Okay, well as the thread title states, I've done something that's proven foolish: I bought a 5D Mark II from one of the shady Brooklyn camera places on eBay. In my case, it's IBuyPlasma.com, but it seems they're all pretty interchangeable.
Why did I do it? Pretty simple, I wanted to use Bing's cashback program (8% on eBay) and IBuyPlasma had the best price going. Also, their feedback is currently at 99.6% with only two negative reviews out of 363 for the past month, both of which are about shipping being slow. The rest, including several other 5D MKII purchases, were positive. I felt reassured, and I ordered.
I know I should've Googled, but I did not. I just went with the eBay feedback system which as I've now began reading can be effectively gamed through various methods. The most likely outcome seems that I'll receive a grey market camera without a valid Canon U.S. warranty.
Now, for the upside... I did get a tracking number soon after ordering (the next day). The package is coming via UPS and will be here tomorrow. So there's no issue with delayed shipment or them contacting me and attempting to upsell. The package therefore isn't opened yet, which I think leaves me in a stronger position with respect to returns. Also, I paid via PayPal which - if I'm not mistaken - should make disputing it easier if need be. I did however pay with a debit card rather than a credit card, so I can't do a chargeback.
So what I'm asking is... what do you think I should do next? I've read on various 3rd party feedback sites that returns to this retailer are, to say the least, not easy. I've also read, however, that these sites have cleaned up their act somewhat because they are now being monitored by the NY state attorney's office. The temptation to open the box is huge, obviously, as I'm really excited to get my new camera. But I'm also extremely wary now - a couple days too late - about getting scammed here.
Thanks a lot for any advice. And yes, once again, I know I was stupid here.
Why did I do it? Pretty simple, I wanted to use Bing's cashback program (8% on eBay) and IBuyPlasma had the best price going. Also, their feedback is currently at 99.6% with only two negative reviews out of 363 for the past month, both of which are about shipping being slow. The rest, including several other 5D MKII purchases, were positive. I felt reassured, and I ordered.
I know I should've Googled, but I did not. I just went with the eBay feedback system which as I've now began reading can be effectively gamed through various methods. The most likely outcome seems that I'll receive a grey market camera without a valid Canon U.S. warranty.
Now, for the upside... I did get a tracking number soon after ordering (the next day). The package is coming via UPS and will be here tomorrow. So there's no issue with delayed shipment or them contacting me and attempting to upsell. The package therefore isn't opened yet, which I think leaves me in a stronger position with respect to returns. Also, I paid via PayPal which - if I'm not mistaken - should make disputing it easier if need be. I did however pay with a debit card rather than a credit card, so I can't do a chargeback.
So what I'm asking is... what do you think I should do next? I've read on various 3rd party feedback sites that returns to this retailer are, to say the least, not easy. I've also read, however, that these sites have cleaned up their act somewhat because they are now being monitored by the NY state attorney's office. The temptation to open the box is huge, obviously, as I'm really excited to get my new camera. But I'm also extremely wary now - a couple days too late - about getting scammed here.
Thanks a lot for any advice. And yes, once again, I know I was stupid here.
