Ebay and warranties aint happenein. Oh, and dont buy those $50 1600watt amps or w/e deal those fools in cali are offering cuz those amps are really cheap and they do not offer refunds. You live and you learn, then u get smart.
-------------
"Shiny chrome when used in conjunction with bikini models is particularly effective in inducing brain deficit disorder"
02 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monster System on its way.
Posted By: pimpincavy
Date Posted: July 16, 2004 at 9:40 PM
Buying from dealers on ebay isnt much differant then buying from any other website. Buying from private sellers can be a little riskier, what you are getting could not even work. The large companys with near 100% positive feedback shouldnt be a problem, but for my money I would still rather buy from a local dealer.
-------------
Posted By: ravenndude
Date Posted: July 17, 2004 at 12:28 AM
Everyting that i have bought for my car stereo i have bought on e-bay except for my head unit. I have pioneer 6.5s and 6x9s. 2 amps (RF and MTX) and an infinity kappa perfect 12.1. All through great ppl. I like ebay because i can get the products that are a year old for a lot less then the new ones that have only slight emprovements.
Posted By: gumbi_12
Date Posted: July 17, 2004 at 7:29 AM
I agree about reading the auction fully, especially now. Ive seen auctions for a brand new in box JLw7s that turned out to be just one of those info packages. But since the print was small I think people didnt read it and were bidding an extreme amount of money for just an ebook.
Posted By: SplSledz
Date Posted: July 17, 2004 at 12:29 PM
In the past I have bought subs, amps, mids, decks and changers and have had excellent luck and no problems. Read the feedback and ask questions. Then hammer down! Good luck to you
Posted By: shaman
Date Posted: July 17, 2004 at 11:02 PM
Alot of sellers are factory certified dealers, you can easily check up on that. In many instances that means they have a vailid factory warranty. Most of the time you are stuck with an "as is" sale even if the item is new. The seller may claim they will back up their product, but actually they may have no legal obligation to do so at all. However everyone seems to be missing the best part of e-bay..... sales tax? yeah right! Has anyone here ever hear of their "friend" sending in the sales tax to online purchases to the state tax office, I know my "friend" never has. Thats arond 6 to 8 bucks savings for every hundred dollars of purchase. Somthing to think about when comparing prices at your local store.
Posted By: Sweekster
Date Posted: July 17, 2004 at 11:34 PM
Internet sales tax only applies when you buy from a company that is in the same state you are (not sure how it works in canada and other countries). For example: If you live in california and you buy something from a company BASED in california, then you have to pay california state tax (8.25%). But if you live in california and buy from a company based in texas, then there are no taxes incured. ------------- Duane...
If you think you're confused, imagine how you feel.
Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: July 17, 2004 at 11:55 PM
All I can say is do your home work, look at the eBayer's feedback rating ( not just that they have lots of positive feedback ) but look at all the negative feedback and see why they received them. eBay is great to get a smoking deal on alot of stuff, but just make sure that you don't penny pinch between one or more companies. If it's within $ 20 and the only difference is one eBayer has lots of positive feedback and the other is newer................. I'd choose the veteran eBayer. Make sure the warranty is stated on the auction as well.
-------------
Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Posted By: shaman
Date Posted: July 18, 2004 at 2:11 PM
Sweekster wrote:
Internet sales tax only applies when you buy from a company that is in the same state you are (not sure how it works in canada and other countries). For example: If you live in california and you buy something from a company BASED in california, then you have to pay california state tax (8.25%). But if you live in california and buy from a company based in texas, then there are no taxes incured.
Thats what I thought but apparently in ND there is a tax you are supposed to pay, its a different rate. I wll have to look in to this becasue alot of states have similar tax laws but know one cares and they are impossible to inforce. Anyway you usually don't pay the sales tax which is a nice savings and helps counter most sellers shipping costs, which would be cheaper in many auctions if Columbian drug trafficers delivered your purchase to your door.
|