Purchasing Instruments Online? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Gilbert
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 20, 2015, 02:41:04 am
content: Hi friends,Returning to electronics after a decade, I am planning to buy some used equipment/lab instruments from the States. I have the option of searching around on ebay where I understand that there are risks of getting equipment that will not be in good shape, as most sellers say, buy it "as is", or "it powers on but I can not further test" etc. Residing outside of the States, return of such instruments will not be practically possible for me. I have the option of buying from companies like "Test Equipment Depot" where they claim to be selling "refurbished" equipment in good functioning order at somewhat higher prices. My question is, if I opt for such a company for refurbished equipment, and pay somewhat more, could I expect delivery of properly tested, functioning and decent equipment as these companies claim?Your expert advises highly appreciated, many thanks, Gilbert.

author: RogerRowland
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2015, 04:36:58 am
content: Quote from: Gilbert on June 20, 2015, 02:41:04 amIt may help people to make suggestions if you say where you are (i.e. which country) - you can edit your forum profile to show a flag against your name too ...

author: dacman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2015, 02:06:13 am
content: Use eBay and buy used equipment at your own risk.

author: barry14
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2015, 10:05:19 pm
content: I have purchased many pieces of test equipment from Ebay sellers with good success. However, you must be careful to avoid problems. My suggestions:1) look at the seller's feedback, not only the numbers but read the comments that other buyers have left, 2) read the description very carefully so you know what you are bidding on, 3) ask the seller questions (e.g. have you turned the item on, is the display clear, do all the controls operate smoothly, etc.), 3) look at the photos carefully for signs of wear and abuse, 4) beware of auctions where the seller says he doesn't have the cord so he can't turn the unit on, 5) try to locate the manual online and read it before you buy so you can check the seller's statements and make sure the equipment does what you want, and 6) look for similar equipment being auctioned by other sellers and compare prices, conditions, shipping costs and descriptions.

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2015, 10:30:36 pm
content: Untested / unable to test = almost certainly defective.I bought a "powers on, unable to test" HP E3617a recently from an eBay seller for $40.The price was low so I took the gamble. Someone had clearly tried to charge a battery with it, polarity reversed. Output protection diodes did their best but one had fused short circuit, the other (at the sense inputs) had shorted open. The output wiring got hot enough to catch fire and vaporize, a couple of traces on the board burned the FR4 until the mesh weave was visible.With some bodge trace-fixing, and new diodes, the supply now works well.So be suspect of low prices. However, I recently picked up an Agilent E3614A for $59 buy-it-now, and it came in pristine condition. Almost looks unused!Another recent story: I paid $350 for an almost new Agilent E3612A, very reputable seller with 6 digits of feedback. Item was "tested" with a guarantee. I receive the supply, and it only had voltage on the 60V setting, zero volts on the 120V setting. I looked inside with a flashlight, massive liquid damage, corroded traces. I am surprised the 60V channel worked at all! Seller refunded all of my money, including shipping. I was out nothing.I have purchased at least 20 pieces of various used test equipment on eBay in the past couple of years, and for the most part I have been happy with what I have received. Some items are in better shape than described, some a bit worse, a few damaged. So far, I have been able to work out all issues with sellers.So you can find good equipment on eBay: just meticulously check seller feedback, follow your gut feelings, if it's too good to be true-it probably is, read return policies (you can always get your money back for not-as-described items, but sometimes you may determine you are not happy with the condition of an item, even though the seller may have cleverly worded the auction to avoid an SNAD claim), and don't get upset if you receive a lemon. Most sellers are honest and want you to be happy, as the buyer really has all control in the current situation on eBay. It did not always used to be this way, but eBay is very safe for buyers today.

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2015, 10:53:06 pm
content: On ebay, when checking a seller's feedback, don't just look at the positive feedback, look carefully at any negative feedback. You want to find out how the seller reacts when things go badly. Does he ignore the problem? Insult the customer? Blame the customer? Blame the shipper rather than his inadequate packaging? I consider these to be red flags even if he has 10,000 positive feedback ratings.I'm also suspicious of any seller who uses private auctions. By doing that, he's preventing you from telling what item the feeback refers to. This is particularly important for sellers who use ebay as a distribution channel for new equipment & parts. If a buyer reports that an item is a piece of crap, you have no idea which item he's talking about.Ed

author: Gilbert
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 25, 2015, 03:42:03 am
content: Hi friends,Thank you indeed so much for all the valuable comments you have kindly written. I'll be trying out my luck with ebay, and see what happens,Regards from Istanbul, Gilbert.

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2015, 11:19:16 am
content: You can limit your ebay search to look within some distance from your area - ebay is not only US based - a fair amount of sellers are in the EU ( ebay.co.uk , ebay.de ...). Also, there are local auction sites - ebay like places.

author: radioFlash
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2015, 11:39:45 am
content: When buying from eBay, look for photos of the device powered on, and showing the result of a self check is applicable.. Also, it's best to make sure you can get a service manual before you buy so you can fix it if needed.