Thread title asks it all. Purchasing a computer online can be hard, but from eBay must be even harder. I have never done it, but would like to know the experiences of others on this forum.
I would be afraid to buy a computer from ebay. It breaks or is faulty and then you have to chase down a seller and ship it back. Sounds like it could be a nightmare. I just bought two laptops for a decent price from Costco. They have good prices and warranties.
I would not buy computers from any website. There are certain things that I would still prefer to buy from brick-and-mortar shops. I do have a question in regards to your thread - why do you think it would be even harder to buy from eBay?
I've only bought little things from eBay, never dared to buy a whole computer there. Our customs office is somewhat strict here, so they would charge me a lot in taxes and it would cost me more than buying it in a local store.
I'd advice against it. All devices have a certain limit and chances are, the ones on ebay, unless they're brand new, are probably past their prime. There might be a few exceptions, such as someone who could have used it once and never again, but as a rule of thumb, I just personally avoid buying from ebay, especially when it comes to computers.
I purchased a computer on Ebay a few years ago and it still works great today. If you know a little bit about computers and know what to look for, it definitely helps. Ebay is a very good place to buy things because you can find discounted prices on many new and used products in their store. Also, you are guaranteed on your purchase when buying through Ebay and with Paypal. Just make sure you research what your looking to buy. Also, make sure you buy from a user who has a good overall seller ratings and positive feedback. I was able to buy a computer at Ebay for half the price I saw it advertised for at Future Shop. I would say it's definitely worth a look..
No, I never bought a computer from eBay. I prefer to use Newegg and Best Buy for my computer purchases. It seems like the laptops on eBay are faulty. That's probably a good reason they're selling them. I know this isn't always the case, but for right now I'll just stick to business I know will deliver quality goods.
I would have to advise against this. I know my brother-in-law bought one and it was loaded with spyware that was hidden. He was a computer programmer and was able to erase it all, but it was a pain!
I have never brought a computer from Ebay either; I have bought a couple of small items but I would be hesitant to buy a computer. I agree with Adeal4u there are a lot that seem faulty i.e. battery/screen issues and the list goes on.
The biggest things I've purchased from ebay were 2 smartphones, both of which crapped out on me in less than 3 months. I think buying a computer from ebay is a risky move. There are just too many components, and if something happens to where you have to return or file a complaint for something, the process of being made whole by the seller could be more trouble than it's worth. But I suppose if you were to find a seller with a good record and are able to keep lines of communication open, you might be able to cover your butt and still walk away with your sanity, maybe even a new PC.
I haven't purchased a computer from ebay, but I've bought many computer parts. I think it's possible to make a good purchase, but you need to be knowledgeable about computers and do your research. Some manufacturers have ebay stores and offer great deals on ebay.
I have not done it either. I usually do not go to eBay if I intend to but electronic stuffs. It's just too risky. I go to eBay when I want to buy books and some toys that I collect but buying expensive electronic devices, I wouldn't!
We have bought big ticket items from Ebay and they've been fine - my husband bought a speed boat and several outboard engines, and everything worked just as it should. However, when it comes to electronic stuff, I think it's better to look for a good deal on a new item through an online or bricks and mortar store. At least then you have the cushion of a minimum one year warranty. Also, you don't know what may be loaded on the computer before you get it. Just imagine if the previous owner had downloaded kiddy porn, and for some reason your computer is impounded. Stuff can never be fully erased, and how would you explain something like that?
Electronics are not something I trust as a general rule from eBay. It is too much of an issue regarding tracking down and getting my money back should the gear crap out which it probably will.
Never have, never will. The only time I have bought a used computer it was from a local store. It came with a 90 day money back guarantee, too. The young man that was refurbishing the computers really knew his stuff. We had no problems with that computer.
I have bought one desktop computers and 2 laptops from Ebay. It is true that it can be risky, but if you check out the ratings and comments of any sellers you may be interested in, it could give you a lot of info. Quite a few people make a small business using Ebay, and others love shopping there as well (like me for instance). If you are buying something expensive check to make sure they have a lot of high ratings, and good comments. Somewhere around 20-30 should be good. I hope this helps!
I have purchased a computer and a few laptops on eBay. The computer I am using right now. It works great. I don't usually have problems with my purchases from eBay. At least I can see feedback from other customers.
I think that if the seller has 100% positive feedback or even if it's less that 100%, but the complaints were about how slow the shipping is, then I think that it's ok to buy an electronic item from there. My first choice would be to go to the physical stores, but if I can't find it there, then I turn to online stores. I just bought a cellphone there, and since the seller has mostly good feedback, I'm expecting that I won't have a problem with my purchase.
I have done it a few times. I have bought used ones to use for repair purposes mostly. I bought a couple different laptops from there over the years, too, and fortunately have never had any issues. I wouldn't recommend it to most people, though.
