douglas787
09-26-2008, 08:05 AM
Buying on Ebay is a crapshoot. I have bought decks that were described as in like new condtion and so on, only to receive decks that had a grocery list of problems. I am a retired electronics tech so I do take into consideration that most of this stuff is over twenty years old, with little maintenance performed over that length of time just about anything it going to need some work.
The ebay listing have different kind of sellers.
1. The estate sale reseller - These people go to garage or estate sale auctions and sales and buy up high value stuff and resell it on the net. Since this equipment appeals to a very narrow range of people they get it for a song at these sales. They may know very little about the equipment and their listing reads "looks like new, came from a retired General's home, His wife says it works great, I don't have reels to test it, it lights up when I plugged it in, ect" When you buy these decks keep in mind they probably did work great last time they were used, but have been sitting in a garage the last ten years and will need belts, lube and possible electronic work due to capacitors drying out and so on.
2. The musician - These guys sell decks that their garage band used for a few years recording themselves doing covers of top 40 hits with a few of there own songs mixed in. Expect a lot of wear and tear, these guys record at the fastest speed the decks go, stop and start a lot, loop and so on. Heads and motors may be shot along with a lot of moving wear as these guys don't stay put very long.
3. The studio liquidator - Studios have gone digital, That leaves a lot of surplus equipment. Hey, I'm not complaining, you can pick up a Studder for five grand. This is a great chance to get a Revox half track or Ampex Pro deck for your own enjoyment. Shipping is a nightmare, so look for something you can go pick up yourself if feasible. Maybe I'll end up with a 2 inch deck after all. Expect a lot of wear but it was probably maintained well.
4. The average Joe - This guy has a deck that he uses now a then. He is moving or needs money and just wants to sell. Good chance to get a deck here for the right price. Crapshoot on what you will get, If it is a good deck he may not pack it right and it will be damaged in shipping. Most ebay sellers are terrible packers, I've got reels shipped in manella envelopes and decks packed in styrofoam peanuts.
5. The Restoration seller - These guys know marketing, they have ads with stunning pictures and even videos of their decks in operation. Expect a decent deck here, that at the very least works right out the box and looks good, and be ready to pay through the nose. It is a good idea to ask about head wear on these decks. If the heads are new, pass, because the deck may have high hours and will need motor work soon.
I like ebay because it is easy to look at sellers history with other buyers. If nobody else has complained about them, it's a good chance your transaction will go smooth. Then again, it's all left to chance. Check their return policy, If they don't take returns it makes me nervous. If they say, three day right of return I like the seller because he is saying, if you are unhappy you can send it back. It tells me he stands behind what he is selling.
The power sellers generally are good to buy from, they sell in regular volume and have good standing in the Ebay community. They know how to ship stuff, know what stuff it worth and have phone numbers (most of the time). If something is not right, they will usually make it right.
I also like Ebay because you can find tapes-belts-manuals-rare equipment. I'm not saying it's the one stop shop or anything like that. I have gone though Audiogon and others too. It just that Ebay has been the easiest to use with the widest selection.
The ebay listing have different kind of sellers.
1. The estate sale reseller - These people go to garage or estate sale auctions and sales and buy up high value stuff and resell it on the net. Since this equipment appeals to a very narrow range of people they get it for a song at these sales. They may know very little about the equipment and their listing reads "looks like new, came from a retired General's home, His wife says it works great, I don't have reels to test it, it lights up when I plugged it in, ect" When you buy these decks keep in mind they probably did work great last time they were used, but have been sitting in a garage the last ten years and will need belts, lube and possible electronic work due to capacitors drying out and so on.
2. The musician - These guys sell decks that their garage band used for a few years recording themselves doing covers of top 40 hits with a few of there own songs mixed in. Expect a lot of wear and tear, these guys record at the fastest speed the decks go, stop and start a lot, loop and so on. Heads and motors may be shot along with a lot of moving wear as these guys don't stay put very long.
3. The studio liquidator - Studios have gone digital, That leaves a lot of surplus equipment. Hey, I'm not complaining, you can pick up a Studder for five grand. This is a great chance to get a Revox half track or Ampex Pro deck for your own enjoyment. Shipping is a nightmare, so look for something you can go pick up yourself if feasible. Maybe I'll end up with a 2 inch deck after all. Expect a lot of wear but it was probably maintained well.
4. The average Joe - This guy has a deck that he uses now a then. He is moving or needs money and just wants to sell. Good chance to get a deck here for the right price. Crapshoot on what you will get, If it is a good deck he may not pack it right and it will be damaged in shipping. Most ebay sellers are terrible packers, I've got reels shipped in manella envelopes and decks packed in styrofoam peanuts.
5. The Restoration seller - These guys know marketing, they have ads with stunning pictures and even videos of their decks in operation. Expect a decent deck here, that at the very least works right out the box and looks good, and be ready to pay through the nose. It is a good idea to ask about head wear on these decks. If the heads are new, pass, because the deck may have high hours and will need motor work soon.
I like ebay because it is easy to look at sellers history with other buyers. If nobody else has complained about them, it's a good chance your transaction will go smooth. Then again, it's all left to chance. Check their return policy, If they don't take returns it makes me nervous. If they say, three day right of return I like the seller because he is saying, if you are unhappy you can send it back. It tells me he stands behind what he is selling.
The power sellers generally are good to buy from, they sell in regular volume and have good standing in the Ebay community. They know how to ship stuff, know what stuff it worth and have phone numbers (most of the time). If something is not right, they will usually make it right.
I also like Ebay because you can find tapes-belts-manuals-rare equipment. I'm not saying it's the one stop shop or anything like that. I have gone though Audiogon and others too. It just that Ebay has been the easiest to use with the widest selection.