You know I have never been ripped off by a fellow Ham. In fact I think most Hams are pretty honest. You mentioned some radios you saw on EHam or one of those sites. DO you believe purchasing a rig from a Ham there would be any different? The one good thing about buying used gear from Ebay is you do have some recourse should you end up dealing with a less than honest person. Hell even Paypal will back you in a lot of cases as well. I ran into this when shipping something to a gent in Canada who tried to claim he did not receive the package. I provided Paypal with all the necessary records of the shipment and they sided with me in that case.
I used to be a bit more concerned, but buying used gear is a little easier in some respects now than in the past. Although anytime you can visit the gear and test it out is the best.

On Jul 20, 2012, at 5:59 PM, Harry Brown <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi Steve,
> I'm with you, pal!
> The problem with used ham gear is, if I don't know the person, I could =
> really get taken.
> So, guess I'll have to save up and hopefully, someday, get my own =
> station on the air.
> Trippy, ac8s
>  ----- Original Message -----=20
>  From: Steve Forst=20
>  To: [log in to unmask]
>  Sent: Friday, July 20, 2012 3:06 PM
>  Subject: Re: if you want to buy ham equipment, you better have the =
> bucks in hand!
> 
> 
>  I've found the same  outdated thinking at the grocery store.  This is =
> an=20
>  outrage.
> 
>  At least with ham gear you have  the option of a vast array of used =
> gear=20
>  at reduced price.   The used food market isn't  such a good option.
> 
>  73, Steve KW3A
> 
>  On 7/20/2012 2:48 PM, Harry Brown wrote:
>> Hi folks,
>> Well, as you all know, I'm in the market for hf equipment.
>> I called ham radio outlet, very nice folks, really they are!
>> However, if you want to buy ham stuff from them at least, you better =
> =3D
>> have the money on hand, they don't do paiments.
>> I can understand that,=3D20
>> It doesn't mean that I won't ever buy from ham radio outlet,
>> but I'm gonna have to save up in order to buy it.
>> at least my ham friend, here in the building, has his 570, and he =
> lets =3D
>> me operate it.
>> Just wanted to let everyone know about ham radio places and how to =
> buy =3D
>> equipment.
>> 73,
>> Trippy, ac8s
>> 
>> 
>>