Tell me Why use Market Place?

[Visuals]

Hey all...

Was just wondering...Why do you choose to use this wonderful market place to buy and sell other than Ebay?

I listed my suberb 85mm 1.8 lens for sale here for $295 + paypals 3% shipped but no one bought it.:( http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=853869#post853869

I then listen it on Ebay starting the bidding at .99 Cents and it sold for above my asking price without shipping. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7554763700&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESO%3AIT&rd=1

I was able to sale my Tamron 28-75mm Lens here though. EXCELLENT TRANSACTION if I do say so myself

I will continue to list here first though you guys get first dibbs:D ;)
(More sexy stuff for sale....so stay tuned)

Cheers
Visuals~

[davnola]

I agree, I have been trying to sell my 70-300 IS lens on here for about a week now for $600 shipped, but I'm getting no interest. On flebay the same lens and condition is going for over $800 dollars.

[symes]

If you want to make the most money E-bay is likely the place...if you want a relatively hassle free transaction this is probably more your place...

It depends on what you want out of your sale...

If I was going to sell anything I would sell it here; likewise if I had the money to buy anything I would prefer to buy here because the community really is great...

Cheers,

[RichardtheSane]

I personally think it is a good plan to offer your equipment to other photographers who are part of the community first. Plus it is noce to buy a lens from someone who is most likley a like minded individual and will be honest about it.

Then f there is no interest, ebay it. Remember ebay has a much bigger audience so you will get more interest there.

[glenhead]

Here's a guess...

The people here fall into three broad categories: a) they have already invested in billions of dollars' worth of lenses, and don't need more, b) they have to make do with what they have because they can't afford more (like me (well, I can afford it, but She Who Rules the Checkbook says no)), or c) they don't see the listing in the Marketplace (the page fills pretty quickly, after all). eBay gives you a huge audience who don't fit those categories.

If you do sell something here, it's because someone with the desire and the liquid assets saw it before it scrolled off the bottom of the screen.

[Visuals]

Just a little sneak preview of my next sale item...Not sure if Im going to sell it yet but stay tuned~

http://visualfotography.smugmug.com/photos/41122960-M.jpg

http://visualfotography.smugmug.com/photos/41122965-M.jpg

[MegaTron]

Well, you cant compare ebays traffic to this sites traffic.

On ebay, you have to deal with more hassle, deal with ebay fees and even paypal fees if the buyer should use paypal. Sometimes those fees ad up to a lot, and even though you are able to sell for more than your asking price, often times, what you pocket comes out to be the same thing if not less minus the fees. You have to wait till the auction ends, and hope the buyer pays you in a suitable amount of time, or even pays you at all.

You usually dont get that many flakes here. Most people are after something specific, or already have what you are trying to sell, cause, well, 99% of the people here already have cameras, and lenses to go along with it. I actually trust message board sales such and this one and FM more than I trust ebay sales. I havent had one bad transaction yet, and all of my transactions have been very fast and friendly. I think having something in common (the love for photography obviously) helps us understand each other a little more, so we ship fast, and understand each others needs.

[blue_max]

You also don't get people buying things 'just because they are cheap'. It's usually things people actually want to use, not trade-on.

If you have a price in mind, give it a whirl. You still have Ebay if it doesn't sell.

Graham

[andrewc]

I have bought several things from this site and have been delighted with all transactions. I'd rather buy here than buy on Ebay as after a few mouse clicks I feel I sort of know the person selling it.

[Bruce Watson]

I have used both with success; sometimes an item will sell quickly here, other times it goes on to EBay after a week or two.

Ditto for purchasing, I have bought some nice kit here, some at Galbraith's and also EBay. When I want something in particular, I check the forums out first and then cruise the auctions, both can work.

Different market segments, although almost all the POTN'ers are Canon camera enthusiasts so they are "target" market, there is a much smaller audience here, EBay puts your item to a huge audience.

That can be good or bad.

[transcend]

I am much more comfortable buying and selling here then on ebay.

[DocFrankenstein]

You're listing an used item with no warranty for 30 bucks less than the new one from a brick/mortar store...

Why wouldn't anyone buy it?

