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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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OT: Ethics of purchasing on EBAY

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/25/2008 : 10:03:48

Does anybody besides me ever wonder if you buy something from EBAY for a great price if it's just stolen from somebody's boat? Or maybe stolen from somebody's store? I can't imagine that some of the Harken, Milwaukee tools, stereo's listed for less than half retail is legitimate.
Is ebay just a fencing operation?
Of course I have gotten some good deals on ebay, but since I firmly believe that "what goes around, comes around" will I get my boat broken into someday?
I don't believe in organized religion, or "preachers" but do have a sense of ethics derived from a sense of right and wrong.
Or is this just a plain dumb subject to bring up anyways?

Frank Gloss
Formerly 89WK/TR
85 Ericson 32-3 shoal draft "Molto Bene"

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2008 : 10:21:38

Almost all of what I buy on eBay is new. The items that I sell used often go for less than half price and I didn't steal them. There is a lot of "stuff" out there and eBay is a way to sell to millions of people.

I just bought some brand new Ronstan blocks on rail sliders. Half of what WM or Defender wants for them. The seller bought them from a marine retailer who was getting out of sailboat stuff.

Also, the markup on items from stores is incredible.

I am sure some stolen stuff gets fenced on eBay but I doubt it is much. After all it would be easy to track your stuff down. Say someone steals your outboard. If it appears on eBay that will be easy to see and I believe you can notify eBay if you suspect your stolen outboard is on auction.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2008 : 10:54:08

Flea markets, and no doubt ebay, have been shown to be major outlets for stolen items and organized crime, but most items are probably legit. Many manufacturers and store chains maintain their discount/auction sites on ebay, but so do outlets for pirates and thieves. You have to make your own choice.

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2008 : 11:50:52

On the other hand...

I just (last week) bought a masthead unit for our boat on ebay. The seller was a local guy who had a high bid from Texas. when the Texan started acting funny about paying him, he dropped the deal and got in touch with me. Not only did I get to meet the seller face to face and make a new sailing friend, I also got a helluva deal on a no-longer available piece of hardware for the boat.

I prefer to stick with local sellers and get items that can be got through a local pick-up. I personally have never had a bad experience that way. I will never buy anything that has to be shipped across the border via UPS or FEDEX though. I know I will be adding $60 - $100 bucks to my buying price in "brokerage fees". If a seller isn't willing ot ship through any other means, it just isn't worth it to buy.

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2008 : 12:46:22

All of the above is certainly true - however, last year on Long Island, some guy who had electronics stolen off his boat went onto eBay to replace them - found what he wanted and recognized the items AS HIS! The cops were notified and they busted the seller for theft - so it does happen.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2008 : 14:04:05

Several years ago after I had a motor stolen, I found the same model and year for sale used not far from my home. The seller would only take cash, the motor had scuffs similar to mine, and new mounting clamps. I notified the police, but when I called him back the next day his phone had been disconnected. Life would be better if all motors were titled and registered in all states, not just >10 hp.

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 02/25/2008 : 15:16:27

In order to maintain my sailing habit I am in the process of selling of a lot of HO scale model train stuff. I've sold over $600 in a few weeks on eBay. I am a big fan of eBay. Where else can you place an ad for $1.50 and reach millions of buyers?? People from all over the USA have bought my stuff. I use PayPal exclusively for the sales and that makes the transactions even easier.

I didn't steal the train stuff.

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 02/26/2008 : 19:58:17

thanks guys
I feel a little better about Ebay.
Maybe one of you just beat me out on that Harken winch, or the Milwaukee batteries, or that Clarion stereo.
Frank

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