the only solution is…….
[1] only buy lenses sold as “NEW” or “USED” – defined by eBay as “Used. An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.” Never bid for “Spares or Repair” unless you want to take it to bits
[2] check all lenses on delivery with a flashlight
[3] return any with fungus or haze immediately – as these by definition are NOT “fully operational and function as intended”, A few specks of dust are OK – but check with a hand lens for signs that it is not a germinating spore
[4] start a RETURN claim straight away – and stick to your guns. I agree with this article – even if a seller says “no returns accepted” they have to accept a return if it fails to meet the specification for “used”. No amount of “I’m selling this for my father – I know nothing about lenses but looks OK to me” or “cosmetically great” “sold as seen” descriptions can protect them — EBAY is on your side as a buyer in this. Remember that ZEISS UK refuse to even consider repairing lenses with fungus – no matter the price.

If we buyers did this religiously AND gave negative reviews to the sellers as a matter of course we could stamp this out in no time. Sure a seller can make an unfortunate error once – but the return and negative score should make them check better next time….twice times the mistake and either the seller is careless or up to mischief.

Here is my tip-list for buying lenses online:
[1] anyone who lists a lens as “cosmetically great” but does not specifically mention optics or mechanics – DONT BID
[2] anyone who says “I know nothing about lenses but looks OK to me” – check the other items for sale. In 8 times in 10 in my experience they are selling lots of photo gear and know full well what they are doing – DONT BID
[3] anyone who advises – “one small spot of fungus – does not impair image quality” – DONT BID
[4] any sign of the black anti-reflective paint scratched off the rear lens securing ring or strange “wipe” marks on a lens – means an amateur repair has occurred – remember that even Zeiss can’t fix fungus in a lens – DONT BID
[5] any advert that leaves the item condition blank – rather than “USED” can be doing this for only one reason – to get out of the buyers protection offered by eBay which says …..”Used. An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.” – DONT BID

none of these seen ?? – then please bid – but have the flashlight ready for an instant return if not happy. LET’S STAMP THIS OUT on eBay !!!!!!!

When a lens seller does good – PRAISE THEM in your scoring….and say why.

If it’s your lens with fungus – say farewell and BIN IT. I have waved goody to a few in 2017. Remember once again that ZEISS UK refuse to even consider repairing lenses with fungus – no matter the price. Bid for another on eBay. Don’t be tempted to try a cosmetic fix with a quick unscrewing of the lens back and a wipe with a cloth………or to put it up for a hopeful sale to a innocent on eBay — we know the telltale signs of what to look for !

I’ve sold most of my gear through eBay in the UK.