Ebay is different, because if you offered intl shipping, it may be a good deal for a buyer from other country.

[Tin Man]

It's free and it's friendly...

[Dante King]

With out reading the other responses, I use this market place as I think I would rather sell to people that I interact with than people on e-bay. Its all about community for me.

[Keiffer]

I have bought things from here and would much prefer to buy from other members here than Ebay, If and when I want to sell something I will post here first. i think the advantage of buying and selling here first is you give fellow members a chance to get a good price on a product you no longer use and hopefully they will use it and enjoy it. And also I find my fellow members alot more trust worthy than someone from Ebay. Just my opinion:-)

[mbellot]

You're listing an used item with no warranty for 30 bucks less than the new one from a brick/mortar store...

Why wouldn't anyone buy it?

Happens all the time. I tried to buy a nifty 50 off a member here who had it listed at $75 shipped + 3% paypal. I offered him $75 straight up, he absorbs the paypal fees and got turned down cold.

A week and a half later I had already picked one up elsewhere and he finally unloaded it for $65. ;)

The prices here and over at FM are usually not worth the minimal difference it takes to buy new. It seems most people expect their glass to hold 97+% value... :rolleyes:

[Visuals]

Good Show Guys~
I do think that my fellow photogs are priority as well. I've seen some listings here for prices you can't get anywhere else. Which is why I followed suite with my fist ever listing of my Canon 50mm 1.4 lens WHICH I NOW MISS:mad: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=99923&highlight=FS%3A+Canon+50mm+1.4 I had a bad experience and ended up selling that on Ebay. However I still listed here first and will continue to do so. I like to know that my gear belongs to someone who is putting it to good use.

Cheers~
Visuals~

[JohnnyG]

I don't look at everything that's for sale on here but I do look at quite a lot. I did buy a flash from someone and the whole thing was very good and I'm very happy with my flash. The price was reasonable and I'm happy.

However, I feel that a lot of people on here just want too much for their stuff. That's their choice of course but it's mine to think it's too much too. I've wanted a lot of things that I've seen on here and didn't even bother because the price was way too high. I didn't want to insult someone by offering a lower price so I didn't. I've read many people's posts that got angry with low offers so I didn't dare make one. I think a lot of people get angry with any offer lower than what they asked! That's really incredible in my opinion. I love to buy and sell things but not to people that get so emotional. I guess maybe that Canon owners are really proud of their stuff and I probably don't blame them. On the other hand, I have seen some good bargains on here and wanted to buy them but they went too quickly.

I bought an extra camera bag on ebay because I liked it so much. I figured that someone here would love one. I advertised it for what I paid for it and no one even said anything. I then lowered the price to below what I paid and still no one commented with even an offer. I was bothered by that.

I guess I needed to vent a little about the Marketplace because it was my favorite forum when I joined but not any more because of a few people.:(

[m3incorp]

Well said Johnny! There are the good deals here and there every so often.

[kram]

I bought my 70-200 off a guy at the FM forum - could see he was a photographer, knew his sutff when he tells me the lens is sharp. And he must have been crazy to be around in the forum posting so many messages just to cream me off $500.

its all about what one chooses to trust - I choose the interaction model here, some others choose the anonymous ebay format.

[EOSAddict]

I would always tend to look to buy good glass off here - indeed would say that it would add value to buy glass from a respected POTN member who says that it was sharp. I would tend to agree though that prices on here for other stuff (particularly bodies) tend to be high and I would rather buy new than second hand for such stuff.

[Visuals]

I don't look at everything that's for sale on here but I do look at quite a lot. I did buy a flash from someone and the whole thing was very good and I'm very happy with my flash. The price was reasonable and I'm happy.

However, I feel that a lot of people on here just want too much for their stuff. That's their choice of course but it's mine to think it's too much too. I've wanted a lot of things that I've seen on here and didn't even bother because the price was way too high. I didn't want to insult someone by offering a lower price so I didn't. I've read many people's posts that got angry with low offers so I didn't dare make one. I think a lot of people get angry with any offer lower than what they asked! That's really incredible in my opinion. I love to buy and sell things but not to people that get so emotional. I guess maybe that Canon owners are really proud of their stuff and I probably don't blame them. On the other hand, I have seen some good bargains on here and wanted to buy them but they went too quickly.

