Anyone buy from ebay?

R

Rick22

Audioholic Intern
I am looking to purchase a Yamaha rxv1700 or a rxv2700. I looked at online stores such as jr, onecall and crutchfield, But when I went to ebay those same receivers were approximatly 300 bucks more chaper, I want to know if anyone has ever purchased a receiver from ebay.
 
darien87

darien87

Audioholic Spartan
I bought my Denon 2805 from eBay. No problems. The dealer even offered a 3-year warranty through Square Trade, since Denon only honors their warranty if you buy from one of their approved dealers. I'm not sure about Yamaha's policy. But if they won't honor their warranty, that's something to think about.
 
AUtiger

AUtiger

Junior Audioholic
I haven't bought a receiver but I have bought a DVD player, velodyne sub, camera lens car audio etc. with no problems. Make sure to check out the seller. Ebay offers insured purchases up to certian amounts. Someone did try to scam me on a Denon receiver but if it smalls like a rat it probably is.
 
skizzerflake

skizzerflake

Audioholic Field Marshall
Be real careful about warranty issues. If you're buying used components, then you are pretty much on your own but you probably get a great price. As for new stuff, it may be "gray market", where somebody buys a truckload from the factory, outside the normal distributors who support warranties. I have known a couple people who were assured by "Crazy Joe's Cheap Stereos" (made up name) that they had full warranties, only to find out that it was only good if they delivered the unit personally to the factory in Japan.
 
GlocksRock

GlocksRock

Audioholic Spartan
I got my RX-V1600 from Ebay, but the seller actually owned a stereo shop and gave me the store receipt from my credit card purchase, I gave him the info over the phone after speaking with him (store owner) and he assured me the warranty would not be voided since I have an actual store receipt. But luckily the receiver is solid and hasn't needed any repair.
 
P

pinkpaul

Enthusiast
I bought my Onkyo TX-SR501 from ebay, 66 bucks woohoo. Just make sure you read the descriptions VERY CLOSELY. read the entire page, then read it again, cause some of these guys are tricky. They might put the phrase "unit does not power on" in size 4 font somewhere on the page where it's least likely to be noticed, like in a long paragraph. Also make sure there is a return policy, and always take into account shipping costs. Sometimes you might pay less in total because of it.
 
Tomorrow

Tomorrow

Audioholic Ninja
I am looking to purchase a Yamaha rxv1700 or a rxv2700. I looked at online stores such as jr, onecall and crutchfield, But when I went to ebay those same receivers were approximatly 300 bucks more chaper, I want to know if anyone has ever purchased a receiver from ebay.
Rick,

I thought you narrowed your choices to two Denons. :confused:

And yes, I had a good experience buying a new Yammie from ebay.
 
furrycute

furrycute

Banned
Yamaha doesn't honor the warranty is the product is purchased from someone other than an authorized Yamaha dealer.

I've had good experiences with buying used electronics from ebay. But make sure you check carefully a seller's ratings. And I would buy from a private seller rather than from a company.
 
darien87

darien87

Audioholic Spartan
And I would buy from a private seller rather than from a company.
Curious. Why would you rather deal with a person than a company?

Eclectus parrots are cute. I have a Senegal.
 
B

Bassman2

Audioholic
I've purchased many things on the bay from $5 to $1300 both new and used with only one real problem which was remedied by Paypal, which is my much preferred payment method. I just however bought my first hi fi item on Ebay, a B-stock Denon DVD player from an approved dealer. It DID give me some trouble early on but it's currently in the shop being fixed under warranty. Plus the place gives you some kind of a 1 year warranty on top of the factory 90 day one. Be careful, check warranty's, check feedback and good luck.
 
Jack Hammer

Jack Hammer

Audioholic Field Marshall
eBay is fine if you know how to spot the fraudulent listings, and there are plenty of them. Audiogon is another good site to buy from individuals. I've bought from both. Whatever you decide, make sure you read the feedback and look at the types of items sellers have been selling and their most recent completed auctions. Don't ever feel rushed, it's the easiest way to find a problem. BTW, only a few eBay sellers are factory refurbished authorized. Even if they claim there is a warranty, do your research to avoid BS.

Jack
 
R

Rick22

Audioholic Intern
Thanks for all the responses guys...it's helped...i'll definitly do all my research before I buy one.
 
ParadigmDawg

ParadigmDawg

Audioholic Overlord
Not me; I'm too yeller.

I only buy from local dealers and am willing to pay a higher cost for the service I recieve from my dealer.
 
tonay

tonay

Junior Audioholic
I've purchased from Harman Kardon factory direct on ebay for refrubs and have been very happy.
 
J

jpaget

Enthusiast
Purchased a Yamaha 659 here, B-stock, and it has given me no problems whatsoever.
 
E

enrique

Full Audioholic
I've purchased several things specifically on 2 seperate occassions 2 marantz receivers which are still excellent.And actually today purchase at a low price a sunfire 300x2 amp.As far as the sunfire i actually spoke with the seller on the phone and he indicated to me if i'm not happy with the amp he'll give me a full refund minus shipping.Now thats pretty good.
 
Lady Phoenix

Lady Phoenix

Junior Audioholic
I've used Ebay and agree with the general sentiment that you just need to use caution. Check ratings and do some research on the details of the offer. I would also strongly recommend using Paypal for all your purchases. As one of the previous posts indicated, Paypal will help you out in the case of a fraudulent seller, most of the other payment methods won't (particularly BidPay :mad: ).
 
davidtwotrees

davidtwotrees

Audioholic General
I think ebay is just the coolest invention ever. Yes, there can be problems...the few I have had have all worked out. I have bought used electronics, and new electronics. I bought my processor and amp at Spearit Sound in Boston. Excellent people. One guy that worked there swapped about a dozen emails with me. Communication is a must, and a good seller will talk with you about your purchase.
Audiogon was mentioned, but PayPal is the Devil over there and a really large portion of the people won't accept it, or expect you to pay the 3% fee.
 
highfihoney

highfihoney

Audioholic Samurai
eBay is fine if you know how to spot the fraudulent listings, and there are plenty of them. Audiogon is another good site to buy from individuals. I've bought from both. Whatever you decide, make sure you read the feedback and look at the types of items sellers have been selling and their most recent completed auctions. Don't ever feel rushed, it's the easiest way to find a problem. BTW, only a few eBay sellers are factory refurbished authorized. Even if they claim there is a warranty, do your research to avoid BS.

Jack
I copied jacks entire post because he gave excellent advice & i agree,if your going to start buying from ebay dont just leap in with both feet,take some real time to learn ebay,spend more than a few evenings crusing ebay,looking at auctions,understanding how things work,getting a feel for the going rate of items your interested in,learn to equate a sellers feedback with the item they are selling now,learn how to contact previous buyers from sellers you might be interested in buying from,learn about everything before you buy anything from anybody.
 
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