GFX Shopping on Ebay

**jankren** · June 02, 2007, 03:57 PM

I have never bought anything on Ebay and Im planning to buy a used GFX off it. However, Im wondering if anyone has ever bought such a thing off Ebay before? And were you satisfied? How trustworthy is this medium?

**spartan_phalanx** · June 02, 2007, 05:00 PM

It can be a complete nightmare if you don't take precautions or you can get some really nice stuff really cheap. I use to be an avid seller and buyer there. Key things to help avoid being scammed are:

Use a credit card for payment, whether directly or via Paypal.
If the seller is the least bit questionable, avoid them no matter how good the deal is.
Check ALL the sellers feedback, pay particular attention to their negative/neutrals and see if they are consistent.
Read all the 'fine print', some sellers throw in little things knowing most buyers don't read everything.

**jankren** · June 02, 2007, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by spartan_phalanx

It can be a complete nightmare if you don't take precautions or you can get some really nice stuff really cheap. I use to be an avid seller and buyer there. Key things to help avoid being scammed are:

Use a credit card for payment, whether directly or via Paypal.
If the seller is the least bit questionable, avoid them no matter how good the deal is.
Check ALL the sellers feedback, pay particular attention to their negative/neutrals and see if they are consistent.
Read all the 'fine print', some sellers throw in little things knowing most buyers don't read everything.

Hmm, Ebay seems to be kind of scary. Thanks so much for the advice though.

**spartan_phalanx** · June 02, 2007, 07:53 PM

Out of a couple thousand transactions I have only had 3 that were a headache (two as a seller one as a buyer). I don't shop there any more simply because of the number of scammers and eBay's lack luster policies. I would gladly pay a few bucks more elsewhere than get ripped off.

I bought my first lcd monitor, used on there (42 hours), it's still running as good as the day I got it (currently 18k+ hours). I saved $350 bucks at the time.

It can be scary but with precautions and a credit card from a company that backs you, you can all but eliminate getting ripped off. I haven't shopped there for a couple years, so things may have improved.

**mrmouth** · June 02, 2007, 05:47 PM

I wouldn't buy anything on ebay now.

**Incinerate_IV** · June 02, 2007, 11:47 PM

Never, EVER, buy computer parts off of eBay. Most of the time you only save $10-$20. Personally I would pay the extra to have the peace of mind that my part will work and that it's under warranty.

I bought a 7900GT off of eBay for $250, saved about $25. But about 5 months later, my 7900GT failed, and I can't do anything about it. That's $250 wasted.

**jankren** · June 03, 2007, 01:04 AM

Originally Posted by Incinerate_IV

I bought a 7900GT off of eBay for $250, saved about $25. But about 5 months later, my 7900GT failed, and I can't do anything about it. That's $250 wasted.

Did it fail because your gaming was too intense or there was already something wrong with the good?

**drak10687** · June 03, 2007, 05:54 AM

well, I've just recently bought 7 things on ebay (for my new guitars/amps and a laptop for my friend) in the span of 2 weeks totaling over 500$ USD, and a guitar off of craigslist for 340$ USD. These are my first ebay transactions ever, though so far everything seems to be going fine, and I've already received several items.

What I've found out though, is that there are basically two types of sellers/buyers:
1. the average person like you/me who has things that he doesn't need and is willing to sell them, or is in need of quick cash due to divorce/other life issues.
2. the power seller, which is usually a warehouse/store/pawnshop which puts many of its items up for sale in order to help business.

Now, there are advantages and disadvantages in buying from both. The first type of seller/buyer if often just trying to get rid of something he doesn't need, which means in many cases he'll take almost any amount of money for it. Also, if this person lives in your state/province/country, then you will not have to pay for any taxes or additional fees besides shipping. However, unless the product you are buying already comes with a warranty (such as laptops) then you are on your own if it breaks.

Dealing with the second type of seller means that you are basically going shopping to a store, but you have some power to bargain, and several other people want the same item. Basically the advantage here is that you can check the rep (feedback) of most of these power sellers, and they will have a lot, so you know who you are dealing with. Also, most of the time they will offer some kind of return policy. However, you have to remember that its a business, and at the end of the day, they still have to make a profit. Which means that where as the initial price may be somewhat, or even a lot cheaper than regular store prices, with shipping/handling, taxes, and possible import fees, you will often not win as much in the long run, and any returns will mean having to pay for shipping again, which for many items might run at half of the original price.

Anyways, in the end its really all about shopping around, and weighing out the advantages and disadvantages . Just keep in mind that the initial price might not be the only one you might end up paying, and ask your self if you are willing to bother waiting many days/weeks to get your product, and then wait again if you have to return it for some reason. So far, all my online transactions have been smooth, but none of my things have ever broken. In the end though, there is always a chance something will go wrong, which is basically why you are paying less...

EDIT-
always keep in mind "Caveat Emptor", and the fact that you can ask as many questions as you want to, so always do your research and then ask away...