Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > eBay rubbish

[Gobert23]

I know what you mean...

I think even a little knowledge can go a long way.

I've always tried to stick to the correct brands (genuine Brembo, Ohlins, MS Production), but even ignoring the blatant 'fake' items that pop up in places (i.e. Thailand and Hong Kong) there's a (albeit small) group of people within Europe that're pretty 'economical' with information that would help a buyer.

When it comes to 'cheap' parts, I suppose it's very much 'you get what you pay for'...

There's arguments either way, as I know a couple of people who're very pleased with pattern and painted 'Chinese' fairings. Personally, it's not what I'm looking for, but I can understand why they've made their choice.

My only worry is what happens when I try to sell stuff myself... I've had this sort of argument with 2-stroke parts, with people saying that they can get cheaper elsewhere. 'Fair enough' is my normal frame of mind, but they seemed stunned when I give them a 'bottom/final' price and say that I'm not going to sell it at a loss.

G

[smilo006]

Depends what you are looking for. I have found that buying second hand parts from ducati people has been 100% okay, provided you ask the right questions. Using Canon's outlet store has also been fine. You get what you pay for there too.
However I think there are some types of goods that you can buy and others you can't.
If for example you are buying carbon fibre, it is pretty obvious that most of it is **** so why not use a regular store that allows you to purchase online. You can buy MS Production stuff online.
Buying a branded product like an ipod is pretty fail safe provided the seller is based in Europe or the USA and has good feedback.
Would you buy a bed on fleebay or a piece of clothing. Nope but you might use Next or Ikea because you know what you are getting and they have good returns policies.
Quite frankly with the way the Chinese are trying to dominate the world just now I would not buy anything directly from there anyway.
Many stores now have retail online and their shops become like sample stores.