Buying a used Mac through a retailer has long been the preferred
choice for those who want the unique features of the Macintosh platform
without spending the big bucks that quality computers usually go for.
However, in the past few years, a new place has emerged for buying used
computers, electronics, and other goods:
eBay. This auction site has new iMacs are going for the same price
as used ones bought from a retailer - and used iMacs going for the
worth of your beaten up computer chair.
eBay has great prices as it is, but there are a few tips and tricks
that can help keep your wallet stuffed and assure that you don't buy a
lemon.
Last Minute Bidding
It is a useless strategy to bid a few days before an auction ends.
What this does is show the people you are competing with that you are
in - and a constant price war begins (exactly what the seller wants).
For example, lets say you and one other person are
bidding on a new Indigo
iMac. The other person makes the first bid, you acknowledge it and
wait until the last few minutes of the auction to make your move. The
person you are bidding against thinks she is the only one going for
that auction item, and you'll get the best price at the end because you
don't have to go through the constant cycle of outbidding each other.
Also, try not to use eBay's maximum bid function until the last few
hours of the auction; it could save you a lot of money.
Do Research on the Seller
eBay and similar online auction sites have a feature which lets a
buyer do a bit of research on the person who is auctioning an item. It
is always a good idea to check up on the seller and make sure
that he or she has a good reputation. Since you have to pay before the
seller sends you the item that you won, they can easily cheat you.
Contact the Seller, Check Shipping and Handling
It is a smart move to contact the seller before bidding on an
auction item. Ask any questions that you may have about the auction and
clarify any misleading wording in the item description. Also make sure
that the seller accepts the way you are planning to pay for the item,
so you don't get in a disagreement later on. When reading about the
auction, double check the shipping and handling cost, and if it's not
listed, contact the seller and ask for an approximated rate. Some
shipping costs can be outrageous, and you'll want to be sure to include
that in how much you are planning to spend. Getting certified shipping
is also a smart idea.
Pictures Are Good
I may be stating the obvious here, but buying a Mac (or anything)
off of an auction site without seeing a picture of it is like jumping
in a fire and expecting not to burn. Pictures are essential to online
auction life, because there may be a scratch on the computer that the
seller has neglected to mention in the item description, or something
of similar importance (who wants a splotched iBook?).
Whether you are bidding on the latest Mac, a RAM upgrade, a Zip
drive, or a lamp, good luck! Follow the tips above, and you'll be able
to beat out those who have been playing the auction game for years. I'd
like to know of the great deals that you've gotten on eBay, so drop me
an email if you're lucky to get something for an outrageously low
price. Happy bidding!
