Hello. I think I'm ready to make the dive into video mystery shopping. Before I make a full purchase of brand new equipment without any training, I wanted to purchase use equipment to get my foot wet, and become comfortable with this style shop.

I've recently acquired information about used equipment that is for sale, upon further research it seems this model has been discontinued through law-mate. Though the seller states the item is brand new, and hasn't been used, I'm wondering the pros and cons of purchasing a used, discontinued law mate, in terms of reliability, warranty, and technical support. Thanks in advance.

I would have a few questions. Is this a unit that was purchased by a mystery shopper? If not, does it include the correct cam? Also I personally would pay no more than 1/2 retail, otherwise the warranty is worth paying full price. Why was it purchased and never used? As far as discontinued, that's not a big deal. My favorite model is discontinued. In fact I have 3 working DVRs and 2 non working DVRs and only 1 of them is a current model. And I rarely use it.

I still use the PV-500 I purchased in August of 2009 and would not consider swapping it for one of the newer models. My reason is that when it needed repair two years ago, MCP sent me a current model, one with the touch screen and that would place the video on 31 second files in a retrograde arrangement. I lost over $300 in fees because I could not understand the complexity of the unit. Mine is as straight forward as it can be, so for me, change was definitely not good. For a classic example, in my opinion, none of the versions of Windows has equaled XP

thanks y'all!!

My experience with the post 2011 model was terrible and expensive, in that I lost in excess of $300 in fees and eight meals. That, however, could have been an isolated situation; none the less, I favor the older units. As has been mentioned, pay no more than 1/2 retail of a new rig.

Bob, I bought my favorite PV-500 in January 2010, shortly before the training in Cincinnati. I eventually had a couple back up rigs which have since broken down with much less use than the pre-2011 model. It is a real champ. I will be in mourning when it bites the dust.

I am also hanging on to 2 pre-2010 PV-500 models. Just because a model has been discontinued does not NECESSARILY mean that it was defective. But, you should find out what model it is and then ask knowledgeable
distributors WHY that one was discontinued. A few had problems, but not many.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/17/2018 10:35AM by walesmaven.

If you are looking at buying used PV500's here are some things to consider. 1. Make sure the recorder comes with the matching camera and mic. Some people think when they see a cheap price on the PV500 that everything is included and many times it is not. 2. Pre 2011 the PV500 used a lithium battery and the recorder usually came with two of them as they only last about 90 minutes or so. If you are just a casual video shopper you should be fine as long as you have the second battery fully charged and keep an eye on the battery meter and swap batteries when it is time. Also, have a method to charge the first battery when you swap in the event you need to fo more shops, especially apartment shops that can take up to 30 mins to shop. Anything after 2011 and have the slip on battery especially the oversized version is good for a few hours before recharging. Another good idea is to purchase the USB charger or cigarette light charger so you can be charging your battery while you drive between shops. If you are ever in need of repairs just contact me and never accept the words that it cannot be fixed by someone who is in the business of selling new equipment. FYI - I was told that my camera was toast because I was getting a foggy picture and the lens was shot. Nobody sold a replacement lens and I would need to buy a new camera! That is when I got into repairs as I found a new lens and my camera was like new again!