New or Used:
We hear horror stories of unresolved problems, unfortunately sometimes we have to 'blame the victim'.
1. Used:
how old? How heavily used, repair parts available, brand dealer(s), service shop near you?
2. Shipping, Insurance: (item MUST be double boxed or claim will be denied). Take photos, outside arrival, inside, layer by layer.
Seller pays for insurance you request, so any potential claim will be by seller. Documentation of Damage/Improper Packaging by Buyer. Delays, confusion, frustration.
Local Pick-Up Only: use UPS Pack and Ship (you pay, insurance is in your name), Can be costly, but if you want it:.
You give size and weight to UPS, they give you an estimate.
You have seller simply drop off the unpackaged item to nearby UPS in your name.
UPS gives you an exact price, and they are responsible for damage.
3. FUND you PayPal account with your best credit card, thus having their protection. If big purchase, call CC co. and confirm you are covered.
4. eBay and PayPal Protection
Search for 'returns accepted' pay a bit more if not too much
Ask Questions IN WRITING, via eBay, before buying, so you can document seller's answers in case of later problem
PayPal Protection (about 3% add on): Must be an 'Invoice for Goods', NOT 'Friends and Family' (could just be sending money as far as PayPal knows). You can offer to pay the 3% extra to the buyer to get them to agree.
I, my wife, my sister-in-law all have had good support for things gone wrong. Refunds, sometimes free return shipping, not always.
5. Reverb:
same thing, ask questions so you have a record of seller's answers. Reverb helped me with a problem, quickly, choice: partial refund or return. I took the refund and sold the unit to Steve at VAS.
6. US audio mart; Canuck audio mart.
Haven't had a problem, I would read their rules, write them to confirm. Ask seller questions. I have bought from both sites without problems.
Amazon: used or refurbished. (new stuff too).
Right Side of listing: Sold By? Ships From? It is nice to have Amazon in one of those answers. They have accepted many returns, most with simple drop off, unpackaged, and often free return shipping. Always ask seller for answers, their responses tell you something about them.
Pay: via PayPal funded by your best CC. I have Amazon Chase, get 5% off all Amazon purchases, other discounts here and there. No annual fee. I checked with them before buying my Tonearm from Russia. Chase has assured me they will cover a problem.
Warranties:
1. 'Open Box'. Legitimate Brand Dealer? Many times, not always, open box is the initial sales date, and you get maker's full warranty. You must get an invoice stating 'open box'. Most often all you need is a copy of the original sales receipt.
2. Transferrable? Check before you buy. Some are, some not, some easy, some complicated documentation required. My Russian Tone Arm, I called Square Trade, before I bought a warranty for electronics in the price range. Told them: 'no parts or dealer in US'. They said they would cover the cost of repair or replacement or full refund. Silk Insulation wore off litz wire: Had VAS re-wire the tonearm, full reimbursement.