BUying a Used Detector

[mwssr]

When buying a used detector on Ebay or anywhere else be sure the seller has listed a reasonable return/refund privilege. If not you are probably buying the detector "AS IS". Should there be something wrong with the detector you will bear the cost of sending it to the Manufacturer plus their cost of repairing it and returning it to you. Assume you paid $300 for the detector and it cost you $16 for shipping and insurance to the vendor. The vendor repairs the detector at a flat rate of $125 which includes the cost of returning it to you. You now have a total outlay of $441 which you could have put toward a new detector with a lifetime guarantee. I personally would not buy or sell anything without a reasonable return/refund policy so I could make a considered decision to buy used or new. The purpose of this thread is to build a list of the manufacturers flat rate repair charges. Fisher is $125
If you know the Whites, Tesoro, Garrett, Minelab etc. flat rate charges
please add them to this thread and help others make good decisions when
purchasing a detector.

[The TINMAN]

First off, Welcome to TQ. You bring up a good point with your post. As they say, " let the buyer beware " Some people are Honest and some are not. It is also a 2 way street as you can give some kind of refund or return but then you can have someone sell a pre-owned item in top shape and give some type of time line for return or refund but what if the purchser abuses or out right damages the item then say's they want to return it and get a refund claiming it was bad when they got it or tried it out. I guess it all comes down to the honor system where some are and some are not. I have bought pre-owned items and so far have not had a problem where on the other side of the coin not to long ago bought a BRAND NEW item and it was Broke when I recieved it, sent it in at my expense, got it back a month later still broke, had to fight with the Manuf. and in the long run was out $189.00. New or used I think you still are taking a chance.

The TINMAN

[Joe(TX)]

Because of the afore-mentioned reasons I try not to spend more than $100 to $200. on an ebay detector! Many times even a "MINT" stated detector needs repair and this must be considered in anyones bidding! Of course, most of the detectors that I bid on are VINTAGE and I expect some repair work may be necessary. Some of these VINTAGE detectors are so rare that to find one in any shape is a blessing. Sometimes I have it repaired and other times it is saved for parts! But Old, Vintage detectors must be purchased with the thought of repair may be a necessity so this will limit what I am willing to bid on one for example! I have let many detectors slide on by once they reach my max of what I'm willing to spend on it! On a very rare detector I may have to double think on the amount I want to spend especially if the bidding is coming down fast and heavy!!!................GOOD LUCK.............BUT...........BUYER BEWARE.........................Joe

[JCWhite]

As far as flat rate charges, I do not think that White's has a flat rate but if they do it is low. I had mine repaired recently and they replaced my control switches my front screen, reatached main box to pole. did all mods on Motherboard to bring it current and it only cost me 80 bucks plus shipping of 12 dollars. I was very grateful but I think your advice is spot on when it comes to EBAY. Thanks for posting it. JC

[KellycoChick]

I have to chime in and say that "if it looks too good to be true, it probably is."

be careful, people. And if you have any questions about it, let me know because I spend *a LOT* of time on eBay and I'm pretty familiar with all the major players out there... several of the big timers are very very unscrupulous, and I've seen some tragic stuff go down.