Buyer's guide

Buying used well has less to do with luck than it seems. Most of it comes down to checking the right things before you hand over the money. These tips help you tell when an ad looks right and when it's better left alone.

Read the ad calmly

An ad that's upfront hides nothing. Before messaging the seller, check whether you've got the basics to decide.

Real photos of the actual unit (not catalogue shots), ideally with the serial number visible.
The condition described honestly: signs of use, hours, any repairs it's had.
Why they're selling and how long they've owned it.
Whether it comes with the original box, remote, cables and manuals.

Ask before you pay

How the seller answers tells you almost as much as the gear itself. Ask freely, and if you get vague answers or feel them dodging, be wary.

Does everything work 100%? Any channel, input or function playing up?
Are they the first owner? Do they still have an invoice or proof of purchase?
Can they record a short video of the gear working?
Would they be up for a call or video call to see it live?

Look at the trust signals

On HifiCafe the seller's profile already tells you a fair bit before you even talk to them.

The badges: «Registered» (email and phone) and «Verified» (identity and possession of the gear).
How old the account is and how active they are in the community.
Ratings and references from other sales.
The proof of possession: that photo of the gear with a handwritten note.

Agree on safe payment and delivery

Payment is the trickiest moment of all. Always go for methods that leave a trace, and be suspicious of anyone rushing you to close.

If you can, meet in person and test the gear before paying.
For shipping, use a payment method with buyer protection and keep the whole conversation.
Be wary of prices that are too low and of pressure to close off-platform.

Check it the moment it arrives

Don't take anything as fine until you've tested it. If something doesn't match what you agreed, put it in writing and tell them straight away.

Got a trick of your own?

This is what we'd suggest, but you probably have your own way of doing it. Share it below, someone will be glad you did.