So who here has actually managed a successful MBP purchase on eBay?

[omgwut]

This is just giving me a headache.

You know, once a used MacBook Pro on eBay reaches past the $1500 point I just don't even think its worth it. I've been trying to find some decent deals on one recently, and every time I find a great one it just reeks of fraud. I just found two used open box models, listed under totally different addresses, emails and seller names for roughly $900-1000. I fire off emails to them both and they respond with the same cut and paste replies. Obviously the same person. Then, of course, they refuse to take payment via the standard Paypal fare, telling me they have a $500 deposit cap on their account and opting instead for some sort of "eBay protection program" wire transfer method that they don't care to elaborate on. To top it off, they list their price in pounds sterling (GBP), even though they're located in the United States, selling on a US auction site.

I'm new to eBay, but I'm not an idiot.. I can't believe its this hard for me just to find a semi-decent used deal online that doesn't scare me to death to make a transaction for.

This is so stupid.

 

[Sun Baked]

Apple Store > Special Deal > Refurbished Mac Pro

Might be a little more than eBay, but it beats paying for a computer twice.

 

[omgwut]

Apple Store > Special Deal > Refurbished Mac Pro

Might be a little more than eBay, but it beats paying for a computer twice.

You didn't, did you?

 

[Ryan5505]

Your really should check out the refurb page on apple's site. I almost fell for a scam through ebay. I then waited for the machine I wanted to be posted on the apple refurb page, and purchased it there for about 300 less then it was currently being sold for.

I was skeptical of purchase a refurb, but after talking to the sales reps at the apple store, most of them said they purchased refurb since some people purchase apple computers and then return them. Apple can not sell as new, so you might get a gently or not even used MBP. I purchased my Powerbook from the site

 

[Sun Baked]

You didn't, did you?

Not me, but a lot of people come here with second thoughts about an eBay purchase.

Usually, you do not get screaming deals on currently shipping machines ... if you see one -- it is a scam, or stolen.

 

[kevinliu4]

i dunno.

for something like a macbook pro, i would never look on ebay. especially with all the well documented problems that the macbook pro has (at least the earlier models). i would be too worried about getting one that was messed up...and you would never be able to prove that it was messed when you got it.

understandably, not everyone can afford to buy a new one, but i just think with these type of things, if the deal is too good to be true, it usually is.

there is no substitute for peace of mind.

 

[dmw007]

Apple Store > Special Deal > Refurbished Mac Pro

Might be a little more than eBay, but it beats paying for a computer twice.

This would be my advice as well, dealing on eBay (especially for a new Mac) can be a very risky procedure.