This time of year anglers are gearing up for spring and we get lots of inquiries about reels. Especially anglers who have purchased off EBAY and concerned about some problems that have come up after they purchase. Most of sellers on EBAY are honest like most of us anglers are honest, however, we
have a few bad apples. If you looking to purchase a reel off EBay, ask the seller, where he had reel serviced and then contact the service and inquire as to what kind of products they use in shop, some may use chemicals which is no good. Ask where they have used reel? salt? probably run unless angler has taken care of reel used in salt and that is another info. post. Ask specifically what reel is doing if anything. Remember this, if older reel, there may not be parts available to repair with. Never be hesitant to ask seller questions just like you ask clerk in store when purchasing a new one. Afterall, it is your money and you looking for best bang for your buck. We see reels come into our shop that have been purchased off EBAY and have been super good and well taken care of and then we have others that not so good news. I've talked to several sellers and they all been very forthcoming with info, however, does not hurt to check things out.Good luck and good buys.

You bring up several good points. I have found that a lot of people selling reels on eBay have no clue about fishing and could not answer the most basic questions. It helps to look at the seller's other items to see if they have a lot of fishing gear. If they are also selling purses and women's shoes, don't expect useful answers to your questions as they probably picked up the reel at a garage or estate sale.

true. thanks for the input. Anglers work hard for their money and I always hate it when they get "took."

If the ad says something like, "appears to have been....." then the guy is probably selling something he picked up at a garage sale. walk away from those. Sharp close-up photographs also tell a lot. If the seller doesn't want to post an in-focus photo with his listing run from that one. Camera phones have gotten as goos as SLR cameras.
In reality, you are probably as safe buying something off of ebay as buying a boat here with a motor that has been run it's entire life at WOT.

very good "helpers" when buying. thanks.

I almost always assume I need to replace the gear set in ANY reel I buy used. Never buy a reel pictured with braid if you plan to use it for moving baits (and aren't prepared to replace the gears); the gears will in all likelihood be shot for that (but likely unnoticeable on the braid).

If the parts aren't available for it or the gears cost too to make the price acceptable, I won't do it. Same thing with drag washers, especially on shimano reels (they get trashed if someone leaves the reel's drag engaged and out in a garage/boat (heat).

I only buy brand new off ebay. I can usually get reels for close to half off. Most recent purchase was a brand new Tatula for $89 (i had a coupon as well) But I have gotten them for right around $100 without a coupon. Anywhere else they are $150 + tax. Havent bought any used reels so I can't comment on those. But usually its pretty easy to tell if they are a fisherman or just someone selling something they know nothing about. ANd like someone else said if they don't have good pictures then run far away. No excuse for taking crappy picture or only 1 picture of the reel.

I have bought over a dozen used reels of of eBay. I have never gotten a wore out reel.
I look at the sellers feedback it must be 98% or better 250 feedback's.
The pictures are everything they must be sharp and crystal clear,look for ware and paint chips.
Check out all the markings and engravings so that they are readable and free from dirt.
These are my own guide lines I have never bout a wore out reel.
Remember on E bay buyer beware so do your home work!

Unless it was a rare reel or just one that you wanted but they don't make anymore, only a crazy person would buy a used reel on epay. I say that because I have almost 800 feedbacks and I see used Abu Garcia STX's sell for $125 everyday when you can buy new ones in the box for $136 every day! Why would anyone not spend the extra $10 for a new one? I just sold a Skeet Reese reel this weekend for $40 on epay that I paid $40 for new. It is still new but I listed it as used to play it safe. Not a rip off or anything, but I would have never bid on it. Sure, sometimes you see one selling really low but at that point I would expect to spend more on parts and service so I try not to be tempted by those unless I'm just looking for a parts reel.

Great advice. For those of you not familiar about buying reels off internet, super information for you. Thanks for the inputs.

Good input......thanks

Another thing to look at especially when purchasing reels off eBay is that alot of the reels you see are being sold as "new other" most of these reels are just refurbished reels. So make sure you read hp on the description very well. Especially if you think you are getting a new reel and it's actually refurbished with small or minor blemishes.

like, "appears to have been....." then the guy is probably selling something he picked up at a garage sale. walk away from those. Sharp close-up photographs also tell a lot. If the seller doesn't want to post an in-focus photo with his listing run from that one. Camera phones have gotten as goos as SLR cameras.
In reality, you are probably as safe buying something off of ebay as buying a boat here with a motor that has been run it's entire life at WOT. [/quote]

I also pay close attention to pictures posted. I've bought a lot from e bay. The only reel i got was new. I've worn out to many reels in my time and no better than buying a used one.

Personally i would be very careful, unless you are ok with the fact you maybe getting a fake.
Lucky craft and mid to high end reels seem to me the most faked. With todays technology they make very good fakes, don't have to develope or advertise the product, just make it.
you can buy the fakes your self if you want from websites like dhgate, alibaba etc.
http://www.dhgate.com/product/12pcs-lucky-craft-fishing-lure-fishing-bait/160594997.html#s1-1-1|986341373

I buy used reel and new reel. From cheap reel to high end reels like the Stella (new). What you really want to look for is the pictures. Honest seller most of the time have detailed pictures. Showing and describing the scratches.. dent.. etc. They will answer your question when asked instead of some crappy reply.

Ill mostly ignore any sell that has crappy pictures that was taken from a phone with dirty lens or bad light. Description stating "minor" scratches etc and pictures does not show that part.

Last.... Pay with your credit card not your debit card.