I bought an extra camera bag on ebay because I liked it so much. I figured that someone here would love one. I advertised it for what I paid for it and no one even said anything. I then lowered the price to below what I paid and still no one commented with even an offer. I was bothered by that.

I guess I needed to vent a little about the Marketplace because it was my favorite forum when I joined but not any more because of a few people.:(

I see where your coming from when you say some people want to much for their stuff. Keep in mind though when a person takes good care of their glass they hold in to the same standards as if it were new. When I tried to sell my Nifty 50 f/1.4, some "special person" made the comment "No Thanks" I'll buy it new. To me it was still brand new having bought it a few months ago and with zero usage.

I was defended by other members who felt his comments were uncalled for. (Thanks guys). When I see somebody listing at a certain price, I take it they hold their gear in high standards. I personally would not get offended if someone asked to purchase for a lower price. It's been done before via PM. however when you try to undermind someone's price I can see how that can be offensive.

You can choose to purchase or not.

[EOSAddict]

To back up Visually Nice - I would to some extent rather buy second hand (good condition!) glass from a POTN member who can say how good it is than buy a new lens which might be soft! Clearly you will decide to either play the price asked or not - seller has right to ask a price, buyer has right to offer!

[JohnnyG]

I see where your coming from when you say some people want to much for their stuff. Keep in mind though when a person takes good care of their glass they hold in to the same standards as if it were new. When I tried to sell my Nifty 50 f/1.4, some A-Hole made the comment "No Thanks" I'll buy it new. To me it was still brand new having bought it a few months ago and with zero usage.

I was defended by other members who felt his comments were uncalled for. (Thanks guys). When I see somebody listing at a certain price, I take it they hold their gear in high standards. I personally would not get offended if someone asked to purchase for a lower price. It's been done before via PM. however when you try to undermind someone's price I can see how that can be offensive.

You can choose to purchase or not.
I guess you made my point for me.

As I said, I love to buy and sell "things" whether they be camera gear or other stuff. I've always loved it. I like the negotiations and where I come from, a low price is just a starting point, not an insult. In fact, I smile when someone offers me a very low price because I know it's someone that likes to negotiate.

In many parts of the world negotiation is required. If you don't offer a low price you insult the seller. I tend to think that way too.

Negotiations is what makes buying/selling very enjoyable to me. I have bought something then sold the same thing at a "loss" but had a wonderful time doing it. Again, it was the "dickering" we used to call it that brought the job.

But, it takes all kinds of people and I'm real glad for that. I just need to avoid the kind that gets mad about an offer. The problem is I don't know who that is on here so I guess I won't be making any offers.:(:(:(

One more thing: Brand new is brand new, not used, no matter the condition so I have to disagree with that. If I bought a car and drove it, only a little, I'm sure you wouldn't think it was new would you? I'm sure you wouldn't give me the sticker price would you? No, you would want a discount of some kind for sure.

[rklepper]

Two things that are quite different here. One is that most have been into photography for quite some time and thus have a significant amount of camera gear also. This means they are looking for specific things and only buy those specific things. Also, most here know what things are worth and so overall are less prone to buying on wants as opposed to needs.

Having said that I would say that I currently avoid ebay like the plague. It really has become a den of thieves and I am just not prone to take the kind of risks that I see ebay exposing me to. Also, as people here are photographers, they have a good handle on the shape that their equipment is in and thus have a good idea of the value of thier equipment. Also, most will be here tomorrow still posting so will be very careful about being truthful about their equipment.

[wareseeker]

Well, you cant compare ebays traffic to this sites traffic.

On ebay, you have to deal with more hassle, deal with ebay fees and even paypal fees if the buyer should use paypal. Sometimes those fees ad up to a lot, and even though you are able to sell for more than your asking price, often times, what you pocket comes out to be the same thing if not less minus the fees. You have to wait till the auction ends, and hope the buyer pays you in a suitable amount of time, or even pays you at all.

