Listed AS IS

[Ranchu]

Have you ever got a nice, working item that was listed AS IS?

 

[Darthfeeble]

No, but I have gotten several items that were as good or even better than were touted. Mostly from this group.

 

[nhchen]

I have got many that were listed 'as is' that were fully working. But that doesn't mean I haven't also received lots that weren't working either!

nathan

 

[Kate-the-Great]

I have, but I make sure to only buy "as-is" items for sellers that are listing it as such because they don't have the knowledge, ability, or time to properly test. I wouldn't, for example, buy as-is from somewhere like KEH unless I was planning on doing some serious repairs. There's usually a reason why items are listed as such.

The one exception was when I bought a Leica IIIc & Summar "as-is" from a camera shop in Minnesota; I only agreed to buy with no possibility of a refund because I was there in person and got to thoroughly test the camera and see what worked and what needed service.

 

[fireblade]

I mainly deal with Japanese stores, never had an issue and always well maintained gear.

 

[maitani]

I think esp. on ebay, some people are tired of "it was not as described returns", and just mark as-is. most gear listed as is, works absolutely fine, well it of course also depends on the detailled pictures, or accurate despription or not, it s not easy to classify older cameras from 1936 f. ex. or so, most of them fully work, but show more than usual signs of use. so yes i had bought As-is stuff in the past, where the average ebay would mark, nearmint, or ´great condition´.
bests

 

[tunalegs]

I would honestly buy As-Is from somebody who knows what they're doing, rather than somebody who doesn't. Often when somebody who knows cameras well lists as-is it is because they're aware of some minor problem that just isn't worth fixing for the money they would get out of the camera.

When somebody who doesn't know anything about cameras lists as-is - it's usually because they know the thing is 500,000% broken and worthless, but they're still trying to reel a sucker in because they have no problem ripping people off.

 

[dct]

A few years ago I got a Bessa-L "as is": A CV15/4.5 was screwed in as "spare lens".
Both are in perfect state and the lens alone is worth twice the price I paid for the whole item.

 

[Keith]

Bought a Rollie 35 that was listed as not 'working ... as is' from an eBay seller for sixty dollars. There was nothing wrong with it ... they just didn't realise that the things don't work without the lens extended.

 

[View Range]

Strictly speaking everything you buy is "as is", whether working or not. "As is" really means the buyer can't claim anything more than he receives, and the seller is not going to fix it or take it back because it doesn't meet expectations. The seller only has to take it back if it is not as advertised. The real question is have you received something listed as "needs repair" or "for parts" that actually works.

 

[maitani]

I would honestly buy As-Is from somebody who knows what they're doing, rather than somebody who doesn't. Often when somebody who knows cameras well lists as-is it is because they're aware of some minor problem that just isn't worth fixing for the money they would get out of the camera.

When somebody who doesn't know anything about cameras lists as-is - it's usually because they know the thing is 500,000% broken and worthless, but they're still trying to reel a sucker in because they have no problem ripping people off.

agree, and there are ways to find out, for example, it's a good 'test' to see also how sellers react on requests/questions, if they know what they're talking about or not. sometimes it's the best to just ask them 'why' the rated AS/IS, some answers come as a surprise..

 

[rbelyell]

heres the thing, many sellers put in this phrase at the end of a full description of the item that specifically indicates the item is working. in that case, i consider the phrase meaningless because it runs counter to the description. i notice this happening more and more, things like 'lightly used, like new camera. im first owner and took great care of it. works great except for tiny scratch. sold as is'. thats just dumb. obviously if it doesnt work i'm sending it back or filing a claim.

'as is' should only be used when an item is stated as non working or if the seller makes no express or strongly implied claim as to operability.

 

[rbsinto]

I took a shot and bought an"As Is" Nikon S36 motor drive for $65.00 from KEH about seven or eight years ago. A comparable "Bargain" or "Excellent" grade drive was about $350.00 or more at the time.
Mine needed the battery compartment and the interior of the motor compartment cleaned of battery corrosion, which cost an additional $75.00 here in Toronto.
So for $140.00, I got a cosmetically so-so, but mechanically excellent drive that I've used to this day without any problems.

 

[cassel]

I have bad luck in this area-- especially lately😡 I am much more likely to get the "workng fine" descricption and have an item arrive with 2 or more problems. Then you're stuck with fun choice of returning the item or repairing the item-- neither seems fair!

 

[Sid836]

This is how I won a Nikon FE listed AS IS with a Nikkor 24mm 2.8 for 35€ on ebay. I had several others like that mostly to use for parts for non working equipment of mine.

 

[B-9]

I list most if not all items on ebay As Is,

Ide rather make a few less dollars, and not deal with a possible return.

I also give accurate descriptions,

So I typically get the sale anyhow.


I think its best for sellers, in this new age of ebay policy.

 

[oftheherd]

Bought a Rollie 35 that was listed as not 'working ... as is' from an eBay seller for sixty dollars. There was nothing wrong with it ... they just didn't realise that the things don't work without the lens extended.

Some 12 or 15 years ago, I got a Yashica FX103 off ebay, listed as film advance not working. At that time there were a lot more people selling cameras and knowing little to nothing about them. For $15 I took the chance I knew what was wrong, and sure enough, all it took was a battery. It still works and loves the Contax 50mm f/1.4 it is coupled with.

 

[Rob-F]

I don't recall ever having bought anything listed "as is." I don't want to take the risk!

 

[John E Earley]

I've purchased a number of as/is cameras on the cheap that just needed batteries. The only bad deal I had was a camera listed as ex+ condition that was broken and missing parts. It was quickly returned.

 

[Mudman]

ditto on the batteries side of things, I have also gotten a great Hasselblad lens that was listed as having a non working shutter that just needed a little exercise. I still haven't gotten it CLA'd and paid about 50% of what a working one in EX shape was going for at the time.