Classifieds scams?

[HPing]

This is why I purchased an HP 50G from Namir.

He is a calculator enthusiast with a reputation here and on TAS. Plus, he was responsive to my questions.

So I knew this would be a low-risk transaction. The HP would be fully tested, properly described, professionally packaged, and promptly shipped.

Namir sent me a blue 50G which was:

- In much better condition than described. I would guess it was used for a few days and put away. It was very clean and showed virtually no wear. All the buttons felt great. The battery contacts showed shiny chrome. I spent 5 minutes "detailing" this and would be hard-pressed to distinguish it from new.

- Fairly photographed. The calculator and the slightly-worn black leather case photos were true to life.

- Professionally-packaged for shipping (oversized new box, plenty of foam and bubble wrap, new seal-able anti-static bag).

This experience contrasts with the prior 50G I purchased on TAS:

- Very clean but 3 buttons did not work. Inside there was a lot of debris, 2 keys physically broken, and the rubbery key mat had 3 holes punched in from use (causing the 3 keys to not register).

- Fortunately the seller issued a full refund and ate the shipping charges. But that was a lot of time and stress invested in the auction search, teardown, and refund request.