Purchasing Tips
Purchasing used iPods and ipod accessories from private sellers, and dealers through online auction sites  has opened up a marketplace of available products and hard to find items compatible with your model of ipod.
Enthusiasts and music lovers who frequently purchase the latest models and trends are frequently left with previously owned models, sometimes barely used, that will fit the needs of first time owners, collectors or bargain shoppers.

There are very few online marketplaces to chose from that offer a wide variety of used ipods and ipod accessories, speakers, skins, docks, cables and cases.

 Look for reputable shopping portals that will allow you to communicate with sellers as well as offer buyer protection options.

Once you have found an online store of shopping portal that offers an updated listing of items for sale that interest you, there are a few  helpful tips to ensure a smooth transaction and have you enjoying your new purchase in no time:

* Carefully read the item description.

This should give you a good understanding of the offer.  In particular check the picture, shipping details and buyer requirements of the audio equipment that you are interested in.  If you have any questions, email the seller. Sometimes it is good to know who the seller is and in what capacity the equipment was used, to get a better feel for how much estimated life is left on the product, as well as any factory warranties that are still relevant.  Many times items are put up for sale that were never used at all, or replaced quickly by an updated or promotional test model.
If in doubt about specs of a particular item , you can easily check the manufacture website for a more complete description.  Be sure you have the correct model number to insure that you are viewing the proper information.

* Get to know your seller

If a sellers reputation is offered get to know what others buyers have said before you buy or bid on an item.  Some of the largers reputable shopping sites have reputation ratings of frequent sellers, which is frank and honest input from buyers who have purchased from the seller before.
If you have any questions just look for options to ask the seller a question by IM, Email, or even phone.


* Check your personal information to make sure it is correct. Also, check that any spam blocking software that you have installed does not prevent a seller from communicating with you.
   
* Make every bid a serious one. Don't bid on multiple similar items from different sellers if you only want one. You could be the winning bidder in more than one auction, and you would be obligated to purchase any items you won.


* Pay safely

There are several ways you can pay for your item – most reputable shopping sites recommends you use a major credit or debit card with a MC or Visa Logo that frequently offer their own buyer and fraud protection, which is the safest and easiest way to pay online.
Larger sites offer other payment options as well.

* NEVER pay with Money Transfer Services:

Instant money transfer services  are not safe to use online and are prohibited on most sites. Disreputable sellers prefer these payment methods and may try to convince you to pay this way but I urge you not to. Even the services themselves warn against using their services for online payment transactions.
Use options that offer buyer protection. Plain and simple.

*  Protect yourself

If you receive an item that is significantly different to its description or you don't receive it at all, you may be protected with the Buyer Protection Program* of many online shopping, or marketplace sites.

 Remember: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

By following common sense and using the tools available to you, shopping for used ipods and accessories online can provide you with an unlimited resource of items that can take your music organizing and enjoyment to the next level.