Ebay refractometer curse

[Fish]

Tony,

I haven't had a problem with paypal yet but I guess that may change, depending on how they deal with this issue.
I have a lead right now on a new refractometer from a canreef member - that will probably be the safest way to go. I can feel Rich's frustration though - I too have seen drygoods before at the LFS or a Canadian site that were twice as much as what the same item cost online in the States. I don't know why it's that way, but I suspect there are legitimate reasons for it. I was tempted into the ebay purchases by the fact that I could get a refractometer from China, and after shipping it here and paying exchange, it was still way cheaper than buying a refractometer locally.
I know that supporting local business is important but I was never one to throw away money just for the sake of doing that. Maybe that's hurting myself in the end though; if all our LFS's dissapeared, it would be real tough to get livestock... I sure miss being able to stop at Big Als here in the South.

- Chad

[Richy44]

I just set up a separate visa and bank account strictly for Ebay purchases and the like. If they can scam my 1k go ahead but that is all they get...They dont get rich and doesnt break me. Havent had a problen yet...tap.tap. If I need more than 1K, I just tell the bank to up my limit for this one transaction only. Works great for me. Yes as a whole, it has been a very good experience for me.

Delphinus...do you play cards? You show your hand to early.

Figure what you want to pay and bid in the last 30 seconds..simple..thats it! That is the way it is done!

Snip a few of your own!

Rich..............

[Johnny Reefer]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

.... Have you thought about checking J&L or Ocean Aquatics for a refractometer?

There ya go.

Originally Posted by Fish

... by shopping on the internet.

I'm not against shopping on the internet. Heck, the first (and only, admittingly) time I shopped online was for a small clock from Mountain Equipment Co-op. I placed the order on a SATURDAY and the following Monday morning there was a knock on my door with said item. And this was before MEC was in Victoria and the closest outlet was Vancouver. Maybe this is small potatoes, but I was truly impressed and am surprised that I haven't shopped online since, ....although I intend to..., BUT...from reputable companies/vendors I trust. I'm not keen on giving out information when I'm not really sure who is getting that information or what they intend to do with it. Not sure it's worth it. JMO.

EDIT: I just don't understand the sophistication of the whole cyberspace/web thing and am reluctant to take risks as a result, which isn't such a bad thing, I suppose.

Cheers,

[Richy44]

You should never give your information to any vendor you dont know. That is why PayPal was created so Vendors dont have acess to your information. Most purchases through paypal and with your credit card are mostly insured anyways..

Rich........

[Johnny Reefer]

Originally Posted by Richy44

.... Most purchases through paypal and with your credit card are mostly insured anyways..

Key words being "Most" and "mostly" as opposed to "all". Enough to keep this skeptic skeptical. I suppose it's all relative, however. I mean,... given a choice between paying $49.99 to Johnny PawnBroker for a used corded 1/2" drill and $69.99 to Home Depot for a brand new one, well....I think I'd wish Johnny a good day and move on. There's risk everywhere. Just gotta use judgement .

Cheers,