People bidding on Ebay for a Tyros 4 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-Tyros-4-NEU-/251193483399?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item3a7c4c6087) Please be aware of the bid for a Tyros 4 at a ridiuclous price. I tried contacting the seller who is refusing to give me detials about the keyboard. Simple questions and the seller became a threat. It's people like this that makes the world turn sour. Sad, but we'll keep smiling at them

eBay is a buyer beware scenario if you ask me. You have to weed through the scams and hope the item(s) you do bid on, and win, are legitimate. I never really cared for eBay because it is fraught with dishonesty and fraud. Of course there are lots of legitimate sellers who sell legitimate products but the high percentage of bogus deals gives eBay a sullied reputation that continues to this very day.

Craigslist is another cesspool of deception and fraud in my opinion. Recently in San Diego, CA. a young man responded to an add on Craigslist from a person who claimed to be selling an iPad. When the young man showed up to check out the iPad two thugs murdered him in cold blood and took the money he was going to use to purchase the iPad. They eventually caught the perpetrators but the damage had already been done. You have to be really careful nowadays. This is not 1950's America, where people respected each other and life was considered precious and you didn't even need to lock your doors at night over fear of house invasion like you do today. Most keyboards can be purchased at below MSRP at places like Guitar Center or at George Kaye's Music Scene, etc.

With a distinct possibility of losing thousands of dollar through an eBay scam, I'll leave eBay to people who like to play the lottery and go to Casinos. Where the odds are always in the house's favor. In other words, people who may not mind the odds of losing thousands of dollars through an errant eBay transaction. People who've gotten 'stung' big time on eBay usually wise up and afterward will tend to purchase goods from reputable sources like the aforementioned. Guitar Center, Sweetwater.com, Musiciansfriend.com, 8thStreet.com, Best Buy, George Kaye's Music Scene in Tarzana, CA. and at kayesmusicscene.com, among others. There are exceptions of course. Some people like the thrill of the unknown and will continue to try and beat the odds. And usually they do. But... it only takes one bite from a rattlesnake to ruin your whole day. Or in the case of eBay... to ruin your bank account.

All the best, Mike

Trouble is Mike, you are talking about new items...with stores no longer doing trades and such like the old days, it makes it REALLY hard to buy used gear, except on places like Ebay and your Craigslist ( our version is Gumtree, but still owned by Ebay/Paypal!!)

If the bricks and mortar stores went back to trading in and carrying s/h stock, I for one would MUCH rather see them than buy on Ebay!!

By the way I am assuming that what happens in Oz is about the same in the US.

Dennis

Over the years I've done 46 transactions on Ebay with no problems at all. Yes, you have to be aware of scams, as you do in any part of life these days.
Same with Craig's List. You meet people only in public places, or you verify their information. You don't give out your own personal information. Just common sense. I've bought a couple of boats, some musical gear, a household item or two, etc. off Craig's List. Love it!
DonM

Murders in the US peaked in about the early 90's. And have been on a steady downwards trend ever since (while population continues it's relentless rise). Let's use FACTS rather than hysteria to set our attitudes about society, fellas.

You are safer now than you have been for 20 years.

There have been some scams via Ebay and mainly Craigslist but please do your homework prior to bidding and giving out personal information. As a retired LE officer I saw every thing and I just hope that no one from this forum get taken for a ride.
I contacted Ebay and the mentioned above was quickly taken off their site. I wonder how many people have been dooped throughout the years, and how Ebay/PayPal resolved the issues. I had a few transactions via Ebay and Craigslist and was successful but still had in the back of my head to be cautious.

I totally agree with you Don. I have done many transactions on eBay with only one problem and when I reported that it was resolved. I have even bought a car off Craigs List. You just have to be careful.

I think Ebay removed the listing as it is no longer available

Diki, why do you always have to ruin all of the fun on the forum with "FACTS AND FIGURES?" Man there's hardly a place to have any fun anymore with guys like you around. Lol!

It's that pregnant pause between thinking something, and opening your mouth to say it... Nowadays, that's just about long enough to Google something!

People should try it more!

Phones are getting smarter, but it hasn't translated to people becoming it, yet