I was messing around on Ebay and noticed that there are alot of fly tying materials for sale on there…I never have bought anything off there, but I was curious if anyone else has…
I recently bought several hundred hooks off of eBay. They were exactly as advertised and shipped immediately upon payment. Be careful to read the descriptions and try to buy from “top rated” sellers.
I have bought a few fly tying items, materials and tools on ebay. Usually save a few pennies. One caveat is to check what they charge for shipping. You might get some fur, feathers or hooks for a smokin’ price and find out ya gotta pay $12.95 for S&H. I usually check the seller’s feedback before I’ll bid or buy it now. Jim
I’ve bnought a large number of items from ebay and as long as you check the feedback on the seller and as Jim mentioned check what they will charge for shipping and handling, you shouldn’t have any problems. I look for sellers that have a large number of feedback responses and a rating of at least 99%. While I will occasionally bid on something from someone with a lower rating, I will not bid on any item where the sellers rating is lower than 97%, but that’s just my standards that I go by. Good luck.
Jim Smith
Ebay is great. But it’s presonally for things that you already know about. For instance, if you’ve never even seen the difference between a top quality and a 2nd rate hackle…then Ebay is a risky place to buy hackle. But if you’ve already seen and identified something, like say a specific type of dubbing or winging material?..then it’s great.
I needed deer fur, got tired of 2 inch squares from the local fly shop bought about a 10 year supply from a taxidermist on ebay. like everyone else says buyer beware read the comments.
Eric
I’ve also had great success with purchases from ebay. Bought hooks, hackle, antron and z-lon yarn, thread, books, fur, and other misc tying materials and never had a problem or issue. I think as long as your selective and check the seller’s reputation and are satisfied with theire reported customer service you should be fine.
As already mentioned, a great place to buy hooks. I’ve bought lots of other stuff and been pleased with prices and quality. As with anything else on eBay, set a price limit on what you’re thinking about buying and unless it’s a one-of-a-kind something that you have to have, don’t get caught up in a bidding frenzy. Chances are, it will show up again within a few days.
Regards,
Scott
Like everyone else says watch the price for shipping 'cause it can bite you in the backside real quick! But you can get some real good deals on Ebay. I bought some nice jungle cock for about half price once… but that hasn’t happened again. I’ve bought hooks out the wazzoo pretty cheap and some pretty nice tools also. You really have to watch shipping… they will make their money on shipping twice over sometimes if you aren’t careful…
I am another who is a big fan of Ebay, however…
WARNING!!!..Keep in mind that you will get many emails presenting themselves from Ebay (or PayPal, if you use it). DO NOT EVER open these emails (even if legitimate)!!! One hint…Ebay & PayPal will ALWAYS address you by first AND last name via email. If the email is legitimate, you will find a message on your Ebay or PayPal account. Here’s what to do:
- Bring up Ebay & login.
- Go to “My Ebay”.
- You will see messages & if one was sent, it will be there & it is far safer to view once logged in.
- If not on the Ebay site, report it by forwarding the email (WITHOUT opening) to spoof@ebay.com
- Same with PayPal…their email is spoof@paypal.com
I hope this helps. At least I can rest easier knowing I may have helped prevent someone from being scammed.
Mike
I’ve bought a lot of things off ebay, but it’s gotten harder to find a bargain in the fly tying/fishing departments in recent years. Mike’s advice about the scam emails is exactly right. I remember when the fly tying section of ebay was so small that it didn’t have it’s own division. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions before buying and always check the feedback.
Rex
I have shopped on Ebay for some tying materials. I would never buy buck tail there, unless I knew for sure the dealer had some great buck tails. I would readily buy hooks, or synthetics, but would be hesitant in buying feathers. If I heard a dealer had extra good material, that is one thing. If not, I would think long and hard on the quality, or bug issue. Some of that may be from tyers who had the stuff stored for years, maybe with bugs in it, maybe not. I did buy Jungle Cock on there once, and was pleased with what I got. As others have stated, I would pour over the reviews of other people. READ negative statements. You may decide it is not worth the risk. Old hooks are fine, and at times they have some you cannot even buy anymore, and they are quality hooks. Be very careful of shipping and type of payment before bidding. I have been messed over buy a couple of dealers on there at least. So it pays to be careful in your purchases there.
I buy stuff on EBay all the time, as well as sell some flies there. I just bought a complete Golden Pheasant hide, and it is absolutely perfect, and beautiful. It cost me a whopping $12.00 + $3.00 shipping. A bargain in anyone’s book. I get most of my hooks on Ebay, as well as many other things.
I have gotten burned once or twice, but the great deals I have gotten over the years more than off-set it. And I learned how not to get burned.
Semper Fi.