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Would you buy a Mac Pro on eBay?

For sure. Check out the feedback ratings of the seller, make sure they are 100%, does the seller know what they are talking about in the wording of the advertisement, and may using PayPal or a credit card where there is some form of protection.

What I would not do again is freight a computer with a carrier. Have had a Dual Core G5 completely smashed and of course they deny responsibility and will not make compensation. If you cannot pick it up don't buy it.
 
I hate eBay with a white-hot passion.

If I were looking for a used Mac, I'd buy a refurb from Apple or a used one from PowerMax. You could try Craigslist, which would give you the opportunity to see and try it.
 
All of my problems with Ebay have been as a seller. Never had a problem as a buyer. I attribute this to the fact that as a buyer you can pick your seller, but as a seller you cannot pick your buyer.

For any item on Ebay, not just a Mac Pro, you need to be diligent about the seller and what recourse will happen if the item is damaged by a third party such as the shipper. For example, many times I've heard about the shipper damaging the item and not allowing the insurance claim because it wasn't in original packaging or professionally packed by the shipper.
 
My personal rule of thumb is never to buy something on eBay that costs more than what I can afford to literally light on fire. There's plenty of great things to find on eBay. But if you live in a city where Craigslist is available, I'd prefer that (or local pick-up on eBay) for anything that costs more. I've sold lots of big ticket items on Craigslist--cars, computers, etc. I've bought a few as well.

But if you're not in SF/LA/NYC/Boston, this might be harder.

Apple's refurbs are a fantastic value and in top condition. I sold a 24" iMac that I bought refurb for more than I paid on Craigslist 4-6 months after I bought it (!).
 
as a longtime seller and buyer on ebay yes. in fact I sold 2 on ebay.

here is the one i sold a month ago.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/16066810851...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1562.l2649#ht_1824wt_1138


note to moderators this was sold and in no way is an attempt to sell a mac pro today or tomorrow or next week. of course if a 2012 comes out I plan to buy the base model soup it up post all mods on this site like I did on the one i sold on ebay. use it for a year and sell it.


here is my advice you have to know the seller. if it is a little guy like me there is more risk. but macmall buy.com sell on ebay and sometimes the deal is better then at their own website.
 
I bought mine off ebay.

buying used off stores like Powermax is a ripoff. CL is better than ebay, but most still ask for too much, at least when I was looking. some other forums I frequent have MPs pop up every now and then, but that's pretty uncommon and usually overpriced compared to what you can get off ebay.
 
I bought a Power Mac once off of Ebay a long time ago (Blue and White G3.)

It was an interesting experience, but I had the machine for a long time. Shipped with case damage to the handles (nothing extreme, just some cracking) and no mouse and keyboard (to be fair, even though the ad says it was shipping in the original box, it said nothing about mouse and keyboard). But it still turned out to be a fine machine.

Just be careful about the shipping, and know ahead of time exactly what is being promised.

If you can do Craigslist though, that's better. You can inspect the goods ahead of time, and transport it yourself. If I was still buying used machines, I'd go that route. These days I just use Craigslist to add to my collection of collectable Apple hardware.
 
nambuccaheadsau said:
For sure. Check out the feedback ratings of the seller, make sure they are 100%, does the seller know what they are talking about in the wording of the advertisement, and may using PayPal or a credit card where there is some form of protection.

What I would not do again is freight a computer with a carrier. Have had a Dual Core G5 completely smashed and of course they deny responsibility and will not make compensation. If you cannot pick it up don't buy it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. This pretty much rules out eBay.

gglockner said:
I hate eBay with a white-hot passion.

If I were looking for a used Mac, I'd buy a refurb from Apple or a used one from PowerMax. You could try Craigslist, which would give you the opportunity to see and try it.
Click to expand...

PowerMax is noted. Thanks.

ActionableMango said:
For any item on Ebay, not just a Mac Pro, you need to be diligent about the seller and what recourse will happen if the item is damaged by a third party such as the shipper. For example, many times I've heard about the shipper damaging the item and not allowing the insurance claim because it wasn't in original packaging or professionally packed by the shipper.
Click to expand...

Thanks. This pretty much rules out eBay, as I cannot control this.

Neolithium said:
I'd use an Apple reseller. I trust eBay as far as I can throw a Leo 2A6M. ;)
Click to expand...

Even if you'd be Superman, that would not be far enough ;)

Bwa said:
My personal rule of thumb is never to buy something on eBay that costs more than what I can afford to literally light on fire. There's plenty of great things to find on eBay. But if you live in a city where Craigslist is available, I'd prefer that (or local pick-up on eBay) for anything that costs more. I've sold lots of big ticket items on Craigslist--cars, computers, etc. I've bought a few as well.

But if you're not in SF/LA/NYC/Boston, this might be harder.

Apple's refurbs are a fantastic value and in top condition. I sold a 24" iMac that I bought refurb for more than I paid on Craigslist 4-6 months after I bought it (!).
Click to expand...

I'm in the LA area, but the asking prices are often crazy and mostly over the top.

toxic said:
I bought mine off ebay.

buying used off stores like Powermax is a ripoff. CL is better than ebay, but most still ask for too much, at least when I was looking. some other forums I frequent have MPs pop up every now and then, but that's pretty uncommon and usually overpriced compared to what you can get off ebay.
Click to expand...

