Buying Used Equipment on the Internet

Totally agree, reviews & feedback pretty much always tells the story and speaks to the integrity of the seller. It's how I ultimately found the shops Colorado & Massachusetts - both respected with solid reputations. My $.02 

Feedback is important. So is involvement. If the seller has posted many times but buys infrequently, as I do, he could still be reliable.

I suggest talking to the seller. It's not foolproof, but it gives one more opportunity to see red flags.

As my system is mostly 2nd hand the topic caught me. I'm happy to see that the thread is nearly 100% positive/encouraging. 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 almost always buy new but if I see a used component that I am really interested in one of the caveats to moving forward is whether or not the original shipping box and interior packaging is available and request pictures of such.  I pass on those that don't regardless of how much the seller assures that he/she will package the item well.

One thing that I do when selling is to send the buyer pictures of the item powered on, powered off , being wrapped , the box and packaging , the item inserted in the box, box sealed  Also, I'll get another box to insert the original one in and take and send pictures of that before and after packaging.  I'm just mentioning this as something aamiransari you can consider requesting to get some comfort from a private individual sale.

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