Buying Used Equipment on the Internet

You sound like the kind of guy who shouldn’t buy used equipment.  Look to see if the person has good feedback before jumping to any conclusions.  At the end of the day, buying used is always a gamble.  Half of my audio equipment was purchased used and I have never had any problems. 

Thanks for taking the time out to respond. 

"You sound like the kind of guy who shouldn’t buy used equipment."

I'm curious, what makes you say that?

You might consider a site like The Music Room for a first used purchase.  It will likely be a little more expensive, but a much more controlled environment for your first purchase.  I've sold quite a bit of gear with them and always have a good experience.

I wouldn’t consider myself an experienced HiFi enthusiast, but I usually pass when I see sellers request PayPal Friends and Family only. When you do this as a buyer, you’re losing out on all of the purchaser protections that PayPal provides - I feel like you’re really gambling at that point; regardless of the how many positive transactions the seller has had.

On the topic of gambling, from least risky to most risky: The Music Room, Audiogon, US AudioMart, Ebay - but again, not the most experienced on this site.

I've purchased a few items from US AudioMart and sold a half dozen or so. I've always had good luck.  This includes items up to about $10K. I look at the seller's feedback and don't purchase anything that does not include decent photos and a description that sounds like it was written by someone who knows what they have. If it's an expensive item (for me, that's more than a couple thousand $), I'll arrange for a phone call and try to check out the seller if possible. 

I always use Paypal for purchase, and unless I know the seller personally I don't use friends & family payment. Paypal provides pretty good protection for the buyer (less so for the seller) if there is a problem.

So far, so good.

Good advice here. If you are new to the game, you might start off with TMR,ebay or this site. Buying used IMO is when you know what your want and looking for a good price. I did one friends and family purchase, but I did contact the person I bought from. I got a good felling from the person and he had what I really wanted. No issue, but it is definitely a gamble. I have even found good deals from dealers overseas. You sometimes have to deal with customs, but I have gotton some very good deals on new audio. Again, nothing beats experience. You never can do to much research.

TMR does painless returns.

The only sure go for "friends and family' is '"on approval."

@aamiransari ,

I, restarted my audio journey 10 years ago, when I finally had some money to spend on a decent stereo. I found Audiogon and it’s marketplace, as well as US Audio Market.

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.

So, if you are feeling hesitant, and I don’t blame you, try reaching out to sellers. If you can’t demo the equipment, at least call them and speak with them. If you know people, then you can get an idea of whether to trust them or not.(-Kinda like ’Spidey Sense’).

If this still sounds too dicey for you, then purchase used from established dealers like Music Room or Audioconnection, etc.

 

Bob

Another good place to look is an audio store local to me. The move a lot of used gear and have excellent deals. Echo Hifi

Pardon my ignorance, but what is "TMR"?   

"The Music Room" Well known online retailer of new and used equipment.

Also, Music Direct often has open box (returned) and even used equipment.

Same with Upscale Audio in L.A.

 

The Parasound Hint 6 is a great integrated amplifier. I added one to my system a couple years ago.

I've been cautious about buying used gear as well. Like others have pointed out here, The Music Room is a reputable company to buy new and used gear from. I can recommend them. 

@knotscott TMR=The Music Room

Any time you buy something in a private sale between individuals, there is an amount of risk inherent in the process.

I have purchased most of my equipment used. Mostly on Canuck Audio Mart.

No significant issues whatsoever.

That being said, make sure the buyer has some history of buying and selling on whatever site you are using and that his reviews are positive.

 

I just bought something online from Skifi Audio in NJ I was looking for a three channel amp for my AV rig My 20 year old Anthem MCA-5 finally started to act up I was looking for a Bryston B5 ST amplifier and SkiFi Audio had a good conditioned one in stock They also put their stereo gear through their quality control  The whole process was seamless as we corresponded through chat on their web page to make the transaction  It arrived today via UPS (I was sent the tracking number) and holy cow the way they packaged the amp, you could of thrown it off a moving UPS truck and it would of survived! Oh the amp is 9.75 out of 10 That tells me SkiFi cares about their customers and their products  Needless to say I'm very happy with the whole transaction 

 

Most of my equipment was purchased used.

