eBay Money Back Guarantee Scrutiny?

[bigmac92au]

Hi All, 

I am looking to purchase a microscope on ebay and it like many other listings say it is covered by Ebay's Money Back Guarantee. An item like this I would typically buy locally and inspect beforehand but there are limited options around me, but many internationally. The seller can say and show whatever they want but I am concerned about receiving an item worth +$6500 plus ~$2000 shipping which may not work as described (many units are already disassembled and sellers are not keen or interested in performing any checks before purchasing, they simply state that the microscope is in "working condition" but this can mean many things). The money back guarantee makes this much easier but I am curious how they scrutinise the return in such a case since it is high value? 

[soh.maryl]

Assuming you've read the MBG, I probably do not need to explain how it works, right?

If you follow the instructions carefully, it works well.  Brief review:  Item arrives, but it's flawed or is the wrong one? You have 30 days to open a not as described case with eBay.  Does not arrive within a few days of its last estimated delivery date: you have 30 days to open an item not received case.  If worse comes to worse, and you have to open a case, don't accept any promises by the seller to make it right.  Since the limit is 30 days with eBay, unscrupulous sellers will try to run out the time without doing anything. 

However, are there no other sources of microscopes, like medical supply houses? My concern is the packing of the item itself if done by just casual sellers.  

[chevymontecarlo88]

You are in Australia and may want to post your question there. I am not sure if there are any different rules that may apply to you because of your location. 

Shipping a very expensive, heavy item internationally might not be worth the hassle unless you do purchase from a medical supply house like @soh.maryl suggested in the above post. 

If the value of the used item is considerably less (70% of new value), you may want to find a place that can recondition the microscope (to spec). Assume there may be something (issues) that may get overlooked. 

-Good luck

[glorybells]

Is shipping internationally even possible with a microscope?  Years ago, when I worked in medical research, I was tasked with getting the lab microscope fixed while the doctor in charge was out of the country for a month.  The repair guy comes out to the lab, couldn’t figure it out.  He took the microscope back to his shop.  Called me two days later.  He took the base apart and found it was absolutely full of roaches who had chewed through the wiring!  (Something else to consider when buying one used from an unknown source).

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@glorybells wrote:

Is shipping internationally even possible with a microscope?  Years ago, when I worked in medical research, I was tasked with getting the lab microscope fixed while the doctor in charge was out of the country for a month.  The repair guy comes out to the lab, couldn’t figure it out.  He took the microscope back to his shop.  Called me two days later.  He took the base apart and found it was absolutely full of roaches who had chewed through the wiring!  (Something else to consider when buying one used from an unknown source).

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This is really the key when purchasing electronics or technical equipment (high value) used. One should factor in a tech/repair person to go over the purchased unit so it can be put back to spec. Also contacting the tech/repair person before the sale can help with trouble shooting issues (normal costs and issues) so one could factor the worst-case scenarios into the cost of the item. Wiring issues typically can be fixed but if you get a scratched lens, it may not be worth the time to try to save money on a used piece. 

Some microscopes may have limitations/laws that prevent international shipping and would advise the OP @bigmac92au   to look into that as well. Good point @glorybells