Over time I have noticed some good deals on detectors online, and I would like to take advantage of these deals; however, I just don't know how to go about a safe online transaction with a private party. I have lost out two times on minor, online items that I purchased through Ebay; I didn't lose much, but I am now wary of online transactions, Can anyone tell me how to safely conduct a transaction for a detector online? Wayne
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buying a detector from a private party
- Thread starter romar
- Start date
Don't buy it if it does not work or the seller says they donot know if it works or not or has no means of testing it or it is being sold AS IS.
All of these things means it is stuffed in one way or another. Only buy from sellers who have a very good Feedback record (98 to 100%) over many transactions
When you see one you like, find out as much as you can about that type of machine either by talking to dealers, other users and/ or reading on- line reviews (Google) and ask the seller as many questions as you can think of, such as ,Why are you selling, what type of detecting it has been used for, Has it been in water. Have the batteries leaked at some time.
Ask questions on these forums, there is a vast expanse of experienced operators on all of the detecting forums who are only too willing to help in whatever way they can.
Know what type of detecting you will be doing; Beach, Coin/ Jewellery, Relic, underwater or Gold. (certain detectors are better suited to specific types of metal detecting)
Stick to well known brands, tesoro, White's, Garrett, Fisher, Minelab, Bounty Hunter and give the Chinese detectors a very wide berth, some of them sort of work but generally they are crap, these machines can be tempting because of the low price but it is better to stay away from them.
All of these things means it is stuffed in one way or another. Only buy from sellers who have a very good Feedback record (98 to 100%) over many transactions
When you see one you like, find out as much as you can about that type of machine either by talking to dealers, other users and/ or reading on- line reviews (Google) and ask the seller as many questions as you can think of, such as ,Why are you selling, what type of detecting it has been used for, Has it been in water. Have the batteries leaked at some time.
Ask questions on these forums, there is a vast expanse of experienced operators on all of the detecting forums who are only too willing to help in whatever way they can.
Know what type of detecting you will be doing; Beach, Coin/ Jewellery, Relic, underwater or Gold. (certain detectors are better suited to specific types of metal detecting)
Stick to well known brands, tesoro, White's, Garrett, Fisher, Minelab, Bounty Hunter and give the Chinese detectors a very wide berth, some of them sort of work but generally they are crap, these machines can be tempting because of the low price but it is better to stay away from them.
BarberBill
New member
I've bought 8 used detectors over the past few years. 6 off Ebay. I've had no problems, but I also made sure that the deal was low enough that if I had to have one worked on, I'd still come out reasonably well. One of the other two was purchased from a trusted friend and the other was purchased from Richard here on the forums. I'd buy from him again if something I'm in the market for comes up.
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7centsworth
Well-known member
On here I click on their name and read all their post . I also try to get a phone number and call them. I have made four deals here and all were real good . One man even sent me a coil before he got payment. It never hurts to ask , but sometimes it does hurt if we do not ask. I have bought one detector , one coil, and magazines twice off of here and all went great. I do not buy from just anyone that has what I want though I look at there post and how long they have been a member. Hope this helps.
Remember E-bay has pawn shops dealers of all sorts, some don't know a detector from your kitchen sink so would deal on the classifieds where you are dealing with detectorists like yourself..No sure way but dealing with established members talking on the phone all help and pictures a plus...all in all most transactions go well but be careful as always one rotten apple in every barrel and if a deal just sounds too good be wary...
Also use the other board. I have bought and sold many detectors, accessories, books and coins from board members and dealers. Only one person tried to rip me off (not a dealer).. If I'm going to have many questions about the purchase, I use a dealer. Also had guy changed his mind about purchase after paying by PayPal. He couldn't believe I was willing to take a size able loss on a like new detector but several have been pleasantly surprised. I try to stay from eBay; don't like fees and persons that are not knowledgeable about items.
Hi:
I recommend buying off of ebay after many successful transactions, even on high end electronics. But what has me sold is how things went when the transactions didn't go as planned. I was sold a BHID 300 that didn't work (falsed at the mood with no EMI). It still had warranty from whites and they sent a whole new machine, even though I didn't have warranty transfer paperwork. The second was a White's MXT which the woman wouldn't ship for a month. Finally I filed a claim and they put all my money back in Paypal, despite her protests that she would ship eventually.
Therefore, I'd say use Paypal on auctions they say they warranty (money-wise), as they will investigate and mediate for you and definitely buy from individuals who have solid track records. I guess I'd also recommend getting one still under warranty and I believe in White's customer service!
Best of luck!
Taterhead
I recommend buying off of ebay after many successful transactions, even on high end electronics. But what has me sold is how things went when the transactions didn't go as planned. I was sold a BHID 300 that didn't work (falsed at the mood with no EMI). It still had warranty from whites and they sent a whole new machine, even though I didn't have warranty transfer paperwork. The second was a White's MXT which the woman wouldn't ship for a month. Finally I filed a claim and they put all my money back in Paypal, despite her protests that she would ship eventually.
Therefore, I'd say use Paypal on auctions they say they warranty (money-wise), as they will investigate and mediate for you and definitely buy from individuals who have solid track records. I guess I'd also recommend getting one still under warranty and I believe in White's customer service!
Best of luck!
Taterhead
I have bought about 60 items a year off Ebay since 1999 and have never been burnt. Even bought a $70,000 motorhome there. You can easily get a feel for a seller by looking at their feedback scores, lenght of time selling, and for the high dollar items by contacting them and if they're a dealer, the BBB in their area. Not saying problems don't occur, but a careful buyer is a lot less likely to get burned. I shy clear of first time sellers for anything over a couple of bucks.
arizonaames
New member
I just bought a used/new detector from Jim Robinson from VA here on this forum. He was very honest and the detector was brand new and still in original packaging! You take a chance. Talk to seller via phone and email a few times to get a feel of the person you are dealing with. Read their posts on the forum. I was lucky and found a very honest person to do business with.
I bought my TDI in new condition from eBay and am very happy with my purchase. I imported it to New Zealand from Australia thinking that I would not have to pay GST ( Goods and Services Tax ) and import duty, total 17% on top of the purchase price. I did, Ouch! But that was my mistake for not researching the importing of second hand goods, so check that out where ever you are.
As Bob V A says above, the best indicator on eBay of a honest trader is to check out their sales transaction record, the more sales a trader has done the more they will want to protect their integrity and most likely be honest.
Also it all comes down too how good the deal is.
As Bob V A says above, the best indicator on eBay of a honest trader is to check out their sales transaction record, the more sales a trader has done the more they will want to protect their integrity and most likely be honest.
Also it all comes down too how good the deal is.