Research: read, read, and read, then read more; knowledge is power.

Create a list of what you are looking for, and begin to peruse the market with the objective of learning the nature of the market itself.

(Incidentally, you will find that some sellers have not researched the market; they say to themselves, ‘I bet I could get x-amount of dollars for this’, and sell at a low price: good deals to be found there.)

Over time, you will begin to perceive the general fair market price, and learn to identify the ‘estate sales’ types who just want to make a buck vs the true audiophile-owned items that have been valued and treated well.

My rules are:

The seller must include a statement of condition that speaks to an audiophile’s concerns - none of this, ‘tested, works, look at the pictures.’

Many times I’ve seen exactly what I’ve been looking for at an attractive price, but no statement of condition, and if the seller can’t be bothered to write a few thoughtful lines, then I do not trust the seller.

If it says, ‘reconditioned’ or ‘restored’, the seller must describe the alterations in detail and must include proof of them in the ad itself.

(Though, I do not buy ‘reconditioned’ or ‘restored’ equipment - I want the original.)

Blurry or too-dark photos, most likely a scam.

If there is any indication of lying whatsoever, or even of glossing over the truth, I’m gone.

There is a certain type of audiophile who values his gear and treats it well, and wishes it will go to someone who will respect it as he did - you can tell who they are, the best persons to buy from, but that takes reading many ads to discern who they are.

Honest folks display their honestly; it’s part of who they are and their honesty is apparent.

Dishonest folks leave you guessing about things.

The most important rule: always trust your intuition; the only times I’ve been burned is by ignoring my intuition and being too hopeful.

Best of luck to you, aamiransari.

Speak to a Vendor about an ESCROW Payment.

It might take time to find a Vendor willing to accept.

The Terms of the sale gives the Buyer the option to assess the goods are as per advertised for 30 Days following receipt.

A Buyer can agree to confirm they will have the monies released to the Vendor, within a shorter period that 30 Days, i.e, 3-7 Days following receipt.

When purchasing through Ebay or Paypal, your purchases are protected if the goods are not as per the advertised condition.

Vendor's are much more careful around Payment Services via PP and Ebay, as their are a selection of Buyers who are very content with abusing their privilege offered from using these services, and every so often a unwanted sale experience is to be endured.

It is a Gamble, be gathered in a investigation, do not get too eager to own the item of interest.

Sticking close to the term 'Caveat Emptor' is always ones friend.  

 

Have had good luck buying used on/line FWIW. Good advice abounds in this thread. Look at seller history and other items they sell, avoid Friends and Family requirement. Also, spend some time looking at going prices for your target equipment…there will be a fair price range that isn’t too hard to learn, prices too far above or below that number are red flags IMO.

Problem with eBay is that many sellers pick stuff up at estate sales or storage spaces etc. they have no idea how to test things and probably don’t care to. Unfortunately you have to accept the risk involved and be willing to repair it either by yourself or through a technician. Sadly this has happened to me quite a bit but I’ve also purchased numerous items. Someone earlier mentioned red flag words or statements to the effect of “works” “turns on”. Every time I’ve read “works well, but due to the age of this item I cannot guarantee it will be in working order upon receipt” -nearly every one of those has turned out to be non operable. Still, I don’t buy something vintage unless it’s special enough to fight for, otherwise I buy new from a company I trust.

Have purchased from TMR & they do a very nice job. Knowledgeable and hassle fee returns. Also Holt Hill Audio who have a big presence on the "other site" and do service/resto work too. Those guys always have interesting vintage speakers & components. These are my two go-too stops for pre-owned gear. Not sure there's anyone else who operate at their level of knowledge and service. Could be though, I don't pretend to know every spot out there. GL

I buy used often and had no problems other than UPS.

Another vote for TMR. They will test the equipment before selling it.

