Buying used stuff through Amazon...

[Drunken Irishman]

I've purchased used DVDs and VHS' of movies that are no longer printed on Amazon before (or are ridiculously priced), but never anything expensive (over 20 bucks).

A year and a half ago, my Canon Digital Rebel broke and I've been without a camera since. It's been murder and I've decided that I want to replace it. Unfortunately, I don't have 700+ dollars to spend on it.

Luckily (?) Amazon offers used cameras for 250-400 bucks. Much more reasonable. But like I've said, I've never purchased anything expensive that's been used.

Is it risky? Anyone done this before and had good results? Bad results? I'd like to know what the risks are before I plunk down 300 bucks on a camera that might not work.

Thanks!

[MiddleFingerMom]

1. The one and only thing I've ever bought on Ebay (not Amazon)...

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...was the 33' motorhome I lived in for a number of years. About
HALF the bluebook value and an incredibly good deal (beautiful
shape).
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Young couple, he a rodeo cowboy and little construction crew
contractor with her as bookkeeper -- they bought used RV's, fixed
'em up, and sold 'em at a profit.
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Nice, honest couple. Great deal.
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Of course, I chose someone who was close enough that I could drive
up and inspect it before putting out almost $20,000.
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My 2 cents' worth (x 1,000,000).
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[Drunken Irishman]

2. Thanks, Mom!

:hi:

[MajorChode]

3. Adorama and B&H have a very good used dept

I have bought camera equipment from both and returned merchandise to both with no problems getting a full refund. That's probably your lowest risk. I have bought used books via Amazon a few times with not too many problems. There was one time I got a book that was billed as "like new" and I really didn't think it was in like new condition, but it was as cheap or cheaper as some billed as lower quality so I didn't mind too much.