eBay

There is no doubt that eBay are one very good source if you want to find that very special camera, that rare lens or gadget that you really desire and have looked for for a long time.

However, there are some "rules" that apply when doing business on a place like eBay, and some advice maybe in order. I have tried to sum up all my experiences with eBay, and I hope You will benefit from these. Both the bad ones and the good ones, but heey i'm telling you no crap, I am not lying or bullshitting you ! ;-)

1:
Don't ever expect, depend or count on, any really serious help from the eBay organization if a deal goes wrong. The eBay organization are so big and enourmous that you will be directed, and re-directed a thousand times, from form to form, pre-designed messages and so on. You might as well face it, and face up to your own responsibility. You're on your own all the way. If You are not well familiar with classic cameras and/or feel insecure, have doubts or are simply afraid of buying a "can of worms" then don't buy Your camera on eBay. In stead you should contact a shop and dealer that offers some kind of warranty and where You will get proffesional and competent advice. You'll find some of these dealers and shops on my "Links" page.

2:
Don't ever place a bid for more money than you are actually willing to lose. Period.

3:
Don't focus entirely on price, and by that I mean low prices. Price should not be your only criteria, and it is very easy to buy a low-priced classic camera that turns out to be "a can of worms". Remember that if you're not capable of doing your own repair, it can cost you a lot of money to have a classic camera repaired and/or restored, and unless it's a very rare camera just wait for a better deal, and trust me; it will come !. Alternatively buy a camera from a respected seller that offers some kind of warranty or has a proven return policy.

"No It's a genuine Leica ! I swear to God !"

4:
Ask questions. Use the possibilty you have to ask the seller as many questions as you wish. If a seller does not respond, or are evasive and unclear in his answers, don't place any bids, but wait for a serious seller. Trust me, another chance and another camera will turn up.

5:
Get familiar with the secret and weird language of the eBay sellers. Phrases like "From an Estate", "Grandmothers old camera" or "Found on the attic or in the cellar" really means that the seller has got not clue whatsoever about what he is selling or if it works or not. He probably just picked it up at a garagesale or a fleamarket with the intention of making some money on eBay. Judging by the quantity of cameras, including Leicas, that have been "discovered" or found on Grandmothers attic or places like that, the world must almost have been populated by old ladies with expensive cameras. Also, don't take any seller serious that states, that the camera is not tested because he didn't have a battery. If a seller really wants so sell his camera, and get a fair price, he will of course spend the few bucks that a battery costs. Don't take the phrase like "fully functional" as a guarantee. Some people not familiar with cameras, especially older classic cameras, and don't understand the true meaning of this statement at all. Again, ask specific questions, especially about shutter and lightmeter function. Some people think, that if they can wind the camera, and it goes "click" it must be "fully functional". Be specific in your questions, and read the answers very carefully. There ARE crooks out there, but I am very fortunate to say, that out of hundreds of buys on eBay I have only encountered 1 real crook. I closed 4 (yes 4!) auctions from the same seller, a Mr. Cramer from Germany, and all 4 cameras were clearly described as "fully functional". It turned out, that all 4 cameras were completely defective. Needless to say the seller refused all claims and denied to have described the cameras honestly and accurately. A can of worms, and money lost. In some few other cases I have received a camera that turned out to have some kind of flaw or defect, and have received a partial refund without any problems from the sellers. My experience is, that most sellers are fair and honest, but remember: Always ask the seller as many and specific questions as you feel like before placing that final bid.

6:
Be clear about whether you are looking for a classic camera as an investment or if you are simply looking for a "user". Collectible classic cameras that are sound investments should be as perfect both technically and visually as possible. Even small dings, dents or brassings to the chrome can have quite a lot of influence on the value. However if you are looking for a camera for use, it's possible to make a good deal if you can live with a small dent or brassing. You have to make this decision yourself. Patina is not always a bad thing.

7:
If you are doing a lot of dealing on eBay, always pay promptly. If you a low on funds and really wan't that "Buy it now" dream camera, just ask the seller in advance if he will extend you a credit for X days. In many cases he will agree. Again, communication means evrything !. Evrybody can experience to be low on cash for all kinds of reasons, but just be honest about it. Another thing: If you win an auction ending at 1,- Euro for a camera or part that obvioulsy are worth more, I think it's a nice gesture to pay the amount that you think and feel is fair. You may call me stupid, but personally I don't like the feeling of having robbed someone of his (or hers) pants. Recently I won an auction for a 35mm compact ending at 1,99 Euro, but had entered a max. bid for 20,- Euros, and felt good about paying the seller the 20,- Euros all the same because it was still a really good deal. Always be fair....

8:
If you happen to stumble across that special item on eBay that unfortunately are not listed as available for sale in your country or region, just send the seller an email in advance, and ask for permission to place a bid, and make sure he/she understands that you of course will carry all additional shippingcosts and banking fees etc. Also ask the seller to remember to change his settings on the particular auction. Otherwise you will be blocked from placing a bid.

9:
Always make accurate calculations of the additional costs such as shippingcosts, banking fees etc. The shippingcosts can vary quite a bit from country to country, and depending on which service the seller uses. In many cases the seller gives this information in advance on the auctionpage or on his "Me" page. If not it might be a good idea to ask the seller about the shippingcosts in advance. Don't EVER try to save a few Euro's by having the camera or part shipped un-insured and without tracking-possibilties !!. Always choose insured shipping, and a shipping method that reflects the value of the camera or part. Unfortunately I have encountered sellers, that have shipped items un-insured allthough I have paid for a fully insured shipment, and thus made a few Euro's more in addition to the price. This is NOT acceptable, so you should always ask for the trackingnumber as soon as this is available. Regarding bankingfees you have to check with your bank, but when making direct bank to bank moneytransfers be sure to have an agreement with the seller as to who pays the fees and charges at either the "transferring" bank and the "receiving" bank. There a fees/charges at both ends you know.. Usually the buyer are to cover all the fees and charges at both the transferring and receiving bank.

"Look what we got on eBay ! It's got almost new tyres !"

10:
A few words about the eBay "feedback" system. It seems that the eBay feedback-system are valued very diffently from continent to continent. In the USA it almost seems like it means evrything, whereas it doesn't seem that important for people in Europe. I really don't think that the feedback-system reflects the truth, and in many cases it's just a matter of courtesy. If you leave negative feedback as a buyer, you'll almost certainly get the trashbin right back in your face. So think carefully before leaving negative feedback, or make a decision that you don't give a shit. In the USA you might encounter sellers that will not accept any bids from buyers with negative feedback, but in Europe this is not very common. Well, of course your should always try to resolve any disagreement with a seller before leaving negative feedback. Very often the art of diplomacy and an open polite communication really pays off.