Selling a nearly unused Rigol spectrum analyzer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2024, 12:55:43 pm
content: Hello,I would like to sell my Rigol RSA3030E-TG spectrum analyzer but I'm unsure what the best way would be. I tried selling once a logic analyzer here and it was a hassle dealing with people who thought they could scam.Since this device will be more expensive than all I sold until now I'm wondering what the best way would be. Do you guys think it would be worth placing it here for selling or straight go to Ebay? Do you have any other suggestions? Do you know of a platform that has electronic experts and also offers a safe selling solution for buyer and seller?

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2024, 03:29:42 pm
content: i would push it to ebay, since it will give the buyer paypal and or Ebay protections, and you when you ship it you need good protections around it, say minimum 2 inches and or a very strong boxand lastly avoid comments as you faced here ? and some may or will comment on your low reputation / messages count ...you'll need to provide buyer protection outside ebay for sure

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2024, 04:58:01 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on December 09, 2024, 03:29:42 pmI offered those days an escrow service too. I thought since here are electronics experts and enthusiasts this would be the more interesting place to offer. And at the end I sold the logic analyzer at ebay. Not only comments, there was one user who was obviously trying to scam by sending strange messages with quotes of my messages where he changed to price to a very low value.Anything else than Ebay with similar protection mechanisms?

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2024, 06:08:49 pm
content: Amazon allows sellers of used stuff (see attached snippet). I have no idea how it works or costs to the seller compared to eBay.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2024, 10:29:02 pm
content: Paypal provides protection if you sell directly through there, just don't accept "friends and family" payment, and write a proper description/invoice for it. And watch out for fake payment emails.But ebay is going to get the most views, at the cost of higher fees + taxes for buyer.Quote from: jpanhalt on December 09, 2024, 06:08:49 pmThats usually their own returns they are selling, not used gear.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 06:12:28 am
content: Quote from: adadnc on December 09, 2024, 12:55:43 pmDid you report this to moderators or Dave for other users protection at the time? I noticed you have deleted some of your history here.As you have only been here a year and only posted trying to sell things I suggest you list the item on your ebay store.Should a forum member be interested in making an offer there you both can look at each others sales/purchases history and feedback and correspond to get a better idea of legitimacy.Keeping the purchase on ebay allows you both to use ebay/paypals seller/buyer protection. Obviously follow their guidelines first and foremost but there are plenty of tips online with practical advice for ebay sellers.The majority of regular contributors here are not the problem, you can be scammed anywhere and ebay is no exception, they just have a better ability to weed out some of the fraud. The next line of defence is your own diligence (rather than expecting trust).

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 08:11:34 am
content: Quote from: Shock on December 10, 2024, 06:12:28 amHi,I had a few chats with other users here in the forum and told them the experiences I made, but never did an official report. One user who I'm sure was trying to scam was "philipz" by manipulating the prices in the quotes and then referring to his own message from the past.Yes, I removed some of the messages, the said user for example wanted proof videos pictures with hand written dates etc. I removed them all. I guess my reputation here is far too low to sell something here. I was trying to figure out alternatives. Obviously Ebay seems to be the best option.Thank you

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 09:25:26 am
content: Be aware that the same suspicions here of a seller with a low post count exist on eBay. That's obvious. One way around that is to consign your items to a seller with a greater sales history. Someone local, who hopefully you know, is probably preferred.For some items, such as used airplane parts, there are specialty markets. eBay does have listings, but the prices there seem quite inflated. An alternative site is Trade-a-Plane. It was in existence long before eBay and still exists. The cost structure is quite different than for eBay. I haven't checked whether any roughly equivalent sites exist for electronic equipment. The only thing similar I know of are Ham Fests.

author: reef.pi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 09:50:37 am
content: Don't get me wrong, lots of talking, no action.Just list it for sale, describe it well, take some good photos, do a video of the unit working.You may find someone local intersted who can travel to pick it up.If I wanted it bad enough and the price is good enough, I'll figure out a way to securely get it.Good luck with your sale.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 10:48:21 am
content: but the op at the same time want to be acknoledged in his reputation, we gave him many advicesIt's a matter of doing things right form the sale descriptions, pictures, packaging, and give the buyer confidence and protection, take photos (1 with address on it) when all is packed as a "sent" proof, i do it when post office put his tags on it, it will become the carrier responsibility if claims has to be done, do take tracking and insurance optionsi would say the packaging is very important at this time of year ... could be some bumpy ridesand the buyer can give good feedback(s) as many did here, and his rep will rise

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 11:17:49 am
content: I guess it all stays and falls with the reputation here and since I don't have that it will probably end like the logic analyzer.Local pickup would be the best solution of course, no hassle shipping and trust of course is a different level and buyer can test the device here.Thank you very much to all of you

author: pope
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 05:54:12 pm
content: Is anyone familiar with machinio? Is it trustworthy? I knew nothing about it up until a couple of weeks ago.

