used items and private sellers on Amazon

[yevangelis]

does anyone have experience with buying a used item from a private or 3rd party seller on Amazon? will i get shafted or is it as good as ebay?

I'm looking at this- http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0007U0HBU/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&condition=all

howbout somebody buy it and let us know...

 

[porcupine73]

For those, I analyze the seller like I would on eBay. Does the seller have a reasonable number of recent positive feedback? Then it's probably a safe bet. In this case the seller does have one positive feedback, but probably hasn't sold a whole lot on there. Looks like it says it is missing one or more wrenches from the set?

Sometimes Amazon warehouse deals will have stuff they got returned and they will offer it at a lower price. I've gotten a few things from Amazon that way, heck if I could tell the difference between it and something brand new.

 

[MrSnicks]

I would say buyer beware. I've only bought used items from the Amazon division that sells used/warehouse/openbox items. It's an Amazon fullfilment so no issues on returns.

Patrick

 

[Hiball]

Check Advance Auto out.. that price isnt too far off from New.

 

[CoryZ]

^^^^^^
Advance with a $50 off $150 coupon puts it within $15. I'd probably choose that for this item...

3rd party fulfilled by Amazon is great, as you get the whole returns thing and Amazon cust service to help make things right if there is a problem.

I've had mixed luck with other 3rd party sellers. It's very much like ebay--some are real businesses and awesome, some are just good sellers, and some aren't so great to buy from. I don't think it's quite as scam ridden as ebay, but it's not perfect either.

 

[Bronson]

Not sure about Amazon, but I got scammed on E-Bay. I ordered a ***** enlarger, and when I opened the box, it was a magnifying glass. Instructions said Do not use in direct sunlight. $8.00 right out the window.

 

[Steevo]

I have bought a half dozen books through Amazon that way, but haven't bought tools or other merchandise used through them.

 

[porcupine73]

The Advance Auto deal sounds pretty good!

Sorry to hear about your misfortune Bronson! Austin Powers movies had quite a few enlarger tips.

Many of the larger online retailers such as Walmart, Sears, Newegg, etc., all have allowed third party vendors to sell merchandise on their sites, so it does take a bit of attention to know who you're actually buying from on those things.

 

[cglasgow]

"is it as good as ebay"

~snort~

Sorry, couldn't help myself! ;-)

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I have brought a few CD's, VHS tapes, DVD's, books, etc.
All were good.

 

[Danglerb]

Seller Rating:100% positive over the past 12 months. (1 total ratings)

Nah, why worry.

Seriously, use some caution, but I haven't heard of many issues through amazon.

 

[Foxxtrot]

I've never had a problem with Amazon, but then I've only had one bad experience with Ebay, and that was 6 or 7 years ago. Like it was said before, check up on the ratings of the seller. I stay away from anyone who hasen't got plenty of good reviews.

 

[Bronson]

I recently ordered a book and a DVD through Amazon. Excellent service.

 

[Farmer Joe]

I've ordered books and other random stuff here and there that way, never had a problem. Just make sure that they have many positive reviews, pretty much use some caution as has already been stated

 

[yevangelis]

"is it as good as ebay"

~snort~

Sorry, couldn't help myself! ;-)

lol i know what you mean.

well thanks for the AAP tip but they are sold out for now. Funny it didnt show when I searched the part number through google.

And like yalls said the seller only has 1 review so i'm passing on this one.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I've bought a lot of used books/cds/dvds off Amazon. About 90% plus have been fine, no issues at all. Every once in awhile I had a problem. Remember buying a Metallica CD advertised in "like new" condition, and if a CD could be more scratched up, I have yet to see it. Seller never responded to emails so I went through Amazon themselves and they quickly gave me a refund.

Once a seller advertised a CD as "new" and when I got it, it was wrapped in cellophane. Only problem is, when I unwrapped it, it was obvious it was used and had been wrapped to look as if it was new. That wouldn't have bothered me that much, but the CD itself wasn't in new condition. I dinged the seller on the feedback, and sent them an email asking why they'd sell a used CD as new. Never heard back.

Overall, it's just like buying anything used. Use your judgement. I don't buy from people with low sold numbers, nor those with less than 95% positive feedback.