Dare I purchase an expensive camera on ebay?

[astrid]

Dh wants to buy a "good" digital camera. I think he's narrowed it down to a Canon Eos Rebel Xti something or other (can you tell it's HIS idea?);) It's about $700.00, total.

My friend swears by hers; she bought it on ebay. I'm a bit leery. All I've ever bought on ebay was clothes and AMerican girl stuff! ;-)

Anyone ever successfully purchase a big ticket item on ebay?

[KH_]

I know there are many very reputable sellers on Ebay, but I would only purchase a big ticket item if I felt totally comfortable with the seller and their feedback.

Have you done a search online to see how much it would be at other stores? Just that name (when I Googled it) I came up with Amazon and Dell for about $600 (unless there's something extra the Ebay seller is throwing in).

[genie]

Here's a link (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_eos400d.asp) to a site that lists several sellers that are reputable and their current prices.

I would only buy from a reputable company through eBay. If they are listed as a storefront, you can possibly check their reputation at resellerratings.com (http://www.resellerratings.com/). Midway down the page on the left side you can enter the online store's name and it will pull up their rating, and tell you how many people have rated it.

Another thing to check on is whether it is a "gray market" item, which means that it will not include a US warranty because it from an overseas market.

My favorite places for buying cameras and equipment are Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/) and Amazon.

Keep in mind, too, that the upgrade of the XTi has been announced and will be released within the next few months. It is called the XSi 450D (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_eos450d.asp), and has some very nice updates. This can mean two possible things for you: you may wish you had waited and gotten the upgrade, or the price of the 400D will go down significantly once the new one reaches the stores and you will feel like you paid too much. Of course, you may just get it and be happy and not look back ! :)

Good luck with your decision!

[pixelroper]

dpreview provides the best info- check B&H Camera for prices too- & unless there is something special you need a camera for wait for the upgrade (you will regret if you don't) eBay is fine as long as you can get info on the seller, just make sure the price really is the lowest out there (including shipping) & you understand which model & how old it is. Lots of people like their Rebels.

[nancypants]

I bought my Nikon D80 on Ebay. The case and tripod it came with were crap but the important parts (the lenses and camera body) were/are in perfect condition and it came with a nice 4g memory card. I got mine from a company that had over 100,000 positive feedbacks so I felt pretty good. The customer service left something to be desired but I saved a boatload of money so it was worth not getting "the best service."

[cin]

For what it's worth, I am getting ready to buy my cell phone on Ebay. And it will be $3-400. (My carrier insists on a data plan @ $40/mo, and I do NOT want that...just hte phone and PDA in one.) I have bought and sold on ebay for many years. First of all, check their feedback. I usually trust 98% and above. If I REALLY like the item, I will read the individual feedbacks. Some people go through a bad spell (like I did, when my FIL passed away). If they have 10 negatives in a row, and respond with a decent sounding excuse, then I may go ahead and buy from them. Sometimes I've gotten good deals from READING the negative feedback (there are some loony buyers out there too!). Secondly, I would read the description THOROUGHLY. If it is what you want, and has all the bells whistles, then go for it. And do NOT be afraid to ask the buyer a question. Their response can speak volumes.

I would also pay with a credit card via paypal. That way you do have some recourse should there still be problems.

Cindy

[mysticamethyst]

Personally, I would look at craigslist for your city or your local pawn shops. I regularly buy and sell on Ebay, but with a camera, I would be leary just because of the cost of the camera and repairs are expensive. There could be minor scratches on the lens or basically just something wrong with the camera. You will be putting a lot of money into that camera, and really your DH should use it, hold, play with it a bit before he seperates himself from the $$$. BH has really good prices for new, and you could watch for sales at BestBuy,if you buy at Bestbuy become a member and you will get nice coupons in the mail. Good Luck with your new camera the Rebel is a great one. Mine lasted for 5 years and just over 100000 shots before it needed work. I have just recently swicthed to Nikon, and would recommend any of those bodies as well.

[Jann in TX]

I have no problem purchasing items through e-bay. We even purchased a used car through them once (a GREAT car and a GREAT deal)--it saved us $1000's.

I check ratings and try to talk with the seller/store (most power sellers have a business phone number listed).

Check around on the net and make sure you know what a good price really is--do NOT compare it to a walk-in store price!

Happy shopping!