eBay issue -- June 2023

[Protimenow]

This is a bit of a warning to those of you who are planning to start self testing and looking at eBay as your source for a meter.

I've bought meters and strips on eBay and have had no problems. I wouldn't hesitate to use eBay again for testing equipment or supplies.

This is a warning: It looks like an increasing number of sellers are selling discontinued meters -- the Coaguchek S and the original Coaguchek. They may not know any better -- but if you didn't, now you do.

If the meter doesn't use the XS strips, it can't be used for testing. Valid meters include the original XS (and Pro and Plus). the InRange. and the Vantus. The others are obsolete, have been discontinued. and there are no strips available for them. Unless you collect useless, retired meters. stay away from the old ones.

Again, the sellers may not know that these meters shouldn't be sold. Just stay away from them.

 

[sharky7]

Thank you oh so much for that, this is why, and or in part WHY this place is here. to share things like this, I have and have been using a MACHINE XS I believe it is, for about 2 years now, and also buy strips and lancets with no problems. And like do many before me, had to figure out which lancets were the best ones for me. as in>>> least amount of pain, and enough blood to do the INR test! <<<< AND i do suggest to place pressure on finger to force blood to tip before cutting it with the lancet, and yes, most of the time i do forget to do that!
So back to those machines for testing those strips, this is what happens to those that do not do their homework, although if the seller made a mistake and sold you an item that you could not use for what you bought it for, and the EBAY POST states that it can when this is not true, EBAY is very good i find in dealing with those problems! the SELLER could and would have 2 choices, either get the MACHINE that can be used to test INR with the currently available STRIPS , or REFUND! thank you again!

 

[Protimenow]

Many sellers simply don't know that some meters have been discontinued. They probably buy them in big lots at 'ridiculous' prices thinking that they made a big score. They don't do the necessary research on the products before buying them.

Or, perhaps they know what they have but want to steal money from the unaware buyer.

Either way, as far as this thread goes -- the readers have been warned.

Also buy from a seller who will accept returns.

Yes, there's a learning curve for these meters. There may be an initial challenge knowing which lancets work for INR testing (and realizing that the blood sugar lancets won't work).

In my experience, the XS can last a LONG time. I retired the meter that I bought used, and used for about ten years, not because it failed but because I got a new one on eBay for $29.

OTOH -- An XS Plus that I bought used died after I had it for about a year. In fairness, I have no idea how many tests it had run before I got it.