http://ping.fm/UDsP4
*****This is a guide we wrote on eBay regarding New/Used autoclaves on eBay and eBay's lack of respect for their own policy.*****

Looking to buy a new Tuttnauer autoclave, parts or accessories on eBay? You can easily find 270 items listed at any time. So, eBay is a great place to start.

Buying online does pose some interesting questions though. Like, who is this seller I'm about to fork $3200 over too? Most sellers claim to be some sort of Dealer or some sort of "Top Refurbisher". Well thats all and good but why is it that most sellers of autoclaves whether New or Used opt not to place in their ad copy any means of identifying who they really are?

Upon closer inspection, several listings I looked at this morning looked legit and had lower prices than similar autoclaves listed. A closer look reveals some "Big" questions. Most manufacturers including Tuttnauer USA have started M.A.P. pricing policies (minimum advertised Price). As an example, if you see a Tuttnauer EZ9 autoclave listed as new for anything less than $4156.25 then that seller is not compliant with M.A.P. pricing. Do you want to hand $4156.00 over to a guy that could potentially have his/her dealership pulled in the middle of your transaction? I would not want that aggrevation myself. The other issue with this is warranty, manufacturer's are pulling together and changing their policies where soon warranties will not be honored if they cannot see that the product was purchased through the correct channels.

I also have a huge issue with eBay for not enforcing their own rules in a quick and efficient manner. eBay requires sellers in certain categories to list their Business Name, Nature of Business, Contact Name and Phone Number in the listings as well as post the required FDA statement (which actually does not concern the purchase of an autoclave). This is just not happening. Guys are out their claiming to be dealers and the only way you have of contacting them is through the eBay system. How comfortable does that make you feel? I'd rather be able to verify any statements by googling the company name or even being able to call a manufacturer and say "hey, is "ABC" a dealer in good standing"?

I had a doctor just yesterday say "I saw this autoclave on eBay for 4k and I'm thinking of purchasing it" my first response was, first off Doc. that manufacture does not allow it's dealers to advertise for anything less than full list price. So, right off the bat I see a big red flag. So, the Doc then showed me a printout of the auction. It is from a new seller with negative feedback. This seller also has absolutely nothing in his ad copy which would identify his identity outside of ebay.

What made me stand out to the Doc. was that I had actually spoken to this seller a few months ago and remembered his name and had his phone number to share with the Doc. I was also able to tell the Doc that this guys was not a dealer and that he was reselling the units. ( he had contacted me about supplying him machines- I said No)

This economy is playing huge games with consumers. Everyone wants a refurbished autoclave or a used autoclave to save money. Dealers have their hands tied with M.A.P. pricing so they get their buddies to through the claves out on their eBay accounts. Well that game is comming to a close soon as the manufacturers are buckling down and tracing serial numbers and holding dealers accountable.

Purchase your next autoclave from a dealer whom you can verify !!!!!!!!!!!!