Stolen property

I just bought a new bike seat post on ebay for $100 that typically sells for $300. I was the only bidder so it is not a high demand product. The seller joined eBay 6 weeks ago and listed about 200 new high quality bike items…some multiples, so likely not bought for use. Almost all have sold with maybe 10 now left. It crossed my mind, ‘how would someone get all these new items to sell?’ Manufacturer sponsors? Closed shop?

I realize that I don’t get a warranty as I didn’t buy my new post from a dealer.

I don’t know how you could tell if something was stolen. It could be someone flipping an item acquired legitimately. They may not have purchased it for their own use, or know anything about it.

I’ve listed items that I know little about for friends before.  I’ve also had my descriptions of items I listed pasted onto listings by other people.  Sellers that see a good description feel free to use it.  Lack of knowledge of an item could indicate that an item was purchased for resale.

The best bet is to talk to the seller by phone before purchasing.