Is everybody on craigslist a liar?

Honestly -- you are not a good candidate for buying used equipment, unless its from a reputable dealer. Try ebay, and buy from one of the large houses that guarantees the purchase. That's how I bought my 1D3 (norman carmera). Saved money, and gained peace of mind. I've spent $1000 on used, non guaranteed equipment, but thats my personal limit.

Sir, lets see my answers in red...please don't take this too seriously

I don't know if I am being paranoid - ah...yes!

I feel that people are selling their equipment because something is wrong with it - ah...NOT ALWAYS!!!

I am just wondering if anybody has had any bad experiences with this or even good expierences - of course we do, mostly good though.

Even POTN members could be crooks - Absolutely! May be I am one of them, so take my words with a grain fo salt

I was always told not to trust anybody - Why did you started this thread?

Just having fun with you...

POTN Head wrote in post #8388012
I don't know if I am being paranoid.

I am looking for a used 5D and browse craigslist every day. The thing is, I have sooooo many questions that I ask owners, could they be lying? I feel that people are selling their equipment because something is wrong with it and not because they really need the money- even if they say they do. So many things could be off such as wires not connecting, mirrors falling off, etc etc. I don't know.. I am just wondering if anybody has had any bad experiences with this or even good expierences.

I could just buy from a member on POTN or something, but wouldn't it be much better to view the camera up front before buying it? Or is it just personal preference? Even POTN members could be crooks.. I was always told not to trust anybody.

Thoughts?

May be it is a "hot" item

shaggymatt wrote in post #8390054
I do, that is where you get the best bargains! Few months ago on my local CL, there was a 70-200/4 with IS for $450. I was second in line, of course the first guy bought it!

[QUOTE=POTN Head;8388012]I don't know if I am being paranoid.

I am looking for a used 5D and browse craigslist every day. The thing is, I have sooooo many questions that I ask owners, could they be lying? I feel that people are selling their equipment because something is wrong with it and not because they really need the money- even if they say they do. So many things could be off such as wires not connecting, mirrors falling off, etc etc. I don't know.. I am just wondering if anybody has had any bad experiences with this or even good expierences.

I could just buy from a member on POTN or something, but wouldn't it be much better to view the camera up front before buying it? Or is it just personal preference? Even POTN members could be crooks.. I was always told not to trust anybody.

Thoughts?[/quote]

sounds like it. if you contacted me and i detected paranoia -- a huge red flag that problems are coming -- i wouldn't deal with you.

ed rader

Caution is good. Paranoia is bad.

OP, stick with retail. At least you'll know the salesmen aren't out to get you.

[QUOTE=ed rader;8390920]

POTN Head wrote in post #8388012
sounds like it. if you contacted me and i detected paranoia -- a huge red flag that problems are coming -- i wouldn't deal with you.

ed rader

I agree with Ed. When I list gear, I describe it accurately, and price it fairly. I take the approach that if there is a market for it, it will sell eventually. My tolerance for overly needy buyers is pretty thin because of some bad past experiences. I want a fair transaction with proper disclosure, not a life long relationsip.

[QUOTE=gonzogolf;83909​48]

ed rader wrote in post #8390920
I agree with Ed. When I list gear, I describe it accurately, and price it fairly. I take the approach that if there is a market for it, it will sell eventually. My tolerance for overly needy buyers is pretty thin because of some bad past experiences. I want a fair transaction with proper disclosure, not a life long relationsip.

Wow, someone actually proposed to you...stud

Some people need to learn how to quote properly.

Doesn't sound like much of a commitment -- a relation"sip"?

cdifoto wrote in post #8391003
Some people need to learn how to quote properly.

Ooops bad spelling bad, quotes. Seriously though, I had a buyer keep calling me for nearly a year after I sold her a camera with panic in her voice because her camera, that she didnt ever learn how to use, was acting strangely.

cdifoto wrote in post #8390938
Caution is good. Paranoia is bad.

OP, stick with retail. At least you'll know the salesmen aren't out to get you.

unless you happen to wonder into broadway photo in brooklyn

cdifoto wrote in post #8390938
Caution is good. Paranoia is bad.

OP, stick with retail. At least you'll know the salesmen aren't out to get you.

This is very true, paranoia begets paranoia. If someone senses your paranoia it tends to escalate. They might start to get paranoid because they sense that something is not right. Each party then takes a more defensive stance with each email until someone backs out of the sale.

ruben00 wrote in post #8391203
unless you happen to wonder into broadway photo in brooklyn

You have to find it first!!!

Matthew Patrick wrote in post #8391225
This is very true, paranoia begets paranoia. If someone senses your paranoia it tends to escalate. They might start to get paranoid because they sense that something is not right. Each party then takes a more defensive stance with each email until someone backs out of the sale.

Not only that but tin foil hats are no longer in vogue.

mattograph wrote in post #8391233
You have to find it first!!!

True, now that NY has "shut them down" per the latest rounds of court activity, they are now even farther underground. You might have to get some mining charges ready just to knock on the door.