Buying Used Microphones On eBay

My advice...
Ask any questions before bidding.
Request additional photos if desired.
Video unboxing and testing on arrival.
Problems...
Politely contact seller through eBay.
Assume the seller is innocent / unaware.
Don't get involved in unpleasantness.
Use eBay if you have to return an item.
You may lose postage, or you may lose out entirely, but I have found this to be rare. 'Caveat Emptor' but there are some lovely high quality mikes to be enjoyed.
If there's a problem, then I think the thing to do is contact the seller,
explain the situation and ask if you can explore the possible cause of failure. I was a tad impatient and felt sure I could sort it - as they're simple devices. This turned out to be the case in all but one.
I also accepted that if I couldn't fix it and did some damage trying, I
would have to suffer the loss.
From these experiences, I would ask the seller to really overdo it with the bubble wrap and make sure the actual mic itself is wrapped. I have received carefully wrapped packages with the mic unwrapped and rattling around in the box inside. This is no good, there should be no movement at all. Do likewise if you're selling.
It has occurred to me that buying a top quality dynamic mic (I don't know about the longevity or repair-ability of condenser mikes with their specialised electronics) that suits your voice and application, is superb value for money. I am enjoying 30, 40, even 50 year old
dynamics and Beyer ribbons. Spend £400 on the right mic, that you get to know and enjoy, gig after gig for 40 years and then - if you look after it - sell it for a good price... way to go, no?
Interestingly, I struggle to see that top quality dynamics have improved much over the last half century!

[@CenturyOfCid]

The first thing my eyes go to when looking at a seller is their feedback rating

[@solomonb5990]

7:45 i hear "ribbon mic" and without thinking scream "disconnected ribbon"

[@AntonBrowne]

I was wary but respect to Beyer as not one of my vintage ribbons has a problem with the actual ribbon. I don't think handling or dropping is the main issue as the ribbon is so light - so the effect of G forces, not so much an issue. I think wind blasts are the destroyer and you have to balance putting any thing/things in front to protect the ribbon from blasts, with allowing soundwaves through as freely as possible. Once again, hats off to Beyer!

[@General_Puffball]

Happy New Year, Anton.

[@ADGreen-es6hm]

Happy Christmas

[@brandonlamontcooper8141]

thank you

[@AntonBrowne]

My pleasure.

[@redrobbosworkshop]

Seasons greetings Anton

[@timbeaton5045]

Armagnac? Salut!