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Originally Posted by ResumeSpeed

1. Just make sure that you are comparing apples with apples. As I am sure most are aware many ebay sellers run low lead-in prices and then gouge for shipping. Make sure the products you are comparing are exactly the same. Some sellers will use current product images but sell older product. Also make sure that the product is indeed brand new - many items on ebay are falsely represented as new when in fact they are used or refurbished.

2. Unless an ebay seller is an authorized dealer, a factory warranty may not apply. Some ebay sellers have "no return" policies. It's a good idea to compare return policies between the vendors you are buying from. What happens for example if an item arrives and is defective?

3. What happens if an item arrives damaged? Again, compare procedure between ebay sellers and supporting vendors.

4. Email the supporting vendor and see if they will price match. There are often "Group Buys" in which the deals can be pretty competitive.

5. Some items may require support after the purchase. This is where a "supporting" vendor may make up a difference in price. For simple products this won't matter, but for more complex or electronic products after-the-sale support may make all the difference in the world.



The problem with this, aside from the fact that it can get a seller in trouble, is that a package can be insured only up to the declared value. So if someone sells you a $300 CAI, and marks the customs form with a value of $100, it can only be insured for $100.00. If the package is lost, who will pay? Sure, a seller can tell the buyer that the they will assume all risk over the $100, but if the package ends up getting lost, the buyer will be the one getting ticked off and "forget" all about his assumed risk. Bad blood is usually the result. Meanwhile, the seller is expected to replace the product, and may have to wait months and file a ton of paperwork to collect the insurance amount.

EXCELLENT POST! I think I love you lol

On a more serious note, it's absolutely true and definitely something to look out for.