ebay question

[LeftyMom]

I'm looking for a laptop. I found a really good auction for one I'd like to have, for a price that seems very reasonable to me. The seller had entirely positive feedback, but all for purchases and not a huge number of them. I know that that makes him/her more of a gamble than someone who has a positive history as a seller or a long history on Ebay. Would you take a chance on the good deal from the new seller or get a slightly older laptop from a seller with a longer history?

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Sure. But go through escrow.

I did that when I bought a laptop on ebay in January 2001. That laptop is sitting next to me, four years old, running perfectly (except for the fact that it came with WinME, which is an utter shitbag of an OS, and a hard drive I replaced, but that's not the seller's fault).

Escrow was worth it for my peace of mind just to make sure that the seller actually had a laptop that he was selling. I don't think the cost was very much, either.

[InvisibleTouch]

2. Probably the latter.

If it's a higher-priced item, I'd be more likely to go with a seller that had a longer history, and actually has had satisfied buyers, not just been the buyer themselves.

[madison2000]

3. I agree

I've been burned a few times recently, and now the long history is something that really matters, especially if you are spending on something like a computer.

[ISUGRADIA]

5. I agree, history matters

also, it might be better to wait a little and try to find both: a seller with a long history of positives and is offering a good deal on a laptop.

[agates]

4. I'd go with the established seller on eBay, but even better

I'd see if there is a local computer builder in your area who sells parts. They often take laptops in on trade, clean and reformat them and sell them at a good price. This keeps the money local. There is no shipping charges or potential of damage or loss in shipping. You also might be able to get the local shop to provide a short warranty or some customer support.