Checking Laptops for sale on eBay
Published May 7th, 2006
Description: Good sellers provide detailed descriptions of their products - not just cut and paste jobs from the manufacturer website. If a seller purposely leaves out details that could make a product that they are selling more desirable, then it is highly likely that they would leave out details that would detract from an item’s desirability.
Model number traps: There are often numerous versions of notebook models and these will usually have varying specifications. One model might have Bluetooth where another might not. Make sure you have done your research.
Condition and accessories: Carefully review the list of what is included in the auction. Clarify the condition of everything you are buying. Some of the things you should look for:
How long does the battery last?
How was it used?
Original owner?
Are original accessories included?
Is all the bundled software included?
Is the screen bright?
Are there any dead pixels?
Is there a valid serial sticker (COA)?
Is the screen hinge solid?
Are there cracks or creaks?
Are the keyboard keys worn?
Does it get hot?
How loud is the cooling?
Do all the plugs work?
Is the operating system included?
Repair history?
Blurry pictures: Blurry pictures mean that the seller is hiding something - most of the time. If all you have is a picture to base your decision on, and you can not make out details, should you be disappointed with your item if it arrives in rough shape? Blurry pictures mean the seller is incompetent or hiding something - neither is a good quality in a person that you will be sending money to.
Short descriptions: Another way to obfuscate a transaction is to provide little information. How can you be disappointed with a deal if you were never sure exactly what you were getting?
Language barrier: This is not a barrier. If you can not understand someone’s description and they can not articulate answers to your questions, why would you buy from them?
Warranty: A seller may mention that their product has warranty, but make sure that this is transferable. Also make sure that it is valid in your territory (this is only an issue for cross border shopping). Dell offers its users the ability to look up warranty by service tag or express service code (unique ID similar to a serial number). Dell’s service in this regard is among the best — users can transfer ownership (domestic and international) and even report a stolen computer.
Ask lots of questions: The above points can be ameliorated by asking good questions. If a seller is not responsive before they have your money, how responsive will they be after you pay them? Be wary of anyone that can not give you the answer you want. Only use the eBay message system to initiate correspondence. Sellers that ask you to diverge from eBay’s system should be avoided.
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