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 05:56:29 pm
content: Quote from: pope on December 10, 2024, 05:54:12 pmUnfortunately not, but looks like a platform for construction machinery.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 06:30:19 pm
content: The hidden message in this (and all similar requests) on this and other platforms. I want maximum dollars for my precious, and I don't want any cost of selling.If you are worried about scam artists conning you dump the problem off on a professional service and accept that they will only pay you a portion of the sales price. That is their profit PLUS covering the various risks involved.If you can't get buyers because they don't trust you, the same answer applies.There are modifications of these answers, such as offering to pay insurance or demanding local, cash, face to face sales but they all have various costs (money, time, inconvenience, smaller market etc.).My own experience is that scams, while not rare, are not terribly common. I have sold literally hundreds of items with no scam buyers, but I do know several people who have encountered single instances of this. Perhaps you are over worrying the situation.TAANSTAAFL

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 07:02:46 pm
content: Craigslist used to be a great option in the US. It was bought by eBay (I believe) and is not the same. But, it is still good for stuff you can sell locally. Some sellers ship, but I have never bought anything that needed to be shipped by that means. Google AI says "Mobile.de" is similar.Their business model allows listing and selling of sundry items (most) for free. There were charges for only a few items, like apartment rentals, and of course, there is paid advertising. I have gotten several things that are not the usual used baby clothing from individuals. Examples: An 84" JD flail mower almost unused, and in September this year, a 4-ft LandPride rotary tiller in good condition.Camera and 3D stuff are common. Good electronic equipment is considerable less common in the US.

author: pope
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 08:15:34 pm
content: Quote from: adadnc on December 10, 2024, 05:56:29 pmYou can also find quite a lot TE. HEre's an examplehttps://www.machinio.com/models/keithley/2000I'm just a bit surprised I've never heard of it before.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 08:32:40 pm
content: The German local site ishttps://www.kleinanzeigen.de/

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 08:49:27 pm
content: Quote from: pope on December 10, 2024, 08:15:34 pmI just saw those larger machinery, I've not heard of them too, interesting. Thank you

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 08:52:16 pm
content: Quote from: PA0PBZ on December 10, 2024, 08:32:40 pmI know Kleinanzeigen, I'm unsure, but Kleinanzeigen is for low valued goods.I think Ebay is the best solution here.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 10:21:55 pm
content: Quote from: jpanhalt on December 10, 2024, 07:02:46 pmYou are thinking of kijiji. Very few people use kijiji or craigslist where I am, I only use facebook marketplace.No real protection there if you ship something, so just rely on regular paypal. But at least you can see seller ratings and feedback.I don't know if its a thing in Germany though, you'd have to be in a relatively large city to find people interested.

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 07:12:14 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on December 10, 2024, 10:21:55 pmSame problem with Kleinanzeigen. Local pickup, which is a good solution actually for such a device where the buyer can even test, but finding someone in your city isn't that easy. There are offers in Kleinanzeigen that were placed in April this year and still unsold.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 11:12:00 am
content: for a start not being rudeput photos here and self tests and see ?? and put a price tag on it ?if the price get attention from potential buyers ?as of now, you seem to have 2 options, 1 here, 1 ebay ?

author: reef.pi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 11:52:24 am
content: My point exactly, why not just advertise it anyway?You think local as in someone in your city. But you ignore potential buyers from large near by cities. Driving 1-2 hours on German autobahn is not a big deal IF the product is valuable for a potential buyer.Ebay or here or whatever, if you truly want to sell it, just do it, list it in every fashion you can think of and worry later about things like reputation. As I have said, if you genuinely want to sell it and someone else wants to buy it, you guys will figure it out.

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2024, 01:10:58 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on December 11, 2024, 11:12:00 amIt was not my intention to be rude, I apologize if I was unintentionally rude.Yes, I'll offer it here and on Ebay the next days.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2024, 05:05:50 pm
content: sorry it was me saying "i don't want to offence you" or "being offensive"when i say put photos here, it can help you sell the items, and with all comments written so far it could end in a successful way for youi'm native french i may use bad english terms

author: Leo Bodnar
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2024, 06:53:06 pm
content: If you think that most people here are scammers, what's the point asking us/them for selling advice?LeoQuote from: adadnc on December 09, 2024, 12:55:43 pm

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2024, 07:22:25 pm
content: Quote from: Leo Bodnar on December 12, 2024, 06:53:06 pmWho said most people here are scammers?

author: temperance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2024, 07:30:01 pm
content: Quote from: adadnc on December 12, 2024, 07:22:25 pmAbout here somewhere:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/selling-a-nearly-unused-rigol-spectrum-analyzer/msg5741375/#msg5741375Quote

author: ZGoode
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2024, 07:37:20 pm
content: I mean, to be fair, a fair number of scammers are present here in the Buy/sell page. But it is usually pretty easy to identify them since they all generally follow the same script of directing you off the forum to some random email and some random person asking to use only unprotected payment sources such as gift cards and/or PP F&F, while getting mad if you insist on using a payment source with protections.