 

You can also buy open box equipment through dealers like Safe & Sound, Hi-Fi Heaven or Music Direct. Most of my gear is either used or open box. I have bought some things off eBay but as others have said I always do research and pay through PayPal (not friends and family).

Good luck in putting together a great system.

Buy the seller, not the equipment. Meaning if you don’t have trust in the seller, don’t do the transaction. 

i cannot gave advices...

I dont purchase gear now...

When i purchase gear it was after months of studying everything about it

all over the internet, then i wish so badly to buy it, i dont gave a damn about the sellers...

The two Sansui amplifiers i bought, and my AKG k340 headphone...My Mission Cyrus speakers...

The other pieces were new...a dac...

I did not have any problems with my 4 purchases... 2 pieces were sold in my city...

One amplifier the Sansui Alpha was sold by a dealer i did not know in Britiswh columbia at a very good price...The AKG K340 were sold from Ontario...

The only times i want to buy from the US it was more complicated than from Russia... Most of the times sellers dont want to deliver from US to Canada...I tried few times...  I forgot a subwoofer i never used finally from the US...I never need it after my acoustic job and anyway synchronizing a single sub in a small room is not easy... With my actual headphone i have a sub around my ears... 😊

Dont purchase anything without an extreme study of all aspects of the piece of gear as i did... We dont have control about the sellers... I was lucky...

they are the best deal i ever made...

I've purchased all but my source used. I've turned over my system twice buying  used gear at a fraction of the new price and never had an issue. My advice buy used locally  i.e. how far you are willing to drive so you can test drive the used gear before purchase and pay a return visit if needed period, amen. Now I'm a jersey guy so I'm in a predominantly urban/suburban setting which makes this process easier.  Know the brand up for sale and only buy gear with a  good reputation for quality and performance. You may not get the brands you crave but you will get great gear nontheless.

A cautionary tale for you.   As a recent college grad I bought used Adcom gear, (highly recommended), many decades ago  and  for a third of the new price I might add,and Snell c2 mk.2 speakers as well. First day I attached bare speaker cables to the used Snells and the  Adcom 200 watt amp turned it on and woops I shorted out the amp as my bare speaker wire hit both of its terminal's lesson learned don't use bare wires it only takes one thin strand of copper to crash your amp. Lucky for me Adcom was located around New Brunswick NJ a short drive from home. They told me to bring in the amp with some donuts for payment and fixed it while I waited. I had that gear for 40 problem free years!  Sold it just to try something else which was a used a Technics integrated sug700 and Canton 9k reference speakers both were just a couple of months old and for a song. I was aware many audiophiles are a well healed, obsessive, and demanding turns out all good attributes for bottom feeders who don't have the denero for high end or even mid fi gear or who are Scottish (which is my case).  

New or Used:

We hear horror stories of unresolved problems, unfortunately sometimes we have to 'blame the victim'.

1. Used:

how old? How heavily used, repair parts available, brand dealer(s), service shop near you?

2. Shipping, Insurance: (item MUST be double boxed or claim will be denied). Take photos, outside arrival, inside, layer by layer.

Seller pays for insurance you request, so any potential claim will be by seller. Documentation of Damage/Improper Packaging by Buyer. Delays, confusion, frustration.

Local Pick-Up Only: use UPS Pack and Ship (you pay, insurance is in your name), Can be costly, but if you want it:.

You give size and weight to UPS, they give you an estimate.

You have seller simply drop off the unpackaged item to nearby UPS in your name.

UPS gives you an exact price, and they are responsible for damage.

3. FUND you PayPal account with your best credit card, thus having their protection. If big purchase, call CC co. and confirm you are covered.

4. eBay and PayPal Protection

Search for 'returns accepted' pay a bit more if not too much

Ask Questions IN WRITING, via eBay, before buying, so you can document seller's answers in case of later problem

PayPal Protection (about 3% add on): Must be an 'Invoice for Goods', NOT 'Friends and Family' (could just be sending money as far as PayPal knows). You can offer to pay the 3% extra to the buyer to get them to agree.

I, my wife, my sister-in-law all have had good support for things gone wrong. Refunds, sometimes free return shipping, not always.

