Im curious if any hams have bought any of their equipment from advertisers on any of the hams sites?
How trustworthy or reliable are they?
Reason Im curious, I saw a Icom 208H that sounds interesting and Im trying to deceide whether to pull the trigger on that or a FT 7900.
Thanks.

 

Yes, I've bought a gear from both HRO (Portland) and AES (Vegas). I bought through the mail from HRO.....no probs. And I picked up my second IC-2000H years ago from AES when I was in Vegas visiting. AES tho is known to be a bit pricey. I always go through HRO when ordering through the mail as they are closest to me.

There is also a company called Burghardt Amateur Center...:
http://www.burghardt-amateur.com/Bur...ain_frame.html
I've never bought from them but they have a VERY good reputation....

 

I use HRO pretty much all the time because of the free shipping on orders over $100 I think it is, plus they ship quick....AES does a good job also..

 

I just realized I made a small error when I posted.
What I meant to ask was private sellers like E Ham or QTH?
I know the people like HRO are trustworthy.

 

Used is a roll of the dice, I've had good and bad...

 

Thanks for the link to the web site. Now one of my favorites!

 

Thanks for the replies.
I think Ill go with new simply for the fact that if any thing goes wrong, I got something to fall back on.

 

Again, Yes........I've probably bought most of my gear especially through Eham. I've also bought gear off of ebay. It's just a must to have real good coms with the seller. Always ask for pics of the gear. Ask if you can call him on the phone and talk if you want. And if possible even set up a sked with them so you can hear the rig over the air. As far as Ebay goes.....feedback is the key. I have bought thousands of dollars worth of used radios and other gear, this way. Was only actually "burned" if you want to call it that, one time. And I only say "burned" because the piece of gear wasn't nearly as nice as the guy said it was. Here again, it was half my fault because I didn't insist on pics. He made it right tho caused he know I was pissed, and gave me some money back. In all my dealings I'd have to say that 90-95% of the HAMS you deal with, are pretty good people and aren't out to rip you off. Oh and btw....many times I've gotten used gear that was far beyond my expectations. I bought a used IC-756Pro once for a great price, that looked like the guy just took it out of the box. From Eham as well.
Good Luck.....

 

Beware of ebay seller radio-mart, he is a crook..

 

Yes, I have not heard good things about him.......