Buying reels on EBay???

[Oldbritguy]

I'm looking around for a Revo Premier baitcaster reel. There seem to be a number of them on EBay, advertised as 'brand new, in box' etc. And several of them seem to be from the same guy (in Alabama).

I've never bought anything on EBay so am very wary of doing so. Are these guys for real? Is it safe to buy reels on EBay, what precautions should one take?

Any advice, experiences, anybody???

[Jig Man]

Read the reviews of the seller and pay with paypal.

[Whets Lines]

Hi Oldbritguy,

I've purchased and sold reels on ebay many times. I've never been let down. Feel confident when you read their feedback. I believe the guy you are talking about is one of my saved eBay sellers.

For what it is worth, you may want to check out an STX instead of the premier. I've heard some negative feedback regarding the drag on the Premiers. I personally use Revo Winches for my crankbaits and love them. You can't go wrong with Abu Garcia Revo reels. Happy bidding. Let us know of your experience if you decide to buy.

Phil

[Stasher1]

Ebay is the first place I go to for reels. As long as you buy from an established seller with lots of positive feedback and pay via Paypal, you should be fine.

I've bought some rods on ebay as well, but I don't recommend it unless you already have some experience with that particular rod. 

[HOG727]

I buy my reels on e-bay about 80% of the time and the other advice is dead on.  If a guy has a 99% score and has  sold a lot of stuff ,he's a solid bet.  Buy New stuff and check the return policy.  This month I bought 2 2010 curado e's delivered for 145 apiece or so.  180 plus shipping at Bass Pro.   

[Beastie Bass]

I have bought reels on Ebay. Just look for a good seller rating and positive feedback from people who have bought SIMILAR  items. 

[bear7625]

I've bought 5 reels from eBay with no problems. Check the background of the seller and pay with Paypal.

[Leever]

I have bought reels off Ebay with out any problems....You will definitely save money if you are patient.

[LAO162]

If the Alabama guy is Simmons Sporting Goods, then he is legit (in my experience).  So far, I've bought 4 rods from him this year.  Not a lot of communication other than shipping notice and a rod on your doorsteps in a few days.  Make sure you keep the PayPal receipt.  From AL to MA, it's been 3 days on average.

Regarding the Premier, for less than $200 it will most likely it will be the 2009 model without dual brakes.  I've also seen the Skeet Reese models for less than $200 if you want centrifugal brakes.

If its a top seller on ebay with 99.6% or better feedback, I've been very fortunate in my experiences. 

[Craiger12]

With the exception of purchasing reels from other members here, all of my reels have been purchased on Ebay. Just follow the other's advice and you should be in the clear.

[Big Bait Fishing]

one of the best reel sellers on ebay is Lakeside Reels , on most of his stuff he has free shipping and the shipping is priority mail (2 day delivery) an excellent guy to do buisness with , if you look at his website , he lists a phone number that you can call and actually talk to him !!!! 

[BassThumb]

Most of my reels have be purchased on Ebay from Mom 'n Pop online retailers who list their items there, usually with the Buy It Now option. Ex: Curados for $145 shipped.  I'd rather throw them a bone than give it to one of the behemoths.

I would be wary of individuals with few sales or imperfect feedback, but there are plenty of retailers with good reps and plenty of sales who I would have no issues buying from again.

[A-Jay]

If the Alabama guy is Simmons Sporting Goods, then he is legit (in my experience). So far, I've bought 4 rods from him this year. Not a lot of communication other than shipping notice and a rod on your doorsteps in a few days. Make sure you keep the PayPal receipt. From AL to MA, it's been 3 days on average.

Regarding the Premier, for less than $200 it will most likely it will be the 2009 model without dual brakes. I've also seen the Skeet Reese models for less than $200 if you want centrifugal brakes.

If its a top seller on ebay with 99.6% or better feedback, I've been very fortunate in my experiences.

X2 ~ Simmons Sporting Goods ~ After more purchases than I'm willing to admit to here (my wife might be lurking I'll tell you that I have been very pleased every time with the service and quality of the gear. The prices are very good and the shipping from AL to MI averages 3-4 days. Check them out . . . . . .

A-Jay

http://stores.ebay.com/SIMMONS-SPORTING-GOODS

[steezy]

never had a problem buying new reels on ebay

[The one that got away]

I picked up a Curado E7 over the winter for around $145 off Ebay, like some other members here. Also bought 3 rods from reputable Ebay sellers. One of them was from Simmons Sporting Goods - easy transaction and fast shipping.