You usually dont get that many flakes here. Most people are after something specific, or already have what you are trying to sell, cause, well, 99% of the people here already have cameras, and lenses to go along with it. I actually trust message board sales such and this one and FM more than I trust ebay sales. I havent had one bad transaction yet, and all of my transactions have been very fast and friendly. I think having something in common (the love for photography obviously) helps us understand each other a little more, so we ship fast, and understand each others needs.

Good comment!

P/S: Warning!!!! Your signature is exceeded the limitation. :lol:

[Mike Panic]

i bought my yashica mat 124g from a member here... for an older camera like that, i prefer the personal experiance that i got going thru the forum

[Neon01]

I see where your coming from when you say some people want to much for their stuff. Keep in mind though when a person takes good care of their glass they hold in to the same standards as if it were new. When I tried to sell my Nifty 50 f/1.4, some A-Hole made the comment "No Thanks" I'll buy it new. To me it was still brand new having bought it a few months ago and with zero usage.

I was defended by other members who felt his comments were uncalled for. (Thanks guys). When I see somebody listing at a certain price, I take it they hold their gear in high standards. I personally would not get offended if someone asked to purchase for a lower price. It's been done before via PM. however when you try to undermind someone's price I can see how that can be offensive.

You can choose to purchase or not.

While I think its definitely unethical to undermine someone's sale by quoting comparable lens prices elsewhere on the internet, I think you go a bit far in calling this poster an "A-hole". I have not seen the thread you're referencing, but from what you say all he did was decline, telling you he was opting to buy it new instead - there was no mention of price.

Regarding used equipment at new prices, I have to strongly agree with JohnnyG; no matter how highly someone regards the condition of their equipment, I would never buy something used for a price close to the same product new. While I feel that the analogy of the used car purchase might be slightly different, the fact is you have no way of knowing whether someone is telling the truth about the condition of a piece of equipment, or even whether they are accurate about it provided they are telling the truth! Perhaps it took damage they didn't know about. Regardless, I would expect to sell even brand-new-in-a-box equipment at sub retail prices if I were reselling. Reason being that I can't provide a warranty (warranty card means nothing without the original purchase receipt, correct?), I can't provide the opportunity for a refund, and I certainly don't have the accountability of a company that's registered with the BBB. Lenses, particularly Canon, seem to hold resale value very well. But as in the auto analogy, I feel that any lens not packaged new in the box and sold from an authorized retailer deserves a markdown of 10% at a minimum.

Sorry to post such a verbose response, but I guess you've touched on a nerve for me, simply because I would have reacted just as that A-hole did. Only difference being that I probably wouldn't have posted my rationale.

[blue_max]

One should not comment on the price of an article for sale. Fair enough. Maybe a little guidance if it is at, or more, than the list price may be in order.

If someone quotes a source of the product at a higher price, I think it is fair enough to say it is available at (add retailer) for less.

Bumping an article has already been clamped down on, so is not worth mentioning. I don't personally think it is ethical to use it to provide links to Ebay, where you have not had the courtesy to offer it to forum members first.

Do your research, find the best price and pitch it so you swallow the vat or sales tax as applicable and allow for no warranty and a gamble as to the quality. If you have history then it certainly helps your credibility.

Be reasonable. If someone makes an offer, then certainly counter-offer. If a deal is struck, everybody wins.

I have bought some great kit from this site and sold something too. Sometimes it is better to sell to a stranger and never hear of it again. Sometimes it is nice to hear it is being appreciated. Trouble is, you then have second thoughts!

You do have to remember that people here are mainly interested in the best gear. A kit lens is probably going to be of little interest. We all strive for the best, so try to go upmarket rather than down.

It's a great place to buy and sell.

Graham

[KevC]

People who sell at buy/sell forums usually are willing to take a loss, they do it to give the other person a good deal and to get rid of equipment they don't use.

That way, it's a win win situation (buyer getting an awesome price, seller getting a little cash in return).

Ebay is probably better for making more money..

[JohnnyG]

I love a good discussion and this has become one for sure!

First of all let me say this: I believe that selling to "family" is always better as you have to face them tomorrow and this forum is family, mostly.

I say "mostly" because anyone can come here, become a member, and then sell. In fact, someone can join here just to sell. So buying here should be still be done with a little caution particularly when the seller is new to the forum.

