To Buy New Or Used?
Everyone would always like to buy something new but that's not always the case.
You might be on a tight budget or simply looking for an older radio to add to
your collection.
Buying new affords many "priveleges" :
- You get all the accessories (antenna, power cords, manual, etc.)
- You get a full manufacturers warranty which usually covers parts and
labor for at least 90 days and a limited warranty for a full year.
- If you buy from a respectable dealer, you usually have 30 days in which
to return the radio for a refund or exchange should you change your
mind or receive defective merchandise.
- You pay top dollar for the radios in highest demand. There are many
dealers out there; shop around and you will find a wide range of prices
for the same model.
Buying used :
- Due to good competition these days, today's hot model can easily become
yesterday's bacon when a model by a rival manufacturer goes one better.
Many will try to upgrade giving you the opportunity to purchase a
receiver in good condition for much less than it was originally
purchased for.
- You always run the risk of getting the shaft. My advice is, whenever
possible, buy face-to-face in your local area so you can get a hands-on
evaluation of what you're going to buy.
- Many warranties, although still in effect for the original owner, are
not transferrable to you since you are not the one who sent in the
registration card nor hold the original purchase receipt
- Many older models, while not loaded with the features of today's
radios, offer receivers that were designed very well allowing them to
command prices not that different from when the model was in production.
- And it wouldn't hurt to read Bob Parnass' FAQ on
Buying A Used Scanner Radio
Whatever you choose, be sure to check out the
Scanner Models FAQ for a rundown of the
features for a large number of radios; both new and old.
Where To Buy New
Mail order gives you the opportunity to buy at much better prices. You should
be able to find a dealer out of state which means no sales tax. You will have
to pay shipping but that runs from $7 to $15 usually. Be sure to buy from a
reputable dealer.
Radio Shack stores are available nationwide and carry a wide range of radios
suited for all needs and price ranges. Their prices tend to be pretty steep
though. Their scanners are made by two companies : GRE and Uniden. Those that
are Uniden made tend to have an equivalent Uniden model (just like the Ford
Taurus and Mercury Sable) that sells for much less. You are also better off to
wait for a sale when prices can be discounted between $50 and $130 off.
Discontinued models will be marked down even more! A final note, there are a
couple of Radio Shack stores that also do mail order with prices that approach
the usual sale levels; you would be wise to check them out.
Local department stores and catalog showrooms often carry many models from the
Uniden line. While there prices are usually not very competitive (20% to 30%
above mail order plus sales tax), it does give you a hands-on opportunity. And
you usually have some form of 30 day money-back guarantee.
Be sure to ask your friends and make use of the "unlimited" resources of the
web. The radio USENET newsgroups are a great source of information.
Check out my Scanner Dealers FAQ for a comprehensive
rundown of today's dealers.
You might also want to stop by the
Strong Signals Classifieds page.
I have purchased MANY radios (as in 90+) over the years and used mail-order for
probably 95% of them and have only had one problem. A phone call solved the
problem and I never dealt with that dealer again. In fact, they aren't even in
business anymore.
Where To Buy Used
A good source of used radios are your local USENET newsgroups. If you have any
local groups that have .wanted or .forsale or some form of radio newsgroups,
use them to your advantage. Frequently scan them for sales. Post your own
'Wanted To Buy' ad for a used radio scanner (be sure to specify 'radio' or
you'll get document scanners too!). You'll be surprised at the number of
responses you get.
Another good source are the REC newsgroups dedicated to radio topics. Two of
the best are :
rec.radio.scanner
rec.radio.swap
Check out my Scanner Dealers FAQ for a rundown of those
who carry used radios and avoid the usual risks associated with buying used.
You might also want to stop by the
Strong Signals Classifieds page.
Uniden also sells most of its models that have been refurbished and at very
attractive prices. Check out their
on-line store
If dealing with a private individual, get ahold of their phone number and
arrange a "chat". Be sure to ask the following :
- Why are they selling?
- Are they the original owner?
- Has the radio ever been professionally serviced?
- Have they performed any modifications themselves?
- What physical and operational condition is it in?
- What items will be included in the sale and what are their
conditions (manual, antenna, power supply, etc.)?
The safest way to make the exchange is in a face-to-face meeting but we all
know that is usually unreasonable given the global nature of the internet and
how contacts are made. Barring this method, make the shipment via COD with
insurance and make payment with a US Postal Money Order. If possible, examine
the shipment before handing over the money. If not and you were mailed a bunch
of "crap", file charges with the Post Office. It is now a federal offense for
mail fraud and is handed over to the Postal Inspectors who will see to it the
individual is contacted by their local authorities and told to come clean or
else!
A great place to find a variety of models is your local pawn shop. Most are
usually in good working condition but be sure to bring some batteries or ask to
power it up while there. Such finds can usually be had for a great price since
their true value is usually not known by the broker.
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