Forum Sales - Buyer Beware

[John Perriment]

I recently added a warning to 6 seperate posts by new member Tony Bailey in which he is advertising a considerable amount of expensive camera equipment.

Tony has quite rightly pointed out that similar ads, also from new members, have recently passed without comment and I must admit that maybe I haven't done my job as Moderator as thoroughly as I should.

I wish to make it clear that I have no additional concerns about Tony as a seller than I have for any other sellers who advertise on this site.

But I do wish to reiterate that there is an element of risk when buying equipment from an unknown seller, even from established and long serving members of the forum.

Having said that, I'm not aware of any members having problems so far and, indeed, I purchased an E3 from a member on E-System User in what turned out to be a nice, smooth transaction.

I wish Tony, and all other sellers, success in re-homing their unwanted equipment but, equally, I urge all potential buyers to exercise caution and at least be aware of the potential risks associated with this type of transaction.

[Bear]

Well said John - to not pass commentwould be faiuling in your job and we all appreciate what you do. No reflection on Tony at all but all online transactions carrt some element of risk and you reminding us of this is a valuable service. Thanks.

I also wish Tony and his buyers successful transactions. I just wish I could afford the ZD150 f2 right now !

[TonyBailey]

John,

Thank you for adding the "Sticky" and noting that I may not be the "predator" that those warnings below my post seem to reflect.

You're a Gentleman.

Kind Regards,
Tony

[Ian]

John,

Thank you for adding the "Sticky" and noting that I may not be the "predator" that those warnings below my post seem to reflect.

You're a Gentleman.

Kind Regards,
Tony

In defence of John, Tony was new to the site and had a huge amount to sell, so that quite rightly set off alarm bells.

Ian

[Ruben]

Hi John,

Out of couriosity I arrived to the sticky. I am a newbie here, with lots of analogue not expensive gear, but with no urge to start selling. So I would like to know what would be a good taste selling, in terms of being not a newbie, and also regarding the amount of items. But I would like to remark again, not expensive gear, and good taste member performance.

Thank you
Ruben

[Ian]

Hi John,

Out of couriosity I arrived to the sticky. I am a newbie here, with lots of analogue not expensive gear, but with no urge to start selling. So I would like to know what would be a good taste selling, in terms of being not a newbie, and also regarding the amount of items. But I would like to remark again, not expensive gear, and good taste member performance.

Thank you
Ruben

I think we are more relaxed about things now than we used to be. Although you are new, you have made a number of posts and as long as buyers cover themselves and sellers don't do something unusual, transactions should be problem-free. In fact I can't recall any serious issues with such transactions between forum members here.

Ian

[John Perriment]

Hi Ruben,

There will always be an element of risk when transacting on the Internet and the onus is really on the buyer to be cautious and exercise their own judgement. A newcomer selling a lot of very expensive equipment will always raise an eyebrow, but that doesn't mean they will be any less honest than a long standing member offering a modest amount for sale. This site provides the opportunity for buyers and sellers to match their needs and many have found it a valuable service. So far we have had no problems but it is important for users of the service to realize that they do so at their own risk.

Sounds like you may have an interesting collection and you're weclome to advertize if you wish. Old lenses in particular have been given a new lease of life by their compatibility with Micro Four Thirds and are often in demand.

Good luck.

[slothead]

I sometimes wonder if it wouldn't be smarter for the seller to provide the item(s) then expect payment if the item is satisfactory, of course the risk just shifts to the first "provider." And I think that Paypal provides some of this protection - if you trust them.

[John Perriment]

I sometimes wonder if it wouldn't be smarter for the seller to provide the item(s) then expect payment if the item is satisfactory, of course the risk just shifts to the first "provider." And I think that Paypal provides some of this protection - if you trust them.

There is certainly no reason why the risk should always be with the purchaser, other than convention. This will always be a difficult issue, particularly when one of the parties is a relative new member of the forum. Buyers, who are sending money in trust that they will receive the goods, should always excercise care.

[Bear]

All online transactions carry an element of risk, not just between members of fora such as this. I recently sent a large amount of money to an apparently reputable supplier in Germany which has simply failed to provide the goods and is currently refusing my requests for a refund. I certainly hope PayPal will provide some relief in this case.