That said I will say this: If I see something I want for sale in the Marketplace, I will buy it here and feel much more safe than buying it on ebay. I have bought and sold a lot on ebay but I'm afraid it's becoming worse by the day. More and more crooks are finding ways to be a crook on ebay. It's sad too to see that happening to a once great institution as ebay. I can only hope that they will clean themselves of the vermin that plaque the site.

Back to Marketplace: I really love Marketplace and it was the main reason I joined this site. Buying and selling is in my blood but since I'm retired I don't do much buying any more but that doesn't mean I don't read the ads here.
I am a little put off by the "a-hole" comments as we don't need off-color language or attitudes here but that's just my opinion. And I still say that any price asked is open to offers no matter what some say. If you don't want offers, say so! Something like this: 420EX flash, $165.00. Will consider offers OR will not consider offers. What's wrong with that? Or even: a simple OBO following the price. (or best offer) Some people say that asking for offers will lower the price you get. Hmmmm. Then why is it that Ebay sellers know they get a final price HIGHER when they start their product low? It's because everyone loves a bargain and when they see a low offer they think they're going to get the product at a low price. Now, here, we don't auction our products, we just ask a fixed price. But, if you ask a certain price and ask for offers you may get a price that is very near what you wanted and which is acceptable to you to sell. So, what is wrong with that? If you don't get an acceptable offer then don't sell and politely thank those that offered. What is the harm in that? You don't burn any bridges that way. I know this for sure: when you call someone an a-hole, the odds of that person EVER buying from you is dramatically lowered!!! But some people apparently don't care about that as long as a few of their buddies support them. That's okay too. There is room for all of us for sure.

Here I go again, writing a book. Sorry!:o I just hate to see such a valuable feature on this forum, the Marketplace, attract a few that scare others away. It's a shame really.

[MegaTron]

Good comment!

P/S: Warning!!!! Your signature is exceeded the limitation. :lol:

L glass is a hell of a drug. It all started with getting the camera from you, I didnt think id be spending the extra cash for the 20D, but when I had that camera in my hands, I went out of control. I wanted MORE and MORE glass! Now my bank account is empty, and ive been eating cup of noodles everyday because I am broke.

[NBEast]

EBAY has rip-off artists, but mostly legit. They have an excellent feedback system. (you get the positives and negatives, the latter the true policing mechanism).

Here - a rip-off artist isn't going to hang out for 6 months pretending to be a photog. just to rip someone off although it could happen. In fact; they probably wouldn't slightly misrepresent something like a barely scratched lense, or one that doesn't focus properly.

I can't ever see myself forfitting a return policy for a 10% savings, but it does occassionally happen someone is selling something I need who lives locally, then a 10% savings is a no-brainer (unless I really wanted to buy an extended warranty).

[sjd70]

Hi all,

New to the forum and have a good news story to add to this thread.:)

I just recieved in the mail, from the US to Australia my new (well used) 20D (9000 actuations), batt. grip, 10-22 EFS, 420ex and a 512 CF card which was securely packed and promptly shipped.

All this for a little less than the body alone in Australia!

I am over the moon. What a great place to talk photography and a bonus of trading equipment as well. Fantastic!

A big thanks to dtnorman, theforum and its members!

Sean sjd70

[karusel]

hassle free

I'd agree with that. There is some community sprit here but not on ebay. However I would try to smoothen every transaction regardless of where it takes place. Unfortunately I cannot buy much from these forums, since the majority of equipment is sold in US and I'm from EU and the taxes would try to kill me.

[Honeybee]

Another 2 cents! I joined this forum and FM. I'm not a big poster but love to learn from the senior statesmen/women on the sites. I'm a BIG Ebayer and have had no problems there, but if a forum member says a lens is sharp vs. someone on Ebay telling me it is sharp, I'll believe you first. I trust the people selling here (after reading, maybe I shouldn't be so trusting). Saying all of this, I've made several offers for lenses that were listed on POTN and/or FM for more than the new price b/c I'd rather have a lens that's been loved and used than one out of the box that may or may not need adjusting/repair. The offers I made were not insulting to the seller, but were refused. Sometimes the lens is still for sale weeks later. ! I'd have to agree that often the prices listed are a little unreasonable for used items. However, when people reply, I ask them to keep me in mind if they change their mind about the price.

