[Asterisk-Users] FXO cards

[Andrew Kohlsmith]

> I see everyone talking about purchasing the channel bank from ebay.
> 1. As a user who has never used ebay, are these used equipments ?
> 2. Are these reliable in terms of all ports working and all hardware
> intact? 3. Is there a huge price difference between purchasing it from a
> authorized dealer and ebay ?
> 4. Or was this suggestion just because the system being setup for is a
> NPO who like to save, even if it is a couple of dollors?
> 5. If we find some issues with it, can we return it for another ?
> 6. How far reliability becomes an issue in purchasing it from ebay or an
> authorized reseller.

Ebay is just like a flea market or any real auction.  You pays your money 
and you takes your chances.  I've bought well over US$100k of equipment 
(mostly telco equipment) from ebay and have not been burned yet.  
Everything from servers to channel banks to palm pilots to access servers 
to M13s to kid's toys. 

The price difference is staggering.  However there is no warranty and like I 
said, you take your chances.  If you know how to make equipment work it 
generally works out very well.  Some vendors offer 30 day returns and 
whatnot, it really depends on who you buy from.

Some tips: try to buy from sellers with high ebay ratings (high meaning 10 
and above).  Use an escrow company if you have a bad feeling.  Be prepared 
to get screwed on shipping, and offer to have the vendor ship using your 
own courier account to help protect against this.  Ask questions BEFORE the 
auction closes.

Regards,
Andrew