Buying an Air 3S on eBay... my experience

Buying Advice Forum
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For some context, I made a post earlier asking if anyone had experience buying a new drone from eBay. I got mixed responses, so I thought I’d share my experience for anyone considering it.

Since my DJI order got rejected by customs, and I couldn’t find an Air 3S already in the U.S., I decided to take the risk with eBay. Overall, it was a good experience. I bought the RC 2 Fly More Combo for $100 less than MSRP. It shipped from South Korea and arrived in under a week with no customs issues.

The drone was sealed and exactly as advertised. I was also able to purchase DJI Care. I bought from 102_store on eBay, but I can’t speak for other sellers.

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I think you got lucky… there’s a 99% chance this could get seized too because of the DJI CBP issue.

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Ridge said:
I think you got lucky… there’s a 99% chance this could get seized too because of the DJI CBP issue.

I’d say my experience is more common than not. No eBay reviews mention customs issues, and I’ve seen others here with similar stories.

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@Stormy
Yeah, I’ve seen those… I’m thinking about buying from them. Did you get a 100% new product, just like ordering from DJI? It’s weird that it’s cheaper than DJI’s site.

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Ridge said:
@Stormy
Yeah, I’ve seen those… I’m thinking about buying from them. Did you get a 100% new product, just like ordering from DJI? It’s weird that it’s cheaper than DJI’s site.

It was completely new, in the original DJI packaging.

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@Stormy
Alright… here goes nothing. Just placed my order—hoping I don’t lose $1,300!

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Ridge said:
@Stormy
Alright… here goes nothing. Just placed my order—hoping I don’t lose $1,300!

Buy from 102_store. I can’t vouch for other sellers.

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Stormy said:

Ridge said:
@Stormy
Alright… here goes nothing. Just placed my order—hoping I don’t lose $1,300!

Buy from 102_store. I can’t vouch for other sellers.

Just grabbed the Avata 2 Fly More Combo for the lowest price I’ve seen. Thanks for the info! I’ll update when it arrives.

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@Stormy
So they’re not region-locked?

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Ridge said:
I think you got lucky… there’s a 99% chance this could get seized too because of the DJI CBP issue.

eBay sellers haven’t had as many issues as DJI direct.

It’s easier for customs to target DJI orders than random eBay packages.

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Ridge said:
@Barbara
Maybe I’ll get lucky :joy:. Also, aren’t there regional differences with Avata 2?

Not sure about Avata 2, but the biggest issue seems to be with Agras drones—they don’t work in the U.S. at all.

Air 3S from other regions seems fine, and Avata 2 probably is too, but I can’t say for sure.

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Ridge said:
I think you got lucky… there’s a 99% chance this could get seized too because of the DJI CBP issue.

Once it’s in the country, it’s fine. It’s not illegal to own, so it can’t be seized unless you’re doing something illegal with it.

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Ridge said:
@Sullivan
There are thousands of drones stuck in ‘customs clearance’ for over 45 days before getting sent back. Google ‘DJI CBP issue.’

That doesn’t change what I said?

If it’s already here, it’s not getting seized. Customs stopping shipments is a different issue.

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Ridge said:
@Sullivan
Did you even read my comment? The issue is drones being held and sent back with no explanation. What’s there to argue about?

You originally said there’s a ‘99% chance this can get seized.’

Drones don’t get seized unless they’re used illegally. That’s what I’m saying.

If you think this is arguing, maybe take a break from this forum lol.

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Sorry, but CBP?

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Bao said:
Sorry, but CBP?

Customs and Border Protection.

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Rory said:

Bao said:
Sorry, but CBP?

Customs and Border Protection.

Ah, got it. Thanks!