12-04-2006, 09:43 AM
Quote:The overall mark of eBay is its extreme efficiency...
This efficiency means that cameras which Id like to buy are usually too expensive for my budget. So I left eBay and started using Craigs list. Craigs list is totally unlike eBay. Search capabilities are minimal. There are no "histories" associated with sellers and buyers. There are no services like PAYPAL. Most importantly, it is organized geographically, so you deal with locals.
Dealing with locals has several advantages: there are no shipping costs, you can avoid some scams by dealing face to face, and you can check out the merchandize before you buy. The last advantage is key. Once in a while, you can get a working camera in good condition for a song and you dont waste your money on broken junk.
Now for the disadvantages: its not as well-organized as eBay, it has fewer offerings, and, more importantly, it is dominated by occasional and personal equipment sellers...
full article: http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig7/boukhonine5.html