Puchasing 5D III off of Craiglist

[Mt Spokane Photography]

A buddy of mine always packs a gun with him when meeting people off the internet for expensive transactions. Then again, we're Texans

 
I bet he doesn't live in NYC.

[Aaron78]

Keep in mind that even though the 5DIII might be brand new, if the seller registered it on canon's site then you get a brand new camera with no warranty as it is not transferable.

[Dylan777]

Hi, I found someone selling 5D for $3500 cash since I don't want to pay taxes. He claims it's a US version with USA warranty card and all. Anything I should be woried about? I can look upon prior plunging down that much cash at a starbucks? please help, this is will be my first FF coming from 40D..
Thanks alot!

Make sure seller has original receipt and serial number on receipt matches with body. Since all 5D III should be under Canon warranty at this time.

Or you can buy it on Ebay,authorized dealer for $65 more.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-III-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-NEW-/150796778407?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item231c303ba7

[chrysek]

Just be careful. It could be stolen or they could steal your money by pointing gun at you. meet at public place if you go. Very dangerous with that kind of money

[solarpos]

Wait…are you telling me Craigslist isn't just for meeting transvestites?

[chrysek]

You do realize that you are obligated to pay sales tax, right?  It's not like "because it's sold on the Internet, taxes are optional".  Any taxes that aren't collected at the time of purchase should be filed when you file your yearly state income tax.

So many people do it, hates when I pay all the freaking taxes and others dont, hate when govt wastes my hard earned money, hate when obama makes more than I do and he only paid 20.5% in taxes. Not sure why I am getting into this, but drives me nuts that kind of crap. My 1Dx can cost me $600 extra in just taxes, now what does gvt do for me? I am middle class and I have to pay for freaking everything, for housing for unfortunete folks, for their food stamps and what obama does for me? I pay full and he only pays 20.5%, is that right? So freaking unfair and for $600 that I dont give back to uncle sam I can either give to my kids or get like gps adapret and have some....

[chrysek]

I'd have no issue, just meet him in a safe place like your bank and check out the camera.  I would not meet him at a place of his choosing.

If he doesn't want to meet there, pass it up.  Norman Camera had them earlier today, so check them out.

+1

and/or, take a friend with you.

+2
 
Always a good idea!!

A buddy of mine always packs a gun with him when meeting people off the internet for expensive transactions. Then again, we're Texans

Haha here you go. Remember seeing sighs on many buildings in TX "no guns permited beyond those doors" )

[Mikedurg]

You do realize that you are obligated to pay sales tax, right?  It's not like "because it's sold on the Internet, taxes are optional".  Any taxes that aren't collected at the time of purchase should be filed when you file your yearly state income tax.

What if I don't have a state income tax?

[bycostello]

if it looks too good to be true it usually is!!

[K-amps]

You do realize that you are obligated to pay sales tax, right?  It's not like "because it's sold on the Internet, taxes are optional".  Any taxes that aren't collected at the time of purchase should be filed when you file your yearly state income tax.

What if I don't have a state income tax?

Why burden the meek when the fat stores can operate with impunity?

[pdirestajr]

He's probably selling kits as separate parts to make a few bucks.

But Why not just pay taxes & write the whole thing off? If you are a student, you can always file it as an expense.

[helpful]

I have sold several high-value cameras on Craigslist. I am in the midwest, so ymmv in other areas.

I strongly agree with the idea of meeting the seller at the purchaser's bank. He knows that you are giving him real money, and it is a safe place where you can feel relatively comfortable, since it is your own bank.

I don't believe that you have to pay sales tax a second time if the purchaser already paid sales tax when it purchased the camera. As the 2nd buyer, it isn't your obligation to ask if they paid sales tax already, so if they don't mention it, you can assume you are safe.

However, I always lose a proportion of my purchase price, so it would not be legit to buy a 5D3 for $3,500. $3,100 would be the price I would expect to sell one for even if it was still brand new.

[Axilrod]

I bought my 5DII and almost all my lenses from CL and have had zero problems or "hidden issues" with anything.  Out of the thousands of people that preordered the 5DIII someone was sure to have buyers remorse.  If it was an exceptional deal like $2500 sure I'd stay away from it, but it seems perfectly reasonable, just make sure you meet them at Starbucks or somewhere public and go from there. 

[m3tek44]

I sell and buy lots of item on CR. 
From my experience:
1. Make sure you obtain his/her phone # and let friends or family member where you're meeting the person or even fact go with friend.
2. Meet front of public area (Starbucks and bank) high traffic area
3. Since you're buying high value item, I suggest you meet front of bank and do not have cash until you verify the item.
4. Meet during day time!!!!
5. Before you meet the person, talk to him/her and find out product before you meet.

Hope this help you out....

[Jamesy]

I don't think it was mentioned yet, ask if he has a copy of the receipt for peace of mind and obviously warranty purposes. I have bought most of my gear off of CL with no issues but the max transaction in my case were my lenses around 1k each (70-200f4is/135L/17-55) and my 40D for $850 with receipt.

I'll let the 40D go for $750 if anyone is interested  , I kid, I kid...