Aug 31 2007
Buying A Used Camera Lens Off Of EBay
If you love bargains and love photography, then you already know that great deals can be had on online auctions such as eBay. But don’t let the thought of a cheap used camera lens be your sole motivation to buy your photographic equipment from eBay. Sometimes you do get what you pay for. A used camera lens that does not work is certainly no bargain.
Reputable EBay Sellers
Don’t believe everything you read on eBay or any other online auction. Even if there is a photo of the used camera lens on the auction, it still might be fraudulent. Although the majority of eBay sellers are genuine and basically good at heart, you do have the rotten apples hanging about. EBay has done a lot in the dozen or so years since it first started to stop scammers, but still some slip through the net.
Reputable eBay sellers will answer any and all questions about the used camera lens they have up for auction. They also usually have positive feedback, which you can click on a link that says “Feedback”. Feedback is comments from other eBay buyers who’ve bought something from the seller.
Reputable eBay sellers will accept PayPal, credit cards or checks as payment. Money orders used to be acceptable, but now most eBay sellers will not accept them because in the past some scams were done with money orders. Do not buy any thing, even that tempting used camera lens, from an eBay seller who wants you to pay by cash, wire transfer or money order.
What You Need To Know
Before you bid on that beautiful used camera lens, there are some details you need to know about the lens and the auction:
What kind is it?
Will it fit the camera you want it to fit on?
Are the directions included?
Is the original box included?
What condition is the used camera lens in?
When is the auction over?
How will it be shipped?
Don’t bid last minute and think about asking these questions later. Don’t bid on any auction that’s just about to end. With a piece of equipment like this, you need to make a careful decision. Wait at least 24 hours before bidding. Preferably, either call or email the eBay seller to see if there is an actual human being at the other end. Worse comes to worse, you can always sell the used camera lens on eBay.
