New here and have been lurking and was wondering how trustworthy is buying used from like a KEH or BH? I am torn for some time on buying a used A1 or a new something …
I have had an A7iii for a long time now and wanted to upgrade to something with a faster auto focus for my kids sports . I do use my camera for work a lot as well so gear does get used . Thanks in advance for any and all feedback..
There are pros and cons to everything in life, no?
As mentioned by RoamingScott you can buy here. It's usually, or nearly always, a good deal with honest people at both ends. You can however run into a problem and then you'll have no warranty or return right unless that is stated very clearly before you pay.
Buying from BH or KEH or any other well known dealer may be a good deal. Here it sometimes happens the item isn't inspected as closely as needed, the description may be short and not covering everything. OTOH you can always return the item and get it exchanged or get your money back. Some warranty is included. Read therms and conditions carefully and you'll be safe. You'll probably have to pay a little more.
I have bought and sold on the forum here for years with great results. At times I have the same person buy more than once.
Also I have purchased from the same person more than once.
Look at the persons post and reviews who is selling and decide. Also ask the right questions and you will learn a lot about how the deal will go. And don't do friends and family.
Been with FM since its beginning and have done a number of transactions on the Buy and Sell forum. Each one of them were perfect. Paul's comment above is spot on. Follow his advice and you will be fine.
KEH and B&H are both extremely reputable, but you will pay more than you would from an individual selling here on FM. In my experience, KEH is more conservative in their ratings than B&H (i.e. KEH will probably look better than described). I've returned a used lens to B&H because I felt it was much worse than described, and they took it back with no problems.
The rating system here works well in my experience and this is where I look first for used gear. I think Facebook marketplace is popular for finding local deals, but I've been off FB for more than a decade.
I’ve bought from here and KEH without issues. KEH is more expensive than buying here but you do get a 6 month warranty which is quite valuable for some folks.
I can only concur with what others have said. Over the past 10 years, I have bought all of my used cameras and lenses here at 'Buy/Sell' with no regrets at all. Seems we have a very tight and trustful community here, and what you see in a description is almost always what you get.
The only exception was a few months back, when I got greedy/adventurous and bought my slightly used A9III on eBay from, what appears to be an online thrift store and my gamble paid off. It is a great unit with minimal wear and I managed to get it at a hugely discounted price. I could have been a completely different story, though...
I'll pick on myself here . Im a great buyer and seller here but look at folks profiles to get a idea who, what and see how we measure up
Online
• • • • • • •
Feedback Status:
160
Great 1
Fair -
Poor
Upload & Sell: On
Total Posts: 25960
Received Likes: 19810
Registered: May 07, 2015
Country: United States
City: Scottsdale AZ
So looking at it I have 160 buy or sell transactions that are great
1 transaction that drew a fair response. I know it wa a shipping thing
Than look at my years here which is 10 years seems like more
Than look at my posts over 25 thousand. That means im very active and my likes are very large in quantity . Add that all up and im a great member and reliable with all the great transactions. Look for that kind of person to buy from. Most cases you will be fine. Honestly if im selling something I don't believe in it won't be sold here , it will go to EBay. Most good folks around here will not sell there crap here. I know I won't . We all have a reputation that is important to most of us.
Look for stuff like this. Im not putting this out because im selling something, Im not at the moment but just pick solid members here on FM. and if it sounds way to good to be true trust me it is and you will lose. Good members here are very smart and price there items fairly . Nice to get a good price on items but too good to be true pricing usually is a red flag.
I've had great experience on FM and it is my #1 choice for used gear. I also have used KEH once with good results. My one experience on eBay with a lens was not so good. I purchased a lens with an issue and the seller did refund my money. I was only out shipping so it could have been much worse. Still, it was hard to imagine that the seller wasn't aware of the issue and was trying to dump a problem.
If you can find what you're looking for here, it can be a good deal. That's like the four shops locally in Denver in that the inventory can be limiting, so, for cameras, I look first to Kenmore Camera in WA because their customer service is unsurpassed and they've usually got a decent inventory of modern used gear, then B&H because I've never had a problem with them either, but Kenmore's been more responsive an sympathetic when I've had to reach out to them. I've purchased film cameras from KEH without a problem, but I mostly look to them when I can't find a lens I'm having a hard time sourcing.
Lightscapes wrote:
New here and have been lurking and was wondering how trustworthy is buying used from like a KEH or BH? I am torn for some time on buying a used A1 or a new something …
I have had an A7iii for a long time now and wanted to upgrade to something with a faster auto focus for my kids sports . I do use my camera for work a lot as well so gear does get used . Thanks in advance for any and all feedback..
Buying used from a reputable store like B&H or KEH has one advantage, some of them have the ability to add a 3rd party warranty to used equipment (not sure the criteria, if it has to be a current production model or what) but it does add a little peace of mind if you want that.
I did that when I bought my open-box A7RV from B&H, it was relatively cheap to put 3yrs on it and made me feel a whole lot more confident in my purchase. I've never had to use the warranty, but it's there if I need it and I still saved good money compared to new.
I've bought used lenses etc. here on the forum as well and find people to be honest and friendly, usually going above and beyond expectations. I like to believe most people are good and well meaning, and trying their best, with only a few rare exceptions who make it hard on the rest. Always use a good credit card or service that gives buyer protection and enjoy the savings.
Thank you for all the comments, I did start looking on here for some A1’s with no luck . I KEH and BH have some around the high 3’s to low 4’s . I would probably keep this camera for 4 years until I see what the A1iii is or I pay an extra $2500 for an A1ii now or a used A1
So, for all the recommendations for purchasing on FM, I know a member with 10 days membership and 2 posts would find it very difficult to sell.
Will this be a problem for buying?
I'd rather pay little bit more $$ but get a warranty. I agree, here on FM, prices are better, but no warranty... If it is a$100 camera I'll buy it from here but if it is $3000 or more then KEH and BH any day!!! it is up to you brother...
Forgot to hit the "quote" button, but this is for Choderboy:
I would imagine that if the transaction takes place through regular PayPal (NOT Friends and Family!) then the seller should also be protected; after all, they will have the $ before shipping the item. Buying may be a good way to build up some feedback, and after the purchase, the buyer may have more reason to make postings, thus giving them more credibility.
