Buying Used Equipment on the Internet

I too have bought a number of audio equipment from Audiogon, TMR and other online resales. My problem has always been with damages cause by the shippers. I never had an issue with the purchase, so you need to be mindful with the shippers and packing. The audio equipment that are 30 plus years old will always need servicing unless you can do it yourself. Don't purchase used present day low-end audio equipment unless you done your research and always check your return options. Good luck.

I've been purchasing used high end audio from Audiomart, Audiogon, HiFi Shark, etc, for many, many years (over 20 years) with extremely positive results.  98% of my current rig was purchased through one of the well known used high end audio websites (and others).  Just make sure you purchase from prominent, well established, well regarded venders, such as the above mentioned and you should be fine.  However, there's no guarantees.  There is always risk involved in buying used gears and there is almost always no returns on a used purchased item.  However, most sellers will let you return an item if you find it be not as described.  The above mentioned wedsites are based upon reputation and "TRUST."  Anytime you purchase used gear, from whoever, there is an inherent degree of trust and hope involve in the transaction, which is just plain unavoidable, but you've got to trust if you want that great deal.  We should all be thanking our lucky stars for the used internet market.  If it weren't for the internet and the used high end audio market, I wouldn't be able to afford my current high end audio system.               

I’m relatively new to this as well. I’ve been in the hobby about five years. My entire system was bought used, except my Lumin U1 Mini.

I mostly use USAudioMart. I have only had good experiences.

Suggestions:

• Read the buying guidelines/faq on USAudioMart. Also read the selling guidelines, and the scamming section. All useful.
• Check the seller’s rating, and look at their feedback history (what kinds of gear have they sold before? If you are buying an expensive piece of gear and they only have a history of selling cheap cables, I’d probably look elsewhere.)
• Ask the seller specific questions about the unit you want to buy. (Age, original owner, any issues, why did you decide to sell it, what accessories are included, etc.)
• Ask general questions (what other equipment they paired it with, what kinds of music they listen to, any recommendations about using it, etc.) Basically engage and get to know the seller personally a little bit.
• Make sure to solidify all the details and costs of shipping, insurance, boxing details, PayPal fees, etc.
• Make a reasonable offer. And if they accept then I always ask them to jump on the phone to chat. Usually just to say hi and b.s. about audio, where we live, etc. Just a chance to vet that they seem cool. And I have often met really nice people.
• You can also ask to jump on a call before you make an offer.

If anything feels off/strange, trust your instincts. Be patient finding the piece you want and the seller you want to deal with.

Good luck!

I’ve purchased thousands upon many thousands on 98% used gear for 30 years. I began with rec.audio.marketplace. In ‘95 through’97 Audio Review was the hottest used gear site on the internet. Then came along an upstart called Audiogon in ‘97. AG was never better than those first 5 years. 
 

Only once did I get burned on buying a listed item. The seller requested a prepaid money order for an amplifier that was listed for $400 less than it should have been. Turns out that 7 people paid for and purchased the same amplifier. It was on AG. $1100 lesson learned. 
 

Buying used isn’t a big deal as some make it out to be. You cover yourself by paying via Credit Card, preferably Amex. Even Visa or MC will honor a charge back and return your every penny. So where’s the risk? It’s non existent. 
 

The fact your purchase is covered will eliminate any paranoia for PayPal purchases. If a seller insists on FF simply understand that he’s not your seller and move on. There’s plenty more gear options available from other sellers who understand that the marketplace isn’t what it used to be. For in the 90’s we’d simply send someone a check in the mail. Those days are gone. 
 

I’ve purchased on AM, here obviously, and eBay. 95% of sellers are honest people. But today’s buyers don’t have to take on that risk for the 5% who are shady. Good luck!

OP...I would echo the thumbs up for TMR, Upscale Audio, Echo Hifi in Portland, OR and Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle...I've purchased from all 4 of these sites and have been treated fairly.