Buying headsets on ebay

broncoav8r

broncoav8r

Well-Known Member
Hi All,
I have decided recently to finally invest in an ANR headset, and was wondering if anyone recommended using or avoiding ebay for headset purchases...

I have used ebay for other smaller purchases in the past, but never for something worth more than 400 dollars.

thanks!
 
Bought my Zulu off ebay for a pretty good discount... obviously I wouldnt trust a single item or low number seller, I'd also take how much the seller says the item was used with a grain of salt (get pictures and if possible a purchase date/receipt copy - it will be somewhat obvious what condition its in). I also made sure my headset was still under warranty before I bought it.

So far so good, no issues at all after 6+ months. In short, be cautious.
 
Make a smart decision, if something doesn't feel right, it's like anything else. Trust your gut.

Personally, I'd rather buy new (full warranty guaranteed), from a friend, or off someone on this site. There are just too many ways to get screwed anymore.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Other than that, good luck!
 
I recently purchased a D3000 from eBay, just make sure the seller has good feedback.
 
I bought a couple of Lightspeeds on Ebay - a 15XL and a 25XL if I remember right (BTW if you like the fit of the old series the 25XL is a great starter ANR).

Both headsets needed some work so I sent them to Lightspeed. All fixed no charge. They even put in new ear seals and did not charge me (although they were supposed to, but I have bought a lot of headsets directly from the factory so probably played a factor). They told me Lightspeed offers a lifetime warranty on the electronics (or they did at that time) no matter who owns it they built it so they warranty it.

Things might have changed with the economy now. I would highly recommend the Lightspeed product but might be worth checking with the factory before taking action.
 
Headsets on ebay are usually pretty safe, even from guys with low feedback counts. My rule of thumb is that if the ad sounds like it was written by a guy who knows how to fly he'll probably be pretty trustworthy when selling something like a headset.
 
Only one recurring theme "It was $1000 new, so my reserve price is $900, FIRM" OK, good luck. I'll check back in a couple weeks when you've figured out that the new retail price is just under $850.

Rule of thumb: Whatever you're selling, consider yourself fortunate if you can get 50% of what you paid for it- provided it's in really good condition and it's still new technology.
 
adk said:
Headsets on ebay are usually pretty safe, even from guys with low feedback counts. My rule of thumb is that if the ad sounds like it was written by a guy who knows how to fly he'll probably be pretty trustworthy when selling something like a headset.
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I have bought aviation headsets on ebay and I've sold them. In all cases, things went without a hitch. But even still, just being a pilot wouldn't do squat for me as far as trusting someone goes.

There is a population of low lifes in every hobby and profession and aviation is no exception. I have no doubts that you could find scum bags trying to rip folks off with aviaiton headsets on ebay if you looked hard enough. Look at feedback and bid on no auctions with low and/or negative feedback unless the item is close enough that you can go and pay for it/pick it up in person. And even then, its buyer beware.
 
adk said:
Headsets on ebay are usually pretty safe, even from guys with low feedback counts. My rule of thumb is that if the ad sounds like it was written by a guy who knows how to fly he'll probably be pretty trustworthy when selling something like a headset.
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I agree. Mostly the people selling these kind of things on eBay are your run of the mill GA pilot that isn't going to screw over a fellow pilot. Even so, eBay and PayPal have a good buyer protection system setup if you happen to get something that is not as it was listed.
 
You guys should check out Bonanzle.com. You might get something for less than ebay since the seller doesn't have high fees to compensate for. Plus you are allowed to haggle on Bonz too.
 
A couple of thoughts on eBay purchases. Look for feedback over 100. USA sellers only. You can also adjust your search to "nearest" if you want to find one nearby and pick it up directly.

The search will default to "BEST MATCH" which really isn't best match. Just click on the BEST MATCH and adjust your setting to nearest, lowest price, etc.

On the headset thing, make sure you can see what kind of connections are on the headset.

For example, you don't want to buy one for a helicopter if you are flying GA because you will be missing a plug and the one you have won't work without an adapter.

Bose Aviation X can be good deals on eBay. Check the date code and try to buy one within the 5 year Bose factory warranty. That way if there is anything wrong Bose will fix it for you at no charge and send you an advance replacement if you really need one. Bose is really good about fixing these when you send them in.

Joe
 
I bought lightspeed 30-3g's in perfect condition for $250 (maybe $300, I forget) about a year ago. I have no complaints with how the transaction happened. If you wait until the last 2 minutes of the auction and then start bidding, it can get pretty exciting. Just make sure you have a fast connection. That is the best way to get the lowest price.
 
Kitchink said:
I bought lightspeed 30-3g's in perfect condition for $250 (maybe $300, I forget) about a year ago. I have no complaints with how the transaction happened. If you wait until the last 2 minutes of the auction and then start bidding, it can get pretty exciting. Just make sure you have a fast connection. That is the best way to get the lowest price.
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Last 2 minutes???!!! Amateur. Last 2 seconds is where it's at. ;)
 
Kitchink said:
I bought lightspeed 30-3g's in perfect condition for $250 (maybe $300, I forget) about a year ago. I have no complaints with how the transaction happened. If you wait until the last 2 minutes of the auction and then start bidding, it can get pretty exciting. Just make sure you have a fast connection. That is the best way to get the lowest price.
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darrenf said:
Last 2 minutes???!!! Amateur. Last 2 seconds is where it's at. ;)
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If you guys are doing that, then you're completely missing the point of Ebay's bid proxy system.

Just put in your max price and forget about it. If you get annoyed because someone beat you out by a buck, or five bucks, then you need to carefully consider your max price and make it higher. What are you REALLY willing to pay, and put that in as your bid amount.

Bid "sniping" is only sniping because the buyers didn't REALLY put in what they were willing to pay.
 
killbilly said:
If you guys are doing that, then you're completely missing the point of Ebay's bid proxy system.

Just put in your max price and forget about it. If you get annoyed because someone beat you out by a buck, or five bucks, then you need to carefully consider your max price and make it higher. What are you REALLY willing to pay, and put that in as your bid amount.

Bid "sniping" is only sniping because the buyers didn't REALLY put in what they were willing to pay.
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Except that the bid proxy can still leave time for others who used the proxy to up their maximum bid once they have become emotionally attached to an item.
 
Bought a Flightcom Denali ANR a few years ago off Ebay. Great experience. According to the seller flying wasn't for him...the realization came after investing in a nice ANR.

+1 for Feedback ratings...
 
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