Would you buy a secondhand item that is SO NEW!

[dogcom]

Once in a while you come across items being offered for sale that are so new, like 1 week to a few weeks old. Personally I am weary of such a sale. The question on my mind is "Why does the seller sell off something within such a short time?" Of course there are those who may claim that it's from a Lucky Draw or it's a Gift; then again it's hard to verify it.

What do you guys think? Anyone bought new items? Please share your experience both Good and Bad.

 

[Randius]

I find there shouldn't be any problems in buying 2nd items claimed as "NEW". It may be an impulsive and the owner may not be allowed to return or exchange the item. Rather than stuck with a white elephant, he will choose to sell the item to fund other more meaningful purchases. Still, the item must be checked during the transaction to ensure there are no defects which the owner may be hiding.

 

[arpinkor]

The "lucky draw" or "gift" excuse is so old it's 99% BS.
Anyway, you'll probably never get the true reason from the seller himself/herself.
Sometimes, you can get lucky by doing a search in the tech forums to see if the seller is bitching about this item and later put it up for sale in B&S. That might give a clue as to why the seller is selling it so quickly.
Of course, must look for obvious signs of abuse like kena drop or bang before

 

[dogcom]

That's exactly how I feel.

The "lucky draw" or "gift" excuse is so old it's 99% BS.
Anyway, you'll probably never get the true reason from the seller himself/herself.
Sometimes, you can get lucky by doing a search in the tech forums to see if the seller is bitching about this item and later put it up for sale in B&S. That might give a clue as to why the seller is selling it so quickly.
Of course, must look for obvious signs of abuse like kena drop or bang before

 

[kcuf2]

yes... u will never know the exact reason why he/she sell his/her items, be it a 1 hour old item or a 1 yr old item... he/she can come up with 1,000,000 reasons and u cant doubt they are wrong...

so wat u can do now is: heck care the reasons why he/she is selling, and just inspect the goods to make sure everything is fine and buy it.

 

[tony_teo]

so wat u can do now is: heck care the reasons why he/she is selling, and just inspect the goods to make sure everything is fine and buy it.

Agreed. But if he claim new, then inspect the item, box, packaging, etc. All should look new without wear and tear. Also, ask for receipt and warranty card. If grey, ask for receipt. From that can deduced the date bought. If no receipt, no warranty card, no box, etc., then up to you to decide.

 

[miniUltraman]

Not sure about others... but I feel mostly impulse or find that a lens doesn't really suit his needs as claimed from reviews. That happens to me many times.... and I do own lens that are 3 weeks old and decided to sell them.. and they are almost brand new... not even a scratch on the lens cap... Buyer always inspect before they buy.. they can judge it for themselves. Of cos' receipt and warranty cards have to be provided... On the other hand, I hope there are sellers who sell these items and I can pick them up... It is really a steal sometimes :lovegrin: Personally, I know a few sellers who REALLY take care of their items and they mean when they rate :thumbsup:

 

[ZeroDivine]

that can happen sometimes..
buy,use for a while, don't like it .. up for sale..
some just like to buy and play with equipments.
Just make sure you test the lens that it works properly, check for signs of wear and tear etc.

 

[limct]

Buying second hand stuff is a risk. You don't know the history of the equipment. If it cheaper, then take the risk . If not, just buy new one.

The question here is, is it worth t take the risk ?

 

[Override2Zion]

The "lucky draw" or "gift" excuse is so old it's 99% BS.
Anyway, you'll probably never get the true reason from the seller himself/herself.
Sometimes, you can get lucky by doing a search in the tech forums to see if the seller is bitching about this item and later put it up for sale in B&S. That might give a clue as to why the seller is selling it so quickly.
Of course, must look for obvious signs of abuse like kena drop or bang before

Haa haa bro, may not all be BS lah. I believe there is a even mix of genuine cases too. Their gf/buddy/wifey might have bought them gifts and accessories for their photography hobby, seen a few of such cases before. Maybe like what you mentioned in your post "look for obvious signs of abuse like kena drop or bang before" then buy. Well at least its still under warrenty.

 

[ZeroDivine]

Buying second hand stuff is a risk. You don't know the history of the equipment. If it cheaper, then take the risk . If not, just buy new one.

The question here is, is it worth t take the risk ?

If it's at least 20% off the brand new price and the condition is still very good (maybe with warranty) it's worth considering.

 

[silvergetz]

The "lucky draw" or "gift" excuse is so old it's 99% BS.
Anyway, you'll probably never get the true reason from the seller himself/herself.
Sometimes, you can get lucky by doing a search in the tech forums to see if the seller is bitching about this item and later put it up for sale in B&S. That might give a clue as to why the seller is selling it so quickly.
Of course, must look for obvious signs of abuse like kena drop or bang before

I sold 2 pns here, which i won from a photography contest from a local newspaper. Its pretty easy to tell, as the condition of the wrappers, warranty card, smell, especially those wrappers which u need to tear open like charger, cables etc.

Best is to ask for proof of winning. Most likely the seller can provide a printed email with tel number for veruification, notification of winning letter etc.

 

[silvergetz]

that can happen sometimes..
buy,use for a while, don't like it .. up for sale..
some just like to buy and play with equipments.
Just make sure you test the lens that it works properly, check for signs of wear and tear etc.

