How to Buy a Used Camcorder from eBay

Buying a used or refurbished camcorder off of eBay is a great way to find a deal, but if you aren't careful you can get ripped off. Not all eBay vendors are ethical. Make sure you follow these steps when you buy a used camcorder from eBay.

Instructions

1. Sign up for eBay. Visit their website and click register. Be sure to read the user terms before filling out the form and submitting. Wait for your confirmation email and follow the instructions to complete your registration.

2. Find a camcorder. Browse around on eBay for a camcorder you like that fits your price range. Or try searching for a particular model that you have read about. Simply type in "camcorders" in the search bar on the eBay frontpage.

3. Review and research. Most sellers will have descriptions of the product on the bidding page, but you'll want to check out some user reviews on other websites, too. Do a quick websearch to find user ratings and compare prices.

4. Examine the auction. Once you have found an auction you are interested in, it's time to scrutinize the item. This will be an appraisal of both the item you are about to bid on and the seller. Take a close look at the pictures.

5. Meet the seller. There will be a short summary of the seller in the top right corner of the auction page. But you'll want to look more in-depth.

6. Read positive feedback. Click "read feedback comments." Take a look at their positive feedback percentage. Be wary of anyone with less than 95%. Also, read some of the actual comments. Make sure they are genuine, not generic positive feedback left just to boost the seller's rating.

7. Read negative feedback. Read these closely. Look out for things such as "item not as advertised" or "no item received." You can contact specific users to ask them about their experience as well.

8. Contact the seller. It's harder for a seller to fudge over flaws when you confront them directly with questions. Click CONTACT SELLER and ask them about specific aspects of the camcorder: the lens, the aperture, the mounts and electrical contacts, the zoom and focus rings, and any other notable issues.

9. Make a bid. Once you are confident that you can trust the seller and his product, go ahead and make a bid. Don't be afraid to bid as much as you are willing to pay-eBay will automatically increase your bid in increments when someone else bids.

10. Watch the item. Keep a close eye on the auction. Bidding picks up quickly near the end, so take note of when the bidding closes and be near the computer at that time.

11. Make your payment. After you've won the bidding, contact the seller to arrange payment terms.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy it now prices could save you some money if the item is highly sought after. Look around for other auctions to see how that item is selling.

• Don't get overexcited over low, low prices. Fast-paced bidding can drive up the final selling price in minutes.

• Beware of hidden costs. Some sellers entice buyers with low prices but recoup with outrageous shipping and handling costs.

• Make sure you are buying a camcorder. Pictures and descriptions can be deceiving. Read them closely and make sure you aren't buying a useless accessory or catalogue.

• Be wary of an auction without pictures. It's unwise to buy something you can't see. There are few eBay users that can't figure out how to post pictures-especially when they are selling camcorders.