Ebay buying advice

[jfab]

I am looking for an APX radio and I've found a couple on ebay. I know ebay is infamous for fake, stolen, or otherwise inoperable radios. Can you guys give me some tips on how to spot one of these radios before I spend a pretty penny on one? What should I look for in a legit radio?

Thanks!

 

[sfd119]

Buy the seller, not the device.

 

[W8VFD]

I would recommend the Facebook group Two Way Radio Trader, you won't pay jacked up eBay prices and the admins there take deadbeat sellers (and buyers) very seriously. I have personally done business there on multiple occasions with no difficulties.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/603282713035843/

 

[KK4JUG]

Buy the seller, not the device.

I've never purchased anything on eBay where the seller had a rating of less than 99.8%. It's not difficult to get a good rating: truth in the posting, decent price, prompt shipping. I also look at the number of sales. The more, the better.

None of this is a guarantee but I've never been burned.

 

[fourthhorseman]

ive done well with all but one buy on ebay,regarding radio gear.
Ive purchased over 15 scanners,and at least 8 VHF/UHF and
a couple multi band HTs..

No Issues,Well 1 issue,..A seller sold on a parents acct, never shipped
took a couple days of chasing,but EBAY stepped in right away and
refunded me.

All other cases..GREAT deals.
Always well below used prices,But I shop with patience..Recently landed
my 2nd 436 for 290$ and it works FLAWLESS.Spotless display,New in open
box.
Scored 3 996XTs-all under 200$. 2 15X's under 100..All in perfect cond..ALINCO
G7s..2 of them 115 & 120$ ..perfect with Extras..AOR8200MK3 Unblocked..250$..
moto-xts2500-3..uhf fpp 300$..w/2 batts & vehicle chrgr!

Seriously,,Take your time,use paypal and Keep updating the new listings and new
buy-nows..People get pinched for cash and post great gear for low prices for fast
sale..Watch the sellers FB and take your time..

And by all means..once you get the radio you want..stop looking..Youll surely see it
posted for less as soon as its delivered..

 

[SCPD]

I would recommend the Facebook group Two Way Radio Trader, you won't pay jacked up eBay prices and the admins there take deadbeat sellers (and buyers) very seriously. I have personally done business there on multiple occasions with no difficulties.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/603282713035843/

From checking his inventory, good prices on stuff that would be outrageous on brokenstolenradios.com (Ebay). I get a kick out of that when someone uses that in a post. Lot's of stuff that I want to buy and probably will. Was burned by Ebay just once when an Astro Spectra was programmed with an ASK and the seller was a total jerk when I wanted a refund since I could not program it. Other than that, it's a gamble you get what's listed with no issues.

 

[MTS2000des]

Ebay, forums, etc. you should always buy the SELLER not the item.
What does this mean? Do your research on the SELLER. Are they an LMR dealer with a full service shop? Or are they a backyard mechanic throwing radios together from old, used parts? Or just someone hitting the government auctions with no clue?

There are a few reputable radio sellers on eBay like Rick Thompson, Sunny Communications, etc but they are not the cheapest. That being said, these are the guys who will stand behind what they sell should you have a problem.

The unknowns/China turds are nothing but trouble.

Never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Short of buying a radio from an authorized Motorola dealer, there is ALWAYS a risk. Minimize it.

 

[N4KVE]

Sunny Communications uses the name ERAC 1 on Ebay. I've also had good dealings with Gallad2000. But at least 50% of my dealings have been with the above poster, MTS2000DES. If he rates a radio as 8, it's a 10. If he rates it a 10, it's a 12. His stuff is the BEST.

 

[MFDHoward]

I just bought a APX 6000 from GALLAD2000 on ebay. Comes in either today or tomorrow. Good communication and fast shipper. However I recommend motorola swapnet on facebook. Its a closed group just request access. First day I got access I sold my APX 6000xe in 24 hours. Love the group.


Also if buying from ebay. Buy from resellers or people that actually put effort into their listings. I chose GALLAD2000 because he told me everything I needed to know and that the radio was tested and aligned properly.

 

[N4KVE]

I just bought a APX 6000 from GALLAD2000 on ebay. Good communication and fast shipper.
I chose GALLAD2000 because he told me everything I needed to know and that the radio was tested and aligned properly.

Recently got a 900 MHz XTS2500 from him. They are hard to find. Looks totally mint, & he aligned it. Shipped it the same day I purchased it. Great seller.

 

[MFDHoward]

Recently got a 900 MHz XTS2500 from him. They are hard to find. Looks totally mint, & he aligned it. Shipped it the same day I purchased it. Great seller.

Yeah but sadly I have probably clicked my tracking number 40 times this morning to see if my new APX 6000 is gonna arrive early. haha. Matter of fact as proof of a good sale I will share images once it arrives.