5. Reverb:

same thing, ask questions so you have a record of seller's answers. Reverb helped me with a problem, quickly, choice: partial refund or return. I took the refund and sold the unit to Steve at VAS.

6. US audio mart; Canuck audio mart.

Haven't had a problem, I would read their rules, write them to confirm. Ask seller questions. I have bought from both sites without problems.

Amazon: used or refurbished. (new stuff too).

Right Side of listing: Sold By? Ships From? It is nice to have Amazon in one of those answers. They have accepted many returns, most with simple drop off, unpackaged, and often free return shipping. Always ask seller for answers, their responses tell you something about them.

Pay: via PayPal funded by your best CC. I have Amazon Chase, get 5% off all Amazon purchases, other discounts here and there. No annual fee. I checked with them before buying my Tonearm from Russia. Chase has assured me they will cover a problem.

Warranties:

1. 'Open Box'. Legitimate Brand Dealer? Many times, not always, open box is the initial sales date, and you get maker's full warranty. You must get an invoice stating 'open box'. Most often all you need is a copy of the original sales receipt.

2. Transferrable? Check before you buy. Some are, some not, some easy, some complicated documentation required. My Russian Tone Arm, I called Square Trade, before I bought a warranty for electronics in the price range. Told them: 'no parts or dealer  in US'. They said they would cover  the cost of repair or replacement or full refund. Silk Insulation wore off litz wire: Had VAS re-wire the tonearm, full reimbursement.

 

 

 

 

Most of my audio equipment was purchased used via Audiogon, US Audiomart, Canuck Audiomart, and Ebay. I’ve had good experiences thus far. The best way to protect yourself is to use a service like PayPal which offers buyer protection in case the equipment you purchase is not as represented, or if you’ve been scammed.

Also avoid using PayPal Friends and Family, since it removes any buyer protections that regular PayPal offers. Check seller feedback, and get as much information from them as you can regarding the particular piece of audio gear you are interested in purchasing. This should include as many photos as possible as well as a piece of paper in each photo listing the current date so that you know that the photos are recent and not taken of someone else’s listing for the equipment (as part of a scam - this has been happening a lot more frequently over the past few years).

I do it all the time and yes, it’s can be a crap shoot. The biggest advice I can give you is look at the seller’s history, if there is none or very little forget it. Beware or listings where the gear is shown in a cellphone screen shot. Ask questions. Ask about how it’s going to be shipped, asked that it be double boxed. Be wary of sellers that are overseas or prices to go to be true. These are a few of my deal killers. With experience, it can be rewarding and you get get great deals from fellow audiophiles that are honest and truly care. Good luck. 

Do your due diligence and you will be fine. My last buyer was very reluctant to send money via friends or family or bank transfer. I spoke to him as many as 5 times before he felt comfortable sending money. My last four sale transactions were all over $10K and all of them were either using friends n family or bank transfer. Communications is the key in cash equivalent or any transactions, you can easily pick up red flags in conversing with your buyers or sellers. 

Wow. Great advice here. I've been buying and selling gear for 40 years and most of my system I bought used or on closeout. Here's a few points that I didn't see mentioned above.

1. Buying used gear and/or gear that is considerably less than full retail takes a lot of time. If you enjoy doing it it's a fun part of the hobby. If you don't enjoy it then it will be tedious and worrisome.

2. If you are looking for a particular piece of gear you can use HIfi Shark to search for everything used for sale at that time. You can also put an alert on eBay that lets you know when that particular piece of gear gets listed. Also, do a Google search for the item with the words "for sale."

3. eBay will let you search for sold items so you can see the price they actually sold for. There is also a way to do this on Audiogon but I haven't used it.

4. If you are interested in a particular piece of gear keep an eye out for the manufacturer introducing a new model. You can sometimes get new gear at a used price. I bought a PS Audio transport and DAC at a 63% discount ($4k each marked down to $1.5K each) when they introduced their new models. I also just bought a new Marantz KI Ruby SACD player for $3k (had been $4k) on closeout. This strategy goes back to late 90's when I bought my Krell KSA 300S amp for about half price (dealer demo) when Krell introduced its new FPB line (I still have this amp).