[Visuals]

L glass is a hell of a drug. It all started with getting the camera from you, I didnt think id be spending the extra cash for the 20D, but when I had that camera in my hands, I went out of control. I wanted MORE and MORE glass! Now my bank account is empty, and ive been eating cup of noodles everyday because I am broke.


You Broke the bank you and still don't own the 24-70 2.8L?? :shock: :D
Its all good;)

Guys, about the "A-Hole" comments I do realize my miss-use of words. It was the first time I posted in any other forum besides Ebay to sell and was kind of taken by his initial comments which seemingly undermined my judgment and pricing of my products for sale. If deleting my post was an option I would have just because of those comments.

Back to my case in point. It didn't sell here but sold on Ebay to some person in AUSTRALIA....Since then I've sold many other items on the "Bay". My question was why sell here when you will almost surely get less for it. I've read some very insightful POV's and still hold my own opinion. All in all, Market place is an Excellent Sell/Buy forum. Expect more stuff for sale as I discover and re-discover my gear.


Cheers~
Visuals~

[cosworth]

When the ebay scammers hit forums it will be a sad day in Mudville.

[Big_B]

When the ebay scammers hit forums it will be a sad day in Mudville.

Nevertheless you should treat transations here with a level of caution. If everyone does this then it won't allow the scammers to establish a foothold. Buyer beware and all that

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Caveat emptor! :-D


:giggle: I still love the Brady Bunch! :lol:

[Big_B]

Indeed :D

[m3incorp]

Anybody want to buy a brand new 2 year old Lincoln Navigator. I am a Lincoln mechanic so of course it is well take care of and still has the like new smell. I will sell for $1000 less than I paid for it.
It does not have those differential problems that some people were reporting.

HEY just joking of course. It is not for sale, and I am not a mechanic.

[Big_B]

Scammer :evil:

;)

[m3incorp]

If that was for me, read the whole post!

[JohnnyG]

Anybody want to buy a brand new 2 year old Lincoln Navigator. I am a Lincoln mechanic so of course it is well take care of and still has the like new smell. I will sell for $1000 less than I paid for it.
It does not have those differential problems that some people were reporting.

HEY just joking of course.

Hey, your point is well taken! Exactly what I've been trying to get across that people want NEW prices for USED camera equipment. Amazing for sure!!!

Hang in there though, I'm sure you can say it's a Very Sharp copy and who knows, someone may snap it up because you're a member here!

Just joking for sure but some people.....

[MegaTron]

I agree with some of the above posts regarding high asking prices. Sure, you can often get more than your asking price on Ebay, but thats because a lot of times the people that go on Ebay and buy these lenses arent as informed as most of us regarding camera equiptment prices.

I dont think its right to price police, but at the same time, I dont think its right to sell something that has no warranty for $10 cheaper than the price of a brand new item. Sure, you may have taken care of it, but used is used, and even if there is 6 months left on the warranty, it still means that you used up 6 months of the warranty, you should consider that when setting a price.

I think that if you can find the price of a brand new item at a reputable dealer, that compares to, or is cheaper than the price of what the seller is asking here, then you should be able to ask the seller to at least match that price. Doesnt matter what the seller paid for it then, it should matter what the price of the item is now.

But hey, I dont make the rules.

On another note though, I know some of us would be happy to sell our items for a little cheaper if it wasnt for the paypal fees.

Another 2 cents from me.

[Big_B]

If that was for me, read the whole post!

I know, I was just teasing you! :p

[m3incorp]

Sorry Big B; pesty head cold agitating me.

[Neon01]

The other thing I think is strange is that some people would actually rather buy a used lens that's well cared for than a brand new one for the same price. This boggles my mind. Granted, maybe I'm the only one that would never buy from a dealer that doesn't have a return policy, but if the new copy isn't sharp, just return it for a full refund! Keep trying until you find the "elusive" sharp copy. Canon's quality control is pretty darn good, and I'd suspect that the vast majority of the "unsharp" lenses or those with focus issues are actually used ones anyway.

