mc_vancouver
Established
I'd like to start a thread on selling used gear over the internet, whether it is through eBay or this site or craigslist.org. I am in the process of a dispute over a camera I sold through RFF. I won't go into the details because (a) it is still underway and (b) it's private communication between the buyer and myself. However, some general observations as I have also been on the receiving end of a camera that I didn't like, and wanted to return for a refund.
1. As a seller, try to describe the camera in as much detail as possible, thinking of all the things you'd ask, if you were buying it. Don't shy away from describing anything that you think is a flaw, cosmetically or mechanically.
2. As a buyer, before hitting that PURCHASE NOW button, ask the seller, "Is there anything the camera/lens will need to get fixed? Have you had any problems with it, and if so, what, and were they fixed or are they still potentially a problem I may have to deal with?"
Of course, teh end result of doing both 1 and 2 is that you may not be able to get what you were asking for the item. But you will have full disclosure, as the politicians like to say, if not practice.
3. If you get an item and it is not what was described, please, please do NOT assume that the seller was out to screw you. It may be that the seller did not notice, or failed to note something that was, in their opinion, too minor to note. Most of the transactions I've had on eBay and through RFF and other online classifieds have been positive, and everyone I dealt with felt they were being honest and forthright. That said, in one transaction, I felt the seller had not disclosed the true condition of the camera. For instance, his photographs of the camera did not show one corner, where there was significant rust.
Thus:
4. Take as many pictures of what you are selling as you can. Even if the site limits the number of images that may be shown, you can always send an interested, potential buyer/bidder additional images. Shoot in macro mode any dings, dents, scratches or other imperfections, so that the buyer can judge whether or not he/she can live with those cosmetic imperfections.
5. In a dispute between buyer and seller, when one wants to return an item, try to write emails that stick to the facts and avoid emotional language. Not "you did not represent this item accurately..." but "I found such and such, which was not noted in your description." We're just folks here, and I think we're all pretty decent folks. The less inflamed an email exchange, the less stressful it will be to resolve, and probably will be resolved faster than by using accusation and counter-accusation.
6. Make it clear when you SELL an item any conditions you may want to attach to a potential refund. Re-stocking charge, will or will not pay for shipping, deducting customs or taxes, etc. Better to have that upfront than try to negotiate it after a request for a refund.
That's it for now. I'll have to see how this current dispute goes...
1. As a seller, try to describe the camera in as much detail as possible, thinking of all the things you'd ask, if you were buying it. Don't shy away from describing anything that you think is a flaw, cosmetically or mechanically.
2. As a buyer, before hitting that PURCHASE NOW button, ask the seller, "Is there anything the camera/lens will need to get fixed? Have you had any problems with it, and if so, what, and were they fixed or are they still potentially a problem I may have to deal with?"
Of course, teh end result of doing both 1 and 2 is that you may not be able to get what you were asking for the item. But you will have full disclosure, as the politicians like to say, if not practice.
3. If you get an item and it is not what was described, please, please do NOT assume that the seller was out to screw you. It may be that the seller did not notice, or failed to note something that was, in their opinion, too minor to note. Most of the transactions I've had on eBay and through RFF and other online classifieds have been positive, and everyone I dealt with felt they were being honest and forthright. That said, in one transaction, I felt the seller had not disclosed the true condition of the camera. For instance, his photographs of the camera did not show one corner, where there was significant rust.
Thus:
4. Take as many pictures of what you are selling as you can. Even if the site limits the number of images that may be shown, you can always send an interested, potential buyer/bidder additional images. Shoot in macro mode any dings, dents, scratches or other imperfections, so that the buyer can judge whether or not he/she can live with those cosmetic imperfections.
5. In a dispute between buyer and seller, when one wants to return an item, try to write emails that stick to the facts and avoid emotional language. Not "you did not represent this item accurately..." but "I found such and such, which was not noted in your description." We're just folks here, and I think we're all pretty decent folks. The less inflamed an email exchange, the less stressful it will be to resolve, and probably will be resolved faster than by using accusation and counter-accusation.
6. Make it clear when you SELL an item any conditions you may want to attach to a potential refund. Re-stocking charge, will or will not pay for shipping, deducting customs or taxes, etc. Better to have that upfront than try to negotiate it after a request for a refund.
That's it for now. I'll have to see how this current dispute goes...
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