Any guidelines on eBay purchases?

[John Garza (3665)]

Just wondering if anyone has produced such a thing.

I have learned (usually the hard way) a few things to avoid:

* no pic of the display ON with no problems
* no pic of the battery compartment
* no effort to test it, or at least get a battery and turn it on
* no case (usually means it was unprotected)
* comes with a surveying pac (heavy field use)
* dust/dirt on the keyboard (no consideration to at least wipe it down or use a soft brush)
* seller is not a calculator specialist (not always a bad sign but you take your chances)

Of course, little of this applies if you're looking for a parts machine.
And be prepared to pay extra if the seller has refurbished the unit - unless you want that job.

-John