Exactly, its a matter of luck when it comes to electronic items. The buyer needs to check before any money is exchanged, after which, the warranty will cover the rest of the period.

If the item is over the warranty period, the more you need to check the item. Most often than not, if its working, its working. At least for the electronic parts.

 

[trd2970]

actually, there's a certain amount of risk that you have to take when buying used stuff. it depends on whether the cost savings justify the risk. If you're buying something with warranty, there's more reassurance. End of the day, ask yourself one question - if u buy a used item, will you lose sleep worrying that the item might stop working? If you dun answer 'no' within 3 seconds, u are better off NOT buying the item.

 

[dogcom]

Really appreciate all the point of views from your guys so far.

 

[paradigm]

Would you buy a secondhand item that is SO NEW! or Would you prefer to buy a secondhand item that is so worn out?

hmmm ... inspection on receipt is still the best policy ... it is never wise to take for granted things will work fine esp when u got to pay so much money for it ... simple common sense ...

there again, electronics items break down (for reasons unknown, even new) from time to time ... if you had received something for a while, tested ok, dun go back to seller one month later and then demand for refund ... if still got warranty, go back to Manufacturer ...

Personally I am not unduly worried abt such sales, new items must come w warranties. For claims on new units, I would ask for warranties, receipts be given to me so that I can enjoy them as well (afterall, that is the whole point wat) ... most sellers can back up their words. Those who cannot (lost receipts etc) know that they hv to take a big cut off the selling price ...

 

[hazmee]

Good morning to all!

I would buy it if I need it and the price meets my budget. I don't really care why they are selling it as long as there's some warranty, in the condition I am comfortable with and I can have a short chat with the seller.

I kinda agree with paradigm in many ways from the experience that I get through selling here. Some buyers are really ridiculous and I would be wary of such buyers who are willing to buy your items at your asking price without asking for a bargain. It might sound weird but I feel those are the usual suspects that I usually keep a lookout for. Reason being:
1. They don't turn up
2. On their way to meet they start bargaining through SMS
3. Worse still, upon meeting up, its not what they wanted but still can ask for a bargain

However, I am glad that all the great buyers or sellers I met before, gave me a good long lasting impression and some even become close friends.

Have a good week ahead! Cheers!

 

[drakon09]

Once in a while you come across items being offered for sale that are so new, like 1 week to a few weeks old. Personally I am weary of such a sale. The question on my mind is "Why does the seller sell off something within such a short time?" Of course there are those who may claim that it's from a Lucky Draw or it's a Gift; then again it's hard to verify it.

What do you guys think? Anyone bought new items? Please share your experience both Good and Bad.

In some cases I guess buyers' guilt happens, in certain cases it is "guilt imposed by spouse upon discovery". :bsmilie:

As for lucky draws and all that, there's almost always some form of documentation to say it is so (but most people throw it away).

Of course mishandling may be the reason as well, be it the item was dropped while in the box (and no obvious damage marks) or dropped in water.

It will be good to inspect the item for servicability and then "inspect" the seller; normally those who are passionate about their photography will tend to baby their equipment.

 

[dominator]

2nd hand item so new, buy or not?

Will not consider to buy if it is really expensive item that cost thousands of dollars.
- I never believe a person will not buy something so expensive on impulse, something must be fishy. Will not consider to buy.

Hundreds of dollars item...can be considered if cheap, need to check.

Less than hundred?...Ok la, since sometimes I do buy it on impulse too.

Ever encounter a low grade CSer working as insurance agent who was selling his lens and told me it is 1st hand from him but lost receipt, selling due to under utilized. A search on his nick revealed he bought the lens 2nd hand from B&S years ago.

 

[creampuff]

...and I would be wary of such buyers who are willing to buy your items at your asking price without asking for a bargain. It might sound weird but I feel those are the usual suspects that I usually keep a lookout for. Reason being:
1. They don't turn up
2. On their way to meet they start bargaining through SMS
3. Worse still, upon meeting up, its not what they wanted but still can ask for a bargain

Ha, ha, I have bought many items without haggling and at the seller's asking price... what's wrong with not bargaining? In fact I would rather deal with those who are prepared to deal at my asking price because they are more likely to be serious. Bargaining per se isn't wrong but frivolous bargaining and ridiculous bidding are no-nos in my book.
My solution to those who exhibit symptoms 2 & 3 is simple. Don't sell to them.

I feel there are some unrealistic expectations when buying used, whatever the condition the item may be. If you can accept buying used (there are some people who can't overcome their reservations for used stuff and probably miss loads of nice stuff on eBay), then by all means do your due diligence and check the condition of the item or at least know what the item is all about. Warranties, whether personal (whatever that means) or remaining from guarantee card actually mean very little.

Why the seller is selling is really anyone's guess. There are gearheads who tire of their stuff, there's buyer's remorse, there's people with too many stuff, people upgrading, people desperate for money, made a mistake and bought the wrong thing, lucky draw/gift, etc.

Lots of reasons (could be lies, half-truths or facts) but if you think of it, really irrelevant to the buyer. If the item works, comes at a good price and meets your expectation... buy it.