I'm semi-fortunate enough to have two photo / camera stores nearby which sell used gear on consignment. I say semi, because looking over my recent purchases, I'm swearing off them in favor of eBay. One of the stores sells on a no-return policy, so the Maxxum 5000 I got there last weekend which has a frames counter which jumps in random increments, can't go back. Nearly all the pieces I've purchased from the other shop turned out to be junk too - wacky meters, sticky shutters, you name it.
It's sad that a store selling cameras stands less behind them than the average eBayer. And I despise eBay.
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Caveat emptor applies regardless of where it's coming from. I don't know that I'd buy anything from a local shop if they didn't stand by it and agree to take it back if it didn't work right. After all, you're paying a premium for staying local. I think any of the big on-line shops that deal in used equipment (Adorama and KEH come to mind) will stand behind what they sell, used or new.
There are five stores local to me (meaning a bus ride and a walk) that sell used gear. They either sell on consignment or buy the pieces themselves and resell. All offer a return policy, and it isnt in any store's interest to sell crap to their customers. Buying locally usually means a higher price to support your locals but you shouldnt get ripped off for it. Buy from reputable stores and remember to check everything out thoroughly before putting your money on the table. There can be honest mistakes, but a return policy is a must I'd say.
Caveat emptor applies regardless of where it's coming from. I don't know that I'd buy anything from a local shop if they didn't stand by it and agree to take it back if it didn't work right. After all, you're paying a premium for staying local. I think any of the big on-line shops that deal in used equipment (Adorama and KEH come to mind) will stand behind what they sell, used or new.
Dan
I've had good luck with eBay, but since my recent dealings with KEH, I now check KEH before looking for anything on eBay. I bought a few "bargain" grade Rokkor lenses for my SRT-101 and was very pleased with the quality of the items received. On the other hand, I was recently searching for a backup body and found one from a eBay seller who lives within 5 miles of me. When I inquired about the camera and informed him that I lived nearby, he kindly agreed to meet me so I could inspect the camera. After looking the camera and lens over, I decided that the camera was a good one and worth his buy it now price, so I now have another SRT-101 and a 58mm f1.4 Rokkor as well. The seller also offered a return privilege if the camera turned out to be unsatisfactory. So, I would say that EvilBay can be a good source for gear if yer careful.
There are some stores that are better than others, but in general, I don't think it is necessarily advantageous to buy used equipment from a store, just because it's an established business, as opposed to buying from eBay or a classified ad. A store may have a repair service that does an adequate job with most things, for instance, but I'd rather buy a camera that needs a CLA from an individual and send it to a technician who specializes in that particular camera, or to one of the highly qualified repair techs that I use regularly.
I too prefer to support my local camera store, however, if they didn't offer a return policy, I wouldn't even bother. I know some of those in my area offer a 3 month warranty, some offer 6 mths. I thoroughly test anything I purchase used within days of purchase and pray that nothing will happen 2 days after the warranty period expires. :-) A store worthy of your custom will treat you right, if not don't bother and shop elsewhere.
I would say that in my experience, most camera shops have horrendous return policies on used equipment, and rarely have it serviced or checked out by a qualified repair person. No piece of used equipment I have ever asked about (and there have been MANY) has ended up to have been serviced or even looked over in any sort of detail by anyone who knows what they are doing. This is not to mention that their prices are always too high for the market; often double what they should be, and they don't negotiate much, if at all. As I see it, there is no reason whatsoever to buy used equipment from a camera shop, unless they practically give it to you. IMO, buying from repair shops is the way to go. The one I go to all the time has somewhat reasonable prices, checks everything and ends up working on most of it in some way, and offers a 6-month warranty (which I have used twice for minor issues, with no hassle and no cost). If a camera store offers you that, go for it. If not, forget it.
There are about 5 or more camera stores in my city. As far as I know they all honor returns if something breaks, and at least a 1 month guarantee. If they said "no returns" then I would say "The same for me. Goodbye." Stores are better than online auctions because I can inspect what I'm potentially going to buy. Online auctions are better for price, but I've been bitten a few times (items not as described, junk, etc.)
Don't buy used cameras from photo shops? 
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