5. I estimate that I must have bought over 50 pieces of used or closeout gear over the years. Out of that total I think I've received a total of 4 or 5 pieces that were damaged or not accurately represented in the ad. All of the problems have been on eBay. I've never bought on Agon but I've never had a problem with anything I bought on US AudioMart. If it happens to you stay calm and attempt to work out an acceptable solution with the seller. This forum is a good resource for advice if you are having a problem resolving the issue.

Good luck and happy listening!

I've bought a lot of used equipment on ebay and only one bad experience. The seller just put the amp in a box without padding.... you know what happened. When you buy used equipment make sure you have a good tech near you because they will go bad much quicker than new. There was good advice from some above about checking the seller's rating and don't buy from someone who has their first posting (although I've done it and it worked out well). Now my best advice..... buy new!

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'm looking back at years and years of buying "vintage" on line -- both tube and SS.. Sometimes I've received very defective equipment listed as "Works Fine". Sometimes I've received very stupidly packed equipment, broken (think McIntosh glass and loose vacuum tubes for starters)-- and wondered whether any thought went into the packing process. The feeling of receiving a dented box that rattles and clinks is painful and angering -- not a happy way to have a hobby. 

By the time I get the stuff repaired (transporting, waiting, PAYING), I've spent a good deal of money and time, and endured no small amount of agony. AND, "virgin" vintage equipment will about always benefit repair/restoration -- caps and tubes -- to name two candidates. More money and more time.

I've pretty much decided to buy vintage in post-repair condition from local shops or well-reviewed eStores (see below). But more than that, I come to think that new gear will be more convenient, more capable, and cost less when completely accounted. New tends to be reasonably auditionable.

If a person really wants to buy vintage on line, I'd agree that TMR is a reasonable starting point, as is Audio Classics, along with a number of the NY shops/salons and one or two in California. 

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

For a seller using Ebay or Paypal.

Always !!! make sure any goods posted, are sent to the address registered as the delivery address with the above accounts.

A Sale has no protection if the correct address is not used.

If a request is made from a Vendor, what ever the BS passed on, as to why a different address is important to be used. Ask for a Bank Transfer Payment if the change of address  request is made.

The genuine Buyer may consider this as a option, if they can see the concern they are raising. A non-genuine Buyer will quickly vanish in search of their next victim to rob, or at best only achieve stressing them out.

 

@aamiransari 

Crutchfield and Audio Advisor are two more good places to buy new and used.

All the best.

Venmo and F&F PayPal are red flags, I just keep looking. Unless, as some have said, known acquaintances may be exception to this otherwise followed rule.

I have sold many items with 100% positive feedback and will only accept PayPal if it IS F/F.  There are several reasons here. 

1) PP never supports the seller if there is a dispute, and fraudulent buyers can lock up the money while they have your item.

2) Regular PP charges over 3%  No need for this.

3) Regular PP generates a tax statement to the IRS and Seller.  Even tough there is never a profit, the forms must be filed with your return  I am not a business.

So don't discount sellers who only take F/F.   It is not their fault.  If you want absolute protection buy new or from a company with return policy.  Talk to the seller. You can tell...

 

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. 

The vast majority of 100% feedback, hobbyist gear traders on here are not going to stick you with a "lemon". I once sold a DAC that arrived DOA -- somehow it went bad between my last listen and arriving at the buyer. After a couple hundred transactions, something like this is bound to happen.

After a friendly & brief exchange of diagnostics (did you try power cycling etc) I took it back with no aggravation, and issued a full refund plus return shipping costs and an earnest apology for the trouble.

Of course your experience can vary greatly by seller. That’s the risk component. That’s also why these prices are a lot lower than retail. If you’re not comfortable with that, if you’re going to obsess over some obscure blemish on the bottom of a chassis (PLENTY of items arrive new from factory with blemishes, btw), or want to return items after trial because they’re not your preferred "flavor", then you need to pay the premium to a dealer (dealers will also have limited tolerance for that too lol).

