Buying Used Equipment on the Internet

save for overtly hacked accounts, substantial amounts of positive seller feedback on sites like audiogon or audiomart is very important... it speaks to the person doing the trading, their character, their level of attentiveness and care

then, to be totally sure, ask to speak to the person, get comfortable, if you still have some lingering doubts

ultimately, for buying all used, valuable items, it is important to get a good feel for the seller/prior owner, understand what kind of people they are

all this said, buying used gear is just well suited for some people -- for this minority of folks, dealers or direct sales is readily available

I can’t really add anything not already stated but I feel with proper precautions, buying used, which is a journey in itself, is a viable alternative and encourage you to explore it. I generally think buyers/sellers of items for this hobby are mostly upstanding people.

I might have been lucky, but I have had good experiences with all my transactions. Many sellers allowed me to audition the equipment before payment. Many were very interested in sharing knowledge/opinions. Some became friends.

i would concur ...  there have been some times when buying or selling used gear have led to nice exchanges and conversations that then have led to very warm friendships.... wonderful when that happens, and in my travels in this hobby over the years, i have made some very nice friendships as a result

sometimes transactions occur (usually purchases) when the seller is dealing with changes in life circumstances, which can be sad, even heartbreaking... as usual, the human stories, journeys, can be touching, it allows us as brethren in this shared passion to show touching episodes of kindness and humanity

at a more every day level, this should remind us to treat others in buying or selling hifi gear 100% in the way that we ourselves would like to be treated