My only problem with buying rods off Ebay is explaining to my wife why 7ft packages keep getting shipped to the house.

[jamarkwe]

If the Alabama guy is Simmons Sporting Goods, then he is legit (in my experience). So far, I've bought 4 rods from him this year. Not a lot of communication other than shipping notice and a rod on your doorsteps in a few days. Make sure you keep the PayPal receipt. From AL to MA, it's been 3 days on average.

Regarding the Premier, for less than $200 it will most likely it will be the 2009 model without dual brakes. I've also seen the Skeet Reese models for less than $200 if you want centrifugal brakes.

If its a top seller on ebay with 99.6% or better feedback, I've been very fortunate in my experiences.

X2 ~ Simmons Sporting Goods ~ After more purchases than I'm willing to admit to here (my wife might be lurking I'll tell you that I have been very pleased every time with the service and quality of the gear. The prices are very good and the shipping from AL to MI averages 3-4 days. Check them out . . . . . .

A-Jay

http://stores.ebay.com/SIMMONS-SPORTING-GOODS

That place has bass pro prices.... you can find way cheaper...

[Stasher1]

That's because Simmons has an actual retail store and is an authorized dealer for the brands they carry. They have to follow the MAP policies of the brands they carry. You have to keep an eye out for their sales on discontinued gear if you're looking for a bargain.

[bear7625]

Simmons is one of the best sellers on eBay. I had a problem with a reel and they replaced it with a better one.

[jamarkwe]

That's because Simmons has an actual retail store and is an authorized dealer for the brands they carry. They have to follow the MAP policies of the brands they carry. You have to keep an eye out for their sales on discontinued gear if you're looking for a bargain.

I know why they are expensive....I would just go to bass pro and not pay that $$$ shipping fee instead of them... I bought 2 brand new Citica 201e's for $170 shipped from a top rated Ebay seller, also got a New Stradic 2500fi for $125 shipped.

[A-Jay]

That's because Simmons has an actual retail store and is an authorized dealer for the brands they carry. They have to follow the MAP policies of the brands they carry. You have to keep an eye out for their sales on discontinued gear if you're looking for a bargain.

I know why they are expensive....I would just go to bass pro and not pay that $$$ shipping fee instead of them... I bought 2 brand new Citica 201e's for $170 shipped from a top rated Ebay seller, also got a New Stradic 2500fi for $125 shipped.

That's good for you- I'm several HOURS from BPS so I'm all about shipping. But the buffer zone is a good thing, like . . having all the lakes to myself.

A-Jay

[ChiCityBasser]

I've purchased 6 or 7 reels off ebay and never had a problem. I got both my 2009 and 2010 Catalyst reels for much less than Cabelas or Bass Pro. I've even purchased some reels in need of repair from the bigger sellers there at deep discounts and had them repaired and still come out cheaper that way. If the seller has good feedback and lists any repairs needed to the reel (line guide needs repair, handle bent) and you can ask questions and they have a high positive feedback and you can pay with paypal, I say Go For it and save yourself some bucks.

[jamarkwe]

That's because Simmons has an actual retail store and is an authorized dealer for the brands they carry. They have to follow the MAP policies of the brands they carry. You have to keep an eye out for their sales on discontinued gear if you're looking for a bargain.

I know why they are expensive....I would just go to bass pro and not pay that $$$ shipping fee instead of them... I bought 2 brand new Citica 201e's for $170 shipped from a top rated Ebay seller, also got a New Stradic 2500fi for $125 shipped.

That's good for you- I'm several HOURS from BPS so I'm all about shipping. But the buffer zone is a good thing, like . . having all the lakes to myself.

A-Jay

I'm less than five mins from bass pro and I wont buy anything from there... Not when I can get everything for less money shipped to my door.....

Why pay $188 shipped for a Shimano CU201e7 from that simmons place when you can get it for $145 shipped... that's all I'm saying

[Big Bait Fishing]

Simmons is one of the best sellers on eBay. I had a problem with a reel and they replaced it with a better one.

you might want to check around more if you think that Simmons is the best place on ebay  :

[Oldbritguy]

When you guys talk about the great prices you got on EBay, are you actually "bidding" for the reels, or going the "Buy It NOw" route?

Just curious. Do you generally get a better deal by "bidding" or is that a phoney way for the seller to get what they can? Some of the "Buy it NOw" prices seem about the same as Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc. etc. Or am I just not looking in the right places. . .

[BassThumb]

I purchased a discontinued Kistler Mag from Simmons for cheap. Otherwise the pricing is nothing special. The seller Affordable Fishing is one thats worth checking out.