Camera Labs

Hello everybody,

A few months ago I tried to sell my Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro lens but was unfortunately scammed... Now, I'm trying to sell more gear, even more aware of what can happen, but it seems there are still TONS of people out there still trying to scam us. Here is a direct quote from my recent e-mail of somebody who supposedly wanted to buy my lens. I won't be contacting them anymore.




First of all, I would like to say the first time I was scammed, the person also said that they were wanting it to be sent to their family member, in this case, here supposed "sister". Stay away from these people. Secondly, she wants the lens shipped to Nigeria. First time I was scammed, the exact same thing happened.


So let this be a warning to all. Craigslist, Kijiji, all of these other places are not safe to sell things onto. Thats why I would like to see a buy/sell here at Cameralabs. Not only would it benefit us all to some extent, but we would be buying/selling/trading with people that we know for the most part and could trust.

Anyhow, have a nice day.

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Eric D.
Nikon D90 | 18-200 VR
"Less is the new Black"---Chase Jarvis
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25947744@N03/

Hi Eric,

I'd go a step further and suggest that any member selling any gear only do so to a buyer living in the same country and to have no truck with third parties.

It's well documented that Gordon has a concern about liability should CameraLabs become involved as disclaiming responsibility for incorrectly described goods may not suffice in every country as legislation varies. You mention our community as being trustworthy: absolutely right but that may not apply to individuals who create accounts purely to take advantage of a "For Sale" section.

There are lots of sites which specialise in such sales and which, consequently, possess the necessary expertise and, I imagine, insurance. My own choice when I sold my 40D earlier in the year was Amazon UK. Creating a seller account was easy and while they place stringent demands on the seller they also handle the cash side of things and provide sellers with a measure of protection provided their advice on how to avoid being scammed is followed.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Thanks Bob,

And yes, I understand that there are some liability issues if there was to be a for sale/trade section here.

This Amazon UK sounds interesting... Was it a bit like ebay? Or did you actually sell your 40D to Amazon and not to a buyer?

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Eric D.
Nikon D90 | 18-200 VR
"Less is the new Black"---Chase Jarvis
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25947744@N03/

I would never sell anything outside my city limits.
Besides,the second hand market here is incredible...well,for Canon & Nikon products mostly.

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
Visit my work here

I chose Amazon UK because it's my local Amazon. If you go to your Amazon "Your Account" page you should be able to find a button linking to "Sell Your Stuff". That leads you into creating a seller account but do read the Terms and Conditions carefully. They are there not only for the buyer's protection but also for yours if you abide strictly by them. Your item will appear on that product's Amazon page under the "New and Used" pricing link so you get good visibility.

Amazon's role is as an intermediary so while they handle the cash side of things and help with both buyer and seller protection as well as take care of the advertising they don't handle the goods. It's up to you to arrange for dispatch via a method which allows you to prove receipt in the event of a dispute.

Lots of folk use ebay and it works for them but personally I'm a bit leery of going down that route. But even with Amazon you need your wits about you as you'll almost certainly get at least one prospective purchaser contacting you with a totally believable story about why they need you to ship the item somewhere out of country. I had two such enquiries within the first week and all I can say is don't get played for a sucker.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

I'd ship anything, anywhere, provided I had cash in hand before I sent it.......otherwise.

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Nick.
Lumix TZ 5
Canon F-1n, Pentax 6x7, RZ 6x7, Rolleiflex TLR 6x6.

the only time when i ship out is when i have the hard cash in my hand, be cheque or paypal (once in account it's taken right out)

I also use a separate account for all me paypal transactions so my savings and wage are safe from any means of scam or charge back..

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Mark Osborne
My life through an iPhone

I sold my Carl Zeiss 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 without any problems, but the man who bougth drove quite a long way to pick it up in person. The best way to do it, I guess.

- Bjorn -

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Street and documentary photographer | Google+ | Twitter | Blog | Tumblr

Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux

thanks i almost get scammed but fortunately i read the red warning text craiglist put in the header of the e-mail that say always deal locally.

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RadiantLite - Cameras and Lenses Comparison Reviews, buying guide, photo taking techniques and other tips
My Portfolio - Some photos from my work

Rules of thumb:
If Nigeria is ever mentioned, run away! They're all over gumtree, which I thought was a good idea until 99% of interest I got was from Nigeria.
Don't consider paypal secure. I've heard horror stories where buyers make a fake claim against sellers, even if worked out ok in the end it's still a hassle to deal with. The only sure ways are the old ones like a cheque (after clearing), bank transfer or hard cash. By extension of this, note ebay require you to take paypal. There remains an increased risk on bank transfers as obviously you have to give out your bank account details.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Well there's your problem...

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

at least you have their phone number, it must be safe

infact sign the number up to spam!!!

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Mark Osborne
My life through an iPhone

Try to call it I'm pretty sure, that the number doesn't exist

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Victor
Nikon D300 - Nikkor 16-85 VR - Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR I
www.victorhoffmann.com

.
In my own case the two attempts to get me to ship abroad were to Belgium and Peru - just because Nigeria isn't a source doesn't mean it's safe.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Yes, I think I'll just stick to dealing in North America only...

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Eric D.
Nikon D90 | 18-200 VR
"Less is the new Black"---Chase Jarvis
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25947744@N03/