P3D Re: perils of buying mail order (was e-bay crazy prices)

[CanterMike@xxxxxxx]

In p3d3121, George writes, in part:

"Are you also happy that they are finding their first
junk-advertized-as-properly-working camera in eBay?  :-)  
That can mean a lot of frustration..."

This is a potential consequence in ANY transaction (electronic or otherwise)
where the buyer & seller are not face-to-face (and even then it can happen).
I purchased a TDC 116 (advertised in Shutterbug by a New York dealer) that was
not at all as advertised.  The dealer tried to pass it off as an honest
mistake (and maybe it was)(made by an underling, of course)  but the situation
was never resolved satisfactorily.  At least I knew enough to realise I'd been
taken and could (and did) complain promptly (and to his credit the dealer did
attempt a response).  What happens to the naive, or with a more ruthless
dealer?  Even moderate sized towns like mine have a camera store where the
novice can confidently buy 2D stuff from a reasonably responsible merchant
(who will probably agree with George about "...duty to educate my customers,
not to take advantage of them...).  In this respect we stereo buffs are at a
distinct disadvantage....

Just my two cents worth...

M


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