Yes, the fancy prices on craigslist. I always sell my cameras and computers on craigslist for a fair price - gone within a day, usually.

Looks like I have to be craigslist patient.

Can you tell me why Powermax is a ripoff? How does the ripoff work? Is it overpriced, or are the computers in a poor condition?

zephonic said:
I thought about buying off eBay, but in the end I went with usedmacs.us as he was up in Hollywood and I wanted to see the machine before buying one.
Click to expand...

I'll check usedmacs.us out. Hollywood would only be a stone throw away - if I'd be superman ;)



Thanks for all your replies. eBay is out, particularly because of those shipping issues. I just can't risk to get an aluminum sandwich instead of a Mac Pro, just because

it's Jim Carrey doing the delivery (scene from "Ace Ventura - Pet Detective"):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2sObM9p9mQ
 
For me either eBay or Craigslist will do as long as I can see the machine first and do a local pick-up.
 
I buy and sell a lot on ebay and have sold two Macs in 2010 there and have bought and sold expensive cameras and lens in the 4-figure range. Rarely a problem and when there was it got resolved to my satisfaction

I would not hesitate to buy a mac on ebay - it is NOT ebay you should fear but sellers. If the sellers has 1) high rating, 99-100%, 2) high Detailed Seller Rating (detailed seller rating are for the past 12 months and only appear if the seller has 10 or more sales with feedback, and 3) the seller has been a member for a while, years instead of weeks. Also, of lesser importance 4) does the seller sell the type of thing you want to buy frequently - if so he/she knows his product.

It's all about doing your homework on the both the Seller and what the item is worth.
 
Caveat Emptor!

I would but BE CAREFUL. if it looks to good to be true it usually is. Also on a few auctions I have noticed that come of them tell you to call a number before bidding. This auctions on ebay are a scam. Also DO NOT EVER EVER EVER SEND a Western Union Money order to buy anything on Ebay.
 
Also DO NOT EVER EVER EVER SEND a Western Union Money order to buy anything on Ebay.

Always pay with paypal since that is the only way you can contest if there is a problem. Paypal is owned by eBay
 
GlynJones said:
Last two Mac Pro's bought via eBay. Not a problem with either.
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It's Russian Roulette. Most of the transactions are fine. Then you get one that is a complete fail. I have a low tolerance for the time and effort it takes to fix this - better to buy from a reliable seller. I've also cut back dramatically on selling on ebay - I sell on Amazon or Craigslist instead.

----------
Nostromo said:
Can you tell me why Powermax is a ripoff? How does the ripoff work? Is it overpriced, or are the computers in a poor condition?
Click to expand...

I think people are complaining that used computers from PowerMax aren't as cheap as other places. You get what you pay for: PowerMax tests the systems and gives you a guarantee. For me, when I'm paying that kind of money, the extra cost is worth it.
 
I just recently bought a used 2008 Mac Pro (2.8 Eight Core, 3,1) from MacOfAllTrades.com. Was a bit nervous (not about the company, just whether or not I'd get a lemon). So far, so good.

90 day warranty provides pretty good peace-of-mind. My price was excellent- better than I was seeing on eBay or on CraigsList (LA) at the time. Many hundreds of dollars cheaper than PowerMax.

Anyway- just saying that this was a good situation for me, and not a ripoff. Ebay is safe for lots of purchases (even big-ticket items), but you HAVE to be incredibly cautious and diligent in your attempts to make certain you're buying a decent item from a legit and honest seller. There are good deals, for sure, but if it's TOO good, run away. :)
 
Many ebay sellers offer just the tower with a power cord, and maybe mouse/keyboard.

Having the system restore disks is essential. I wouldn't buy one without.
 
I bought a MacBook pro 17" unibody of eBay 2.5 years ago, it had 6 months AppleCare left on it, which I extended by 2 years for £40, again of eBay.

It's been running fine and now I'm selling it, with 3mknths left of the AppleCare - I should get around £900/£1000 for it, I paid (inc AppleCare extension) and 8gb ram upgrade (-sale of 4gb ram) around £1,100 (at the time was £1400 off apple refurb store)- so its worth looking for a real bargain- typically I avoid power sellers etc, and try and go for a individual with listing that sounds / feels right - the fact that I could extend the AppleCare made it a real deal.

Im selling the Mbp as now have a MacPro - I did look to do the same as with the Mbp - but it's much more difficult as I didn't really fancy having it posted so had to look for a bargain for local pick up - some if the buy it nows / starting bids were jus not worth it (espech with no warranty). So in the end, I got a refurb off apple store - brand new mp for around £1650 (-£45 quidco cash back too) and just added some drives etc to it
 
I bought my mp from eBay, and got it shipped to my door, absolutely no dramas if you set conditions that it's their responsibility if it gets busted in transit. I've also shipped many pm g5 by courier and have never had a drama..

Guess it depends on who you deal with. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. : )
 
gglockner said:
I hate eBay with a white-hot passion.

If I were looking for a used Mac, I'd buy a refurb from Apple or a used one from PowerMax. You could try Craigslist, which would give you the opportunity to see and try it.
Click to expand...

i wouldnt buy anything from powermax. they are selling minis from 3 years ago for $479 and I just bought a brand new one for a little over $500. that seems the be the case with all their used machines. super old and only a little cheaper then the current models.
 
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