When buying anything, kits, engines, radios, do you ever use ebay? Do trust that you are getting what you pay for? Ever had any bad experiences? Add any other comments you think are important.

I've bought a few flight packs, but they were brand new, sold by an online hobby shop. (www.spectrumhobbies.com). I've sold some RC stuff on Ebay....(old airtronics equipment that I wasn't using any more, and also 2 chargers when I bought a new one), and I'm honest
If I'm buying something on Ebay, whether RC related or not, I always look at the seller's "feedback" before I place a bid......any negatives, no matter for what reason, will make me think twice about bidding on that item.
Oh, also, I remember reading on here a while back.....a guy bought a plane on ebay, and in order to be able to ship it, the seller cut the tail off!!! It was repairable, but the buyer had no idea that he was cutting the tail off........so, the moral is....if you're bidding, ask every question that you can think of BEFORE you bid!

I ordered a K & B Sportster 65 off ebay yesterday that was said to be brand new, never been run or mounted, but it does not come with the instruction manual. Does anyone know where I could download the manual?

I use ebay for everything, i sell and buy!

I'm more likely to buy something off ebay than here, i guess since i've been useing Ebay since it started, i'm use to it.

just watch the feedback, and for god's sake ASK THE SELLER QUESTIONS!!!!! you should have a good experience.


goodluck

Good question

You know it's a gamble... plain and simple.
Most folks are honest but there isn't a way to tell even if feedback is good.. i mean guy could be a recovering dope fiend on a relapse and need quick cash... who knows??

I've bought 4 airplanes, and misc. stuff. I was "slightly" misled on some but all in all happy.
If you are planning on spending more than what you think is a good chunk of money then "escrow" the payment with a service. Check ebay policies and helps. It's sort of a middle man you pay that holds the money till you get your product.

I just bought a radio off of here (actually RCAIRPORT classifieds) and couldn't have been happier. Great deal and great person to deal with. I shop all the time online and am very comfortable plus i have no hobby store within 100 miles of here so it's a good way.

Lastly, i'm amazed at the prices people pay on EBAY for stuff. EX. a Fut. 6EXA at Tower is $180 new and i've seen them sell for much more. So some stuff is NOT a good deal.

caveat emptor!

Not plane related but I've been using ebay for a bit myself. I've had mostly good experiences except recently. I ordered a RC truck that needed a motor. Fortunately, my LHS had a sale on OS motors so I snagged a nice .15 for about $80.00 w/ pullstart. Shortly after the item shipped, I received an email that the servos would not be included because the seller didn't get as much money as he had anticipated. Not only were the servos in the picture, the description included a "Futaba Radio System" which come with at least two servos. I went back and forth with the seller and he insisted he was selling the item for someone else and that the previous owner was responsible for the situation we were in. He then tried to offer me $10 and I refused the money stating that the cheapest servo I can find is $9 a piece. Apparently, the seller conveyed my anger to the original owner and I'm supposedly going to get two servo's in the mail. I have yet to leave feedback but at this point, I can't see giving a positive for this mess. As a seller, there are certain responsiblities you have and regardless of the situation you put yourself in, they are still your responsiblities and you must answer to the consequences.

Overall, I've purchased hundreds of dollars in PC parts and all kinds of other goods including a ferret cage and 90% of my transactions have been very satisfying.

Tripper

I use paypal 99.9% of the time, they offer money back guarentee (sort of) on my bigger purchases, I've been screwed over by a few!

I'm also suprised sometimes to see how much stuff goes for on ebay, i usually run a quick check at Tower Hobbies to see what I'm bidding on costs there with shipping, and do a Tower Vs. Ebay price check. the cheaper one wins.


"do they still have the trade forum here"

You have to make your own decision about how much the risk of buying on eBay is worth in price. If you could buy a brand new engine for $100 from a reputable company with a generous return policy and a warrantee, how much would you buy the same engine for on eBay, figuring in the potential hassle? Even if you are sure you won't lose your money, you may end up spending a lot of your time resolving issues.

Your decision will be based on how much you value your time, how much you hate hassle, and your financial position.

For me, the max I'd pay for the new engine on eBay is about $60. If it were used in excellent condition, I'd pay no more than $50. If you look at the prices others are willing to pay on eBay, you'll see that this effectively shuts me out of the market.

If you have to ask these questions in the first place why even contemplate taking the risk.

I have never been ripped of at E-bay
I never ever will be ripped off at E-bay
I never have nor ever will purchase from E-bay.

The above is the only guaranteed way to defeat the many scam artists.

Ed S

i have purchased many items from ebay from mountain bike parts to r/c stuff and golf clubs. i have never been disappointed. read the feedback. ask seller lots of questions.

I've had very good experiences with ebay. It truly is BUYER BEWARE, and they tell you that. I have bought several airplanes and engines with 95% positive transactions. I was looking for a car ( not RC ) and I actually went and looked at the cars that were for sale before bidding on them ( VERY good idea to do ), and you'd be amazed at what I saw and what was left out of the descriptions ( mostly bad things, like dents ). Now I know there's a big difference, but ask questions if you're not sure about something, and if their email doesn't work, well, that's a big red flag, too.

I bought my plane from a person in ebay. I also bought my flight box, a OS .46 FX, and Real Flight G2 simulator. Excellent dealing with all of them!

Try www.mecoa.com I found a manual there for one I purchased used, I think I downloaded it and printed it out. It went with the engine or I would mail it to ya, I will check my floppy's to see if I have it on disk? Maybe