We each have a different tolerance for risk. That said, there are certain common rules of common sense that should be universal. I appreciate those of you who have shared your cautionary tales above. I've bought $1000's on the 'gon and eBay, and each one was a judgment call. I've never been intentionally ripped off. Sellers have made honest mistakes, and fixed them when pointed out. I've walked away from offers that sounded too good to be true. They probably were.
I've also sent M/O's for up to $800 to total strangers and received beautiful gear. Overall, my eBay/Audiogon experience has been better and more fair than other mail order experience.
When in doubt, I ask the seller if he's willing to use escrow. If he balks, forget it!
How about these guys cut-n-pasting not just the manufacturer's pix, but 'gon members' pix? I recently saw speakers from an ebay seller in Texas. I recognized the background furniture from a 'gon seller in NJ. I asked the Texas seller, "What, is one speaker in TX and the other in NJ?"
No reply. I didn't bid.
Good luck
I've also sent M/O's for up to $800 to total strangers and received beautiful gear. Overall, my eBay/Audiogon experience has been better and more fair than other mail order experience.
When in doubt, I ask the seller if he's willing to use escrow. If he balks, forget it!
How about these guys cut-n-pasting not just the manufacturer's pix, but 'gon members' pix? I recently saw speakers from an ebay seller in Texas. I recognized the background furniture from a 'gon seller in NJ. I asked the Texas seller, "What, is one speaker in TX and the other in NJ?"
No reply. I didn't bid.
Good luck