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2024, 09:15:52 pm
content: Quote from: temperance on December 12, 2024, 07:30:01 pmThere is a huge difference in saying that it is a hassle dealing with scammers than insulting most people as scammers.

author: reef.pi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2024, 09:57:26 pm
content: It is correct that you have not got into any details about how many people have previously tried to scam you, but, the way you have phrase it could be perceived like you are hinting towards such case.This thread got so many views, 2 pages of comments and yet nothing for sale. I think it is best to get out of this talking stuff and just start selling it, probably best to ditch this thread and start fresh.You are/were so concerned about you having no repuation and therefore not being trusted by potential buyers. That's really not a problem. All you have to do it is to turn the table in your favour. You will take advantage of people with high reputation. And with very low, basicaly, no risk at all.I do that when I sell something, facebook or whatever, doesnt matter. I just advertise it, for a fair price. No freebies, no special pricing. I got no feedback, but, that's not my problem at all. Because I rely on people with great reputation to buy it from me. Why would they do it? Becase there is no risk for them. No upfront charge. Like zero, nothing, not even postage.I will pack it properly, send it insured to the buyer provided address. I will ask for the unit to be tested on receiving, and if satisfied, wire/paypal/whatever agreed way to get paid. If not, I'll pay to get it back to me.Now, that's a zero risk for buyer. But it's very low risk for me either because I will only use such method with a member of great reputation. Make the details of arrangement public, so everyone reading that advert will know who is get it. Keep the delivery details private, as they should, but everything else make it public. No trusted, high reputation meber of any facebook group, forum, groups.io will try to scam you. These guys have videos on yourtube, personal pages, etc. and you can for sure trust they will not run away with your item.Because I know that what I sell is exactly as advertised, that it works and there is nothing I have nothing to worry about.Used to sell expensive ham radio gear with zero feedback (at the begining) and never been scammed.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2024, 02:00:54 am
content: Quote from: ZGoode on December 12, 2024, 07:37:20 pmHave you reported all these to mods/Dave? How many is a fair amount by your estimate?

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2025, 12:48:50 pm
content: I've added the device to Ebay, a bit late, but wasn't able to do it faster:https://www.ebay.de/itm/186913878297I didn’t include a shipping option in my Ebay listing because I assumed that a potential buyer would want to test the item beforehand. If someone can do without a test, I would also offer shipping.

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2025, 02:15:05 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on December 10, 2024, 10:21:55 pmI don't believe Facebook offer any protection and as a result accumulates scammers. I don't use Facebook at all, but my wife does and has twice used Marketplace. On one occasion she was scammed and on the other she narrowly avoided it.I wouldn't buy there and wouldn't suggest anyone sells there to avoid the risk of being associated with the scammers. Or worse, the site operators.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 10:49:15 pm
content: Quote from: artag on January 26, 2025, 02:15:05 pmThere is no outright protection, as I said. But you have a rating and review system, ability to report scams, and usually the persons full name.If they are dumb enough to scam you on their main account, then you have some information to go after them.If their name is "Elton John" and they have no ratings, a profile from 2024, and ask for money transfer up front, its obvious its a scam. If you still want to buy from them use paypal and that will protect you.

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2025, 08:03:38 pm
content: Has anyone got a price indication which would be fair for this device?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2025, 09:53:48 pm
content: Ebay -> Sold listings -> $2500 USDhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/335375806872

author: ptluis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 03:17:31 pm
content: Quote from: ZGoode on December 12, 2024, 07:37:20 pmThis happened to me but I'm no rookie and spot it immediately, if the user is afraid to deal directly why don't he use ebay for example?

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 05:05:26 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on February 19, 2025, 09:53:48 pmI believe that was the asking price. When a best offer is accepted, eBay typically hides that price. List price is about $3700 USD. 60% is $2,200. There's a current listing for $1,999. Selling price depends on several factors. #1 is probably condition and a close second is price. You might consider listing for $2500 O.B.O. I am usually turned off when the the listed price for an OBO is way too high. If it's like new, then go higher; otherwise, I'd consider 60%.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 08:52:30 pm
content: Quote from: jpanhalt on February 20, 2025, 05:05:26 pmIt will say "Best offer accepted" with the price crossed out if that was the case, it doesn't.If there is a current listing for $2000, which I don't see maybe you can link it, then obviously you won't be able to sell for more than 2k.

author: adadnc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 09:54:57 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on February 19, 2025, 09:53:48 pmThe device is unused, it wouldn't be wrong to say it is new. Bought for a lab, but due to the problem that we had to move out of the lab soon after the device was never used. Everything except the box is included.In Germany the price for a new one is 4044€ including tax. I think 2800€ is very good. You wouldn't be able to get the 2500USD device for less than 3000 to Germany and than you would have a used one.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 09:56:27 pm
content: RE:Best offerIt appears sometimes eBay crosses out and other times it doesn't. I bought the item in the attachment for a lot less than $100 yesterday.As for the other listing. I misread the model number. You are correct, that was for a different model.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2025, 10:09:24 pm
content: OK yeah thats not a reliable indicator, odd.Quote from: adadnc on February 20, 2025, 09:54:57 pmNot sure what your point is here. The ebay listing is exactly what you described: "Unit and cord look unused.".I gave a USA price reference, obviously the price in Germany may be a bit higher.