Not to mention you also get a warranty buying new. What happens when that well cared for sharp copy becomes not-so-sharp in 6 months, you're certainly not going to have a warranty to back you up. In all my dealings with private sales, typically all sales are final.

Didn't mean to get up on a soapbox, but I'm just offering support to my views on why purchasing new from a reputable (canon authorized) dealer is worth much more than buying a quality lens from even a reputable private seller.

[Honeybee]

Neon01...You are 100% correct! I'm going to stop haggling w/people about the prices they want for their used equipment. It wasn't until you put it in my face that I wondered what the heck was I thinking (obviously, I wasn't). This lens has $30 rebate until 12/31/05; so I'm buying new and this time I get to cut out the warranty/rebate info. Thanks for waking me up.

You can talk to me from a soapbox any time you want.

[CGrindahl]

I've not bought anything here but frankly, that has more to do with the slow pace of posting and the lack of product than anything else. The Fred Miranda Buy and Sell board is incredibly active and for a Canon user it has great variety of cameras, lenses and accessories. The first four lenses I bought retail. The most recent three have all been bought on FM and I really enjoyed the experience each time.

First, I'm willing to do the research to determine what a product is worth. I don't take personally the fact someone values their product more highly than I do and certainly have no need to demean the person or play price policing games. Rather, I move along or I make an offer away from the board, either with a private message or an email. I may mention pricing information but the conversation is private. I expect other buyers to do their own homework.

What I like about dealing with someone on a board is they tend to be very knowledgeable about the product. The best sellers are committed photographers who take good care of their equipment and who sell for reasonable prices. I've never paid more for an item from a seller than I would retail, but I've paid close to the same price when a lens hood and lens filter were included. That makes good sense to me. And besides, I didn't pay sales tax and he covered shipping, so I did quite well.

Then you stumble on those wonderful moments that someone is anxious to move their equipment when it is possible to find some real bargains. I stumbled on one early this week, picking up a nearly new 135L for $175 below retail and well below the used market. I'm still smiling.

So, I enjoy the opportunity to get to know some other serious photographers while building a quality kit. I remain a discerning consumer, however, and always look for what to me is a good deal. E-Bay leaves me cold. From what I can see, for a buyer it is a lousy place to get a quality product for a great price. It may work for sellers, but as someone above observed, there are silly folks out there who have no idea what a product is worth. As always... let the buyer beware.

As a footnote, I've also done business on Craigslist.org. It is an amazing resource. I sometimes think that all of life's problems can be solved simply by using that awesome site. ;)

[ProAc_Fan]

If you pay new prices you really should be getting new. The instant that L glass is purchased it is now USED. If you return it to the store they can not legally resell it as "new". Thus the B-stock or grey market unwarrantied products you find. I have no problem with people asking whatever they like for their used goods but said people shouldn't take offense if the market disagrees with their valuations. I do my homework before I purchase anything but giving others who aren't so diligent a heads up regarding other vendors prices seems helpful to me.

Mike

[JohnnyG]

The other thing I think is strange is that some people would actually rather buy a used lens that's well cared for than a brand new one for the same price. This boggles my mind. Granted, maybe I'm the only one that would never buy from a dealer that doesn't have a return policy, but if the new copy isn't sharp, just return it for a full refund! Keep trying until you find the "elusive" sharp copy. Canon's quality control is pretty darn good, and I'd suspect that the vast majority of the "unsharp" lenses or those with focus issues are actually used ones anyway.

Not to mention you also get a warranty buying new. What happens when that well cared for sharp copy becomes not-so-sharp in 6 months, you're certainly not going to have a warranty to back you up. In all my dealings with private sales, typically all sales are final.

Didn't mean to get up on a soapbox, but I'm just offering support to my views on why purchasing new from a reputable (canon authorized) dealer is worth much more than buying a quality lens from even a reputable private seller.

Well said and makes my point again. Why buy used for relatively the same price when you can buy new?

Now, that's not to mean we shouldn't buy used but only at a "USED" price.

But, that's my humble opinion!!!

[alvomod]

this is more reliable than others ways to buy used gear.

period.