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Buying Ez-Up Tents on eBay?

Posted by Bob Costello on June 5, 2010 at 10:51pm
I am needing to buy a 10X10 tent to support my upcoming, outdoor shows. I have been shopping around and I know I want a genuine EZ-UP tent.

The best price I have found for a new, in-the-box tent has been on eBay for $249. It is the model that comes with sides, and also the plates for weights on the legs.

Has anyone else purchased new tents from ebay? Any caveats to keep in mind?

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Replies

  • Lorraine Reynolds June 23, 2010 at 10:41pm
    I am also in the market for a new tent. I bought a cheap pop up, no name tent at the Christmas Tree Shop three years ago and it gave out this year . I had to duct tape the supports together in the middle of the day, they were all bent and sagging terribly.

    I've seen EZ UP on Amazon.com and a few other sites like hutshop.com for around $200-$250. But there are also cheaper models for sale on line that are NOT EZ UP. But titled EZ Pop up tent. I think when you but online you have to be VERY careful about what you are really buying. If it's $80 w/free shipping, it's probably NOT a real EZ UP.
  • Linda Anderson June 23, 2010 at 10:17pm
    Hi Bob - not sure what is on Ebay right now but in the past those listed were about the same as buying from elitedeals.com. With them you get the warranty and right now, extended warranty. They have packages that include all sides, banner, and a front shade thingy and the roller bag. I also purchased an additional back shade thingy (sorry, correct term escapes me right now).

    I personally would stay away from the Costco etc stores but some people have luck with that. They seem to carry the overstocks etc. My first went through 5 or 6 years of terrible storms - one last weekend with clocked 80mph. Of course, the most important was weights but we also used tie downs and during bad winds, tied the middle of the frame to heavy full bins in the center. The best EZ up is the Eclipse II - a steel frame. Second I would recommend is the Encore II which uses a combination steel and aluminum frame to lessen the weight a bit.

    I do like the EZ up as I can set it up myself. There have been some horrific stories this spring already about many loosing their tents - and it appears the losses have been with all types, including the better Trimlines. Good luck with your purchase. Just remember to have a great weight system ready to use.
  • Lee Fortier June 23, 2010 at 8:19pm
    Try Costco Warehouse, Sam's Club or BJ's. They all sell EZups. They usually charge $199.00 up here in the Northeast.

    Good Luck

    Lee
    www.leefortier.com
  • Larry Berman June 18, 2010 at 7:19am
    Hi Chris, Which model do you recommend. This is something that has never come up. Both KD and EZUp have multiple models. Obviously it needs to have a white top and four sides.

    Now that I've sold my Craft Hut I'm considering getting one to keep in the garage in case I need it. Besides doing local shows, it's useful to shoot pictures of large or difficult to light artwork inside.

    Larry Berman
    Digital Jury Services
    http://BermanGraphics.com
    412-401-8100
  • Chris Hoyt June 18, 2010 at 7:01am
    Things you want to look for.

    The assembly of the canopy. The cheap ones have rivets holding things together, and these can break, and cannot be repaired easily. The better canopy has actual nuts and bolts at all the connections. So if something breaks, you can get replacement parts and just bolt them on. Look for bolted scissors, not riveted ones.

    Tops. They are NOT waterproof, they are water resistant. Big difference! droplets can form on the underside and drip onto you and your work. The fix? A 10x10 ceiling under the mechanism. You just ball bungee it on at the corners and you're ready to go. It also keeps you cooler in summer as the heat stays "upstairs".

    I've had my KD since 1987 and I use it just about every weekend from memorial Day to Columbus Day weekends at shows. I figure I've used it well over 300 times. Best money I ever spent.
  • Ida Nepote June 17, 2010 at 10:21pm
    I bought mine at Costco for 229 a few months ago. It does not have the weight panels you mentions, but does have the sides and is brand new.
  • Diane Wright June 6, 2010 at 10:07am
    The ez up I bought was from elitedeals.com and cost $299. It was their best ez up. It has worked well for me. I used it for about 10 shows last season and only a couple so far this year. I did one show with high velocity winds and it was fine with the help of my happifeet weights. Some people lost their tent at that show.
  • Larry Berman June 6, 2010 at 8:54am
    I took a look at eBay (I currently have two cameras up for sale) and saw that it was the "Encore 2" model. If you do a search on Google for EZUp and Encore 2 you'll see that the $249 price is available at a few other places as well, or maybe it's the same company selling under multiple names. The Cadillac of pop up canopies used to be the KD Imperial (might have been the Majestic but that's still available) and I knew of a few artists that did shows every weekend and used it. Maybe Connie can respond with the model she and her husband used over the years. Just thought I'd throw that information out there. I know nothing of the pop up canopies but may pick one up in the future since I sold my Craft Hut last week.

    Another thought. If you're asking questions and depend on a timely response never ask on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday during the summer months because most artists are at shows over the weekend. That's why all the art show forums slow down like this.

    Larry Berman
    Digital Jury Services
    http://BermanGraphics.com
    412-401-8100
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