Ebay, Feedback and Bidding - What Would You Do?

[Chris DVM]

Hey,
OK, so I need to get a portable DVD player for the car to keep my kids from driving me nuts while I drive on long trips. I have borrowed one in the past and it works very well, but I cannot keep on borrowing one. I am looking to get one that has two screens to make it easier for the three kids.
So I go to Ebay to see if I can get a good deal and find some auctions for used DVD players at a good price. The seller is a power seller with over 27,000 positive feedback. However, he has a 97% positive rating, meaning he has over 870 negatives over the last 4 years.
OK, this is a group that buys lots of used and refurbished items and resells them. They have very detailed bidding, paying and selling guidelines, and list everything right and wrong with the items. The negatives and neutrals that I have seen have been overwhelmingly from people who either did not read the listing or didn't follow the 'rules.'
So here it is - is it worth bidding on the item with this history, or should I just wait for another seller and try to get as good of a deal as they are offering?
Chris DVM

[bobbait]

i would just go to Walmart. very cheap price wise. I try not to take chances on electronics on Ebay.

[theantiquetiger]

i would just go to Walmart. very cheap price wise. I try not to take chances on electronics on Ebay.

Exactly, you can get a new one with two screens for around $125

[haggis]

I wouldn't risk it from someone with so many negatives even if they are listed as a 'power seller.'

[jds1911a1]

I know we all want to save money but electronics are such a hassle it is probably worth it to go to a real reatailer (or etailer like walmart.com) so if it's messed up you can return it. The only stuff electronic I get on ebay is laserdisc players and betamax machines becuase you can't buy them in a store

[toys2cool]

I agree,the one thing I never buy on ebay is electronics.I'd go with Wal-mart or Target for this

[mitchedwards]

SAMS has some nice duels screen players too.

[Hotfoot]

$ 130 at Target.com.
7 : Target

[Meule]

Gotta go with the others on this one: I wouldn't trust electronics on eBay

[Hulk]

I especially wouldn't trust used electronics from a seller with a 97% feedback rating.

[thunderbolt]

What they said. Buy it down the street at Walmart or Target. It has a problem they will stand behind the product. Will a ebay seller?

[JPkempo]

If you want to get on on line try Amazon as well. Sellers have to follow Amazons rules and if you have a problem Amazon will get you your money back unlike e-bay.

My sister has the DVD player with 2 screens for her 2-1/2 year old twins. She wouldn't do with out it. Helps keep things quiet in the back of the car.