The question you ask is a good one. 

You wrote, "I'm new to this hobby and currently still trying out new gear to see what I like". Later you mentioned you are looking at a used audio piece. I assume you mean "new... to you" if you are buying used. If not, buy a new Parasound from an authorized dealer to negate risks.

Half of the gear I own is "new", and the other half was bought "used". The advice offered to you so far is good advice. I will add this. Consider the reason why the seller is letting a piece go... for sale. Some are updating their gear. Great reason to sell. Some are trying something else, another good reason or something is wrong with the gear they are selling, some are buying at estate sales, goodwill, or from ebay to RESELL. That's not a good reason to sell (or rather to buy). If the seller looks legit, answers questions without problems, has a good reason to sell, agrees with all terms, even if it involves returning the item and I feel I can reduce my risks in buying.... that's what i am looking for.

I sell very little HiFi equipment, but do have a collectors head (my term for being a little obsessional with hoarding 🤣)

Some of my buying methods are only completed if my requests are agreed to be honoured. Others, especially Import Purchases from Japan are Punts, and the chosen buying price is really the only means to protect ones interests. 

Through my HiFi Club and my other enthusiasm being Photography.

I have learned of experiences encountered by others selling Audio Devices and Camera Equipment.

I used all the info given to me, as a preparation to create a platform for my selling on redundant items from my Camera Equipment recently.

I had to wait a little longer than typical in relation to finding a buyer, as my asking prices have been very competitive.

Due to my Payment Request, I had to endure a few who claimed to really know their stuff, (sending extracts to show contravention) and were quite sure they could 'bully' the sale into their favour. I looked on these types as very organised scammers.

I sold my equipment as a Bank Transfer Payment Method, with the option to Pick Up directly from myself. I have not had any difficulties with any Vendor who could see the value in the quality of the item and its well documented usage history, a few items were paid for in advance and then passed on to the Buyer at an agreed place, to fit in with my weekly movements required by my work.

The above Posts in this thread as well as my own, is only a snap shot of experiences being had by Vendors/Buyers using the Web to access Sellers/Buyers.

There are numerous stories where loss is the result, I know of a few encountered by friends and family. Keep this in the foresight when in any communication.

Note: Once one unwanted outcome to a sale is known, a Google Search will soon show up a quantity of reports where similarities are to be seen.

With Ebay the 30 Day Protection is more than enough to receive goods and use them for something one would not want to use their own equipment for, or would not want to purchase the needed item, which is only intended for a temporary usage. Ebay successfully supplies goods for Holiday Periods, to be returned once having been left on a Beach for ?? Days throughout a Holiday period. 

Once the item has served its purpose as a free hire period back it comes to the Vendor with a BS description as to why it don't work or match a sales description.

Even worse, when 30 Days is plenty time for an Item to be cannibalised for its working parts, with these being exchanged for parts in a model which is with fault. The arrangement for a professional service to carry out the work (not knowing they are complicit in supporting a scam) is even possible in this time scale. The sent Item with Serial Number recorded is returned as a partially functioning or non-working item, with a not as advertised buyers complaint. 

None of these abuses being described are fantastical, they are all strongly suspected to have been realised and the suspicions raised by the Vendor of how they have been scammed are most likely very accurate.

It is also a strong suspicion buyers under one Moniker are quite possibly Sellers under another Moniker, where the item acquired is only intended as temporary,  with the ulterior motive to create goods that are saleable using components from temporary owned purchases. 

Bank Drafts and Cash on Collection or a ESCROW with a pre agreed 24 Hour Payment Release are certainly a friend of the Vendor.

A Buyer has the opportunity to work out the condition of their purchase within 24 hours, visual inspection is minutes, a working demo' can be numerous hours within this time frame.

The reduction in time to dispute a sale, should be a negotiable agreement that can be selected as a option for all sales payment platforms. It will certainly sift out the individuals who are dedicated to the sale, without a hidden agenda, needing the additional time to fulfil their deceitful intentions.