Safety of buying here vs. Ebay etc.

I'm wondering what you people's opinion is concerning buying a big ticket item on a site like this vs Ebay etc.? I'm looking for a Canon supertele lens and have to admit I'm a little nervous about buying it here vs. Ebay should I have a problem with the lens not being as described etc. With Ebay I at least have them to help negotiate for me if I should have any problems whereas I don't know what options I'd have buying it from here?
I know I can check a persons feedback etc. on here but that's not a lot of comfort when I'm looking at spending in the realm of $6K on a lens.
Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thank you.

I think you should post this to market watch section.
Be confidence with members here who has great feedback and lots of posts.
However, no one can guarantee you anything purchasing online, always be aware of this.

Well your thread might get moved to a different forum but If you buy here and use Paypal you get some protection.You always take a chance when buying online,With that said I have not had a bad experience buying here but have in Ebay.

HogansHeroes wrote in post #15772484
Well your thread might get moved to a different forum but If you buy here and use Paypal you get some protection.You always take a chance when buying online,With that said I have not had a bad experience buying here but have in Ebay.

I know I'd get some protection using Paypal although I don't know how much in the event that I just don't feel the item is as nice etc. as the description states. I'm more worried in the event that I pay with a cashiers check etc.
Thanks.

I have purchased big ticket items on Ebay without any problem. The times when the items were not as described (never a big ticket item), the seller has been able to accept the return, reimburse the money, or fix the problem). In this forum, there is no guarantee, unless the seller accepts returns (even then, you cannot enforce it), unless you use Paypal (never gift option). There is a chance that you may be stuck with an item you found not at described, this forum does not allow for arbitration, or to provide negative feed back. Sometimes for few bucks more, you can go shopping to KEH.com for used goods. The advantage of the forum is that after a lot of postings and transactions, members develop a reputation that you can count on. Not easy, but can be done.

I have bought here and have been delighted with every one of the transactions.

Usually, I am fine with craigslist, too. However, I was trying to make a deal with a guy who kept moving the venue for the transaction. I didn't ever meet up to make the deal. It seemed too sketchy.

I bought a 70-200L lens on eBay and the seller completely defrauded me and someone else. The lens didn't exist and he sold it multiple times. I got my money back from eBay, but it took nearly a month.

Wherever you are dealing--deal safe and if you're uncomfortable--RUN away and leave the deal behind.

You will have some measure of protection if you pay with a credit card through PayPal; don't use non-credit card payment options unless you (a) know the person, (b) are buying in person, or (c) are willing to take the risk.

Just remember that regardless of where or how you buy, if something sounds too good to be true... it usually is. There's no substitute for common sense.

+1. There's risk of buying anywhere. Know who you're dealing with and common sense go along way.

imageswest wrote in post #15772583
You will have some measure of protection if you pay with a credit card through PayPal; don't use non-credit card payment options unless you (a) know the person, (b) are buying in person, or (c) are willing to take the risk.

Just remember that regardless of where or how you buy, if something sounds too good to be true... it usually is. There's no substitute for common sense.

Quack Me Up wrote in post #15772468
I'm wondering what you people's opinion is concerning buying a big ticket item on a site like this vs Ebay etc.? I'm looking for a Canon supertele lens and have to admit I'm a little nervous about buying it here vs. Ebay should I have a problem with the lens not being as described etc. With Ebay I at least have them to help negotiate for me if I should have any problems whereas I don't know what options I'd have buying it from here?
I know I can check a persons feedback etc. on here but that's not a lot of comfort when I'm looking at spending in the realm of $6K on a lens.
Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thank you.

I just sold my Canon 500mm to Allens Camera 1 215 547 2841. I can tell you it is a perfect lens and in addition you will get the warranty from a dealer. I have had many transaction with Allen and all 100%. He is to receive the lens on Monday April 1. My reason for selling is I had a back operation and the lens is simply too heavy for me to use.

I still buy from ebay but only for very small price tag items.
Once I have been burned while buying a 5D on ebay and will never do that again specially that I learned that ebay has settled with the Crockett seller but didn't inform me to compensate for my losses.
NEVER EBAY AGAIN for Big price tag items.
Don't go fool with the advertised Buyer Protection and safety Ebay or Paypal offer.
Ebay is only looking at their side of profit from seller and will not care at all for buyer.

i've bought and sold "big ticket" items on here and FM w/o ebay and paypal and been just fine.

just use some common sense. if the person can provide you with up to date photos or has a ton of posts or actually does photography for a living then you are probably ok and safe.

Allen's Camera is GREAT! Give them a call.

bigcountry wrote in post #15772736
i've bought and sold "big ticket" items on here and FM w/o ebay and paypal and been just fine.

just use some common sense. if the person can provide you with up to date photos or has a ton of posts or actually does photography for a living then you are probably ok and safe.

Yep.

I'm one of those buyers. I've purchased the 400 f/2.8L IS and the 400 f/2.8 IS II both used from this forum and it has worked well.

I would never purchase a big ticket item on eBay. Ever.

If a member here has mucho posts, good feedback and is a pro with a website then you are good to go.

If the member has all that but is not a pro, still good to go.

Again, you take your chances though....you just never know.

Check out the rental houses and refurbs?

I'd buy it here or off of FM. I won't touch EBay, been on there buying and selling since 1998 there, last two purchases were so bad I won't be back.