Request advice on buying Nikon 9000 Scanner from individual

[ornate_wrasse]

What is the safest way to purchase a Nikon 9000 Scanner from a private party when the cost is $2,200?

I don't want to risk losing $2,200.

The item is listed for sale in the classified ad area of a well respected internet message board that I am a moderator on.

I don't want to send him a check and/or pay by PayPal without some sort of guarantee that the scanner will actually be sent to me. I have no reason to believe that the person would scam me as they've made a number of posts on the message board.

What's the best and safest way of purchasing the scanner?

Also, is $2,200 a fair price for this scanner?

Thanks for tidbits of knowledge that anyone may provide. 😀

Ellen

 

[Beemermark]

How far apart are you? Are you in the US? Airplane tickets aren't that much (figure 10% of the cost) and it might be worthwhile just flying and picking it up. Also saves a lot of cost and worries on shipping the unit (put it in your backpack).

 

[ornate_wrasse]

I don't know where the seller is located, but you're raising a good point and I hadn't thought of that before. I live in Portland, Oregon. If he's on the West Coast, it could be done relatively easily as San Francisco is only 1 1/2 hours away, with LA being 2 hours away.

I will ask him and find out where he lives.

Thanks.

Ellen

 

[ferider]

You should be pretty safe with Paypal/CreditCard though. If Paypal doesn't refund you, the Credit Card company will, in case there are troubles.

 

[Paddy C]

If the scanner is in good order, $2,200 IMO is a good price. These are in demand on ebay and, when I've checked, seem to be going for more.

 

[Jamie123]

Am I missing something here? This scanner is $2'199 new from B&H or Adorama. B&H says 'Temporarily Unavailable' and Adorama says '2-3 weeks' but, IMO, I'd rather wait than pay a new price for a used item.

 

[ornate_wrasse]

Am I missing something here? This scanner is $2'199 new from B&H or Adorama. B&H says 'Temporarily Unavailable' and Adorama says '2-3 weeks' but, IMO, I'd rather wait than pay a new price for a used item.

I was thinking of asking them if they would accept less than $2,200. Another factor in the equation that should be considered is if these scanners often sell for more $$$ because they are in demand, then $2,200 for a "used" item may not be unreasonable.

In any event, I could easily wait for a new one. Time is not of the essence for me in this situation.

Ellen

 

[Beemermark]

You should be pretty safe with Paypal/CreditCard though. If Paypal doesn't refund you, the Credit Card company will, in case there are troubles.

I might be wrong but I think PayPal only guarantees sales thru eBay, and then not all sellers.

 

[Jamie123]

In any event, I could easily wait for a new one. Time is not of the essence for me in this situation.

Ellen

Then why not just order one now from Adorama or B&H and see how long it goes? If it takes too long there's still the option of cancelling the order and looking for a used one.

I have a Nikon 9000 and got it for the equivalent of about $1k from a fellow photographer who generously accepted my lowball offer (as I was pretty broke at the time and he wanted to get rid of it).

 

[bobrcw]

I bought a new one a few weeks ago from Roberts Imaging - $1997.97 with free shipping. It's showing as in stock there right now. I'd waited over two months for one to show up at Amazon, B&H or Adorama with no success. Some retailers are taking advantage of the scarce supply by charging several hundred dollars over list.

 

[ornate_wrasse]

I bought a new one a few weeks ago from Roberts Imaging - $1997.97 with free shipping. It's showing as in stock there right now. I'd waited over two months for one to show up at Amazon, B&H or Adorama with no success. Some retailers are taking advantage of the scarce supply by charging several hundred dollars over list.

I must say that $1997.97 for a new item that I can return, if needed, is a lot better than buying one used for $2,200 and taking a big risk.

Thanks for the tip. I just took the plunge and ordered one!

Ellen

 

[ornate_wrasse]

UPDATE to my post yesterday:

Roberts called me today to tell me that they only had two scanners in stock and four orders came in. I'm wondering if other RFF posters saw that one was available and decided to order at about the same time yesterday!! Anyway, my order was one of the last of the four to be ordered so I am being put on backorder and the next one that comes in will go to me.

Thought you all would want to know.

Ellen