WARNING: caution on Advantest meter (not the one Ismsanmar is selling) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: neverendingstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 09:40:54 pm
content: EDIT: to be very clear I am ***NOT*** referring to the R6581T that is currently listed on this forum for sale:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-advantest-r6581t-8-5-digits-multimeter/- I'm relating an experience with a ***different seller on eBay*** - their store name is 'TalentedTek'.I saw this Advantest R6581T 8.5 digit meter on ebay for a not-bad price, and it looked to be in very good physical condition:https://www.ebay.com/itm/236237309891I negotiated the seller down a bit and asked if they could show me a picture of the unit powered so I could see the condition of the VFD. Note: the unit was/is listed as '100% tested / fully functional'.The clock was ticking down on their last counteroffer, and I accepted before I got a reply on my request for that picture. Fortunately they replied the next day, having held shipping and sent me the picture I asked for (attached).Picture showed a partial failure of the lower segment of the VFD, but more importantly that the device showed 'ERR'. I canceled my order and they have re-listed the device, but still have it listed as fully tested / functional and have not added the picture they sent me, nor added any information to the description that there is a partial VFD failure or that the device has detected faults.Wanted to make sure my fellow EEVBlog members were forewarned.

author: Hydron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 09:47:50 pm
content: Is this possibly an effect from the camera shutter timing vs the VFD refresh? I know it's a thing with LED displays, not sure about VFD though. Error indicator is definitely a red flag though!Seller also has a iffy rating (given that 90% = basically a scammer, 99% = normal seller), thanks for the heads up.Edit: as pointed out below check out the detailed feedback (it might not be an issue)

author: neverendingstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 09:52:10 pm
content: Quote from: Hydron on July 30, 2025, 09:47:50 pmGiven that my reply to them was pretty specific about both issues and they didn't refute anything, just saying they'd cancel the order and give me a refund... I'd have to assume it's not a camera refresh issue.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 09:58:03 pm
content: Quote from: Hydron on July 30, 2025, 09:47:50 pmYou need to actually look at the feedback in detail. If seller was on hiatus for a year, then those percentages don't mean anything as percentage shown is for the last year only. A single positive feedback will result in 100% rating despite feedback being full of negative reviews. Or a single negative one can screw up rating completely.

author: Hydron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 10:23:52 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on July 30, 2025, 09:58:03 pmYeah that's fair - I always look at it in detail before dismissing a seller from consideration (also why I said "iffy" rather than something stronger).

author: bastl_r
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 12:57:02 am
content: HiI can only say good things about my purchase from him.My bank screwed us over badly, but he remained patient and the purchase of my R6581T went smoothly.The device was very well packaged, by the way.regards bastl_r

author: neverendingstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 01:20:18 am
content: Quote from: bastl_r on July 31, 2025, 12:57:02 amTheir feedback is quite good on them packaging their sales properly - not worried about that, just the issues already mentioned, that the device has an error warning and they didn't update the listing to reflect that after I pointed it out (and didn't add the picture showing the error).I'm glad your experience with them was positive.

author: Swake
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 05:49:40 am
content: I noticed a trend with not so honest sellers: they have multiple accounts and when an account received too many negative reviews they'll keep it dormant for about 6 (?) months. After those months it seems that the rating does not take into account the negative reviews. Those reviews are still visible when asked for the details.That said, I also noticed some sellers being scammed by buyers. Those buyers post negative reviews and ask for strong rebates after the purchase claiming there is something wrong with the article.

author: bastl_r
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 07:04:20 am
content: HINow i was looking on PC.The item on ebay is not the same as on the sale here in BSW.The item on ebay is 267347977108regards

author: Hydron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 07:44:22 am
content: Yeah OP made that clear from the start thankfully

author: neverendingstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 06:39:04 pm
content: Quote from: Hydron on July 31, 2025, 07:44:22 amYep. Saw another was posted here at nearly the same time and knew I had to make it clear I wasn't talking about that one or I'd just be harming instead of helping. Added an edit to my top post to make this more clear.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 09:14:13 pm
content: Seller claims to "fully test" items which I guarantee they do not have the equipment for. They probably do a basic power on and voltage/resistance/current test.Which I get. If I think something works but don't have the equipment/ability to test it I still often list it as working, and will refund the buyer if there is an issue.No idea why they didn't post the powered on photo in the listing to not waste peoples time though.. thats a basic one.

author: neverendingstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2025, 06:12:38 am
content: Quote from: Swake on July 31, 2025, 05:49:40 amI think you called it. Their store (which had a crap ton of stuff for sale) now shows as 'sold out' with no listings. Store page:https://www.ebay.com/str/talentedtekand I can't even click on their feedback to see anything.Shady indeed.Edit: next day. They now have 1 listing up and I can again see their feedback.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 08, 2025, 01:20:37 pm
content: Quote from: Swake on July 31, 2025, 05:49:40 amAs I said above, only feedback from last 12 months counts towards the percentage rating, both positive and negative.