Expert: Marvinator - 4/23/2004

Question
I have never used Ebay and have been looking for an IBM Thinkpad T40.  They are hard to find.  I found one on Ebay that says it is "Factory Sealed" and carries full warranty.  The deal is almost too good to be true... so I suspect it is.

What happens if the product is defective, or it turns out to be used or remanufactured?  The ratings associated with the seller seem to be excellent.

How much risk is really involved?

Thank you.

Answer
First and foremost, just because they put it in the auction, doesn't mean it's real.  There is NO guarantee that the seller is selling a REAL laptop, or even that the laptop you're buying is what is pictured.  

Have I scared you enough? Good.  The one thing you have to be is CAREFUL when buying on Ebay.  You MUST remember that nothing is guaranteed.  You protect yourself by researching the deal.  Research before you bid.

First, the Seller:   Check out the type of product the sellers sells.  Is it all computer equipment?  Is this the only computer piece?  Question everything. What kind of feedback does he have?  Anything less than a 95% Positive should make some flags go up.  Also, how MUCH feedback does he have?  A person with feedback over 1000 means a lot more than a guy with less than 100.  In addition, how long has the seller been selling?  Has it taken him 2 years to get there or is it all garnered in the last few months?  More in a shorter time means more business.  More business HOPEFULLY means he's got his business in gear and won't have many problems.  How many sales of the same ITEM has this seller had?  Call one up and see how long it's been since he sold one.  If this is the only one, you may want to be concerned. Lastly, read the negatives.  If he's had several negs for not sending product, then back off the deal.  If the negs are the usual simple things, then you can relax a bit. Feedback is the best way to get to know a seller. Look not only at what is posted, but what kinds of items he sold, the prices, and the amount of time between the end date and the feedback left.  Also take a look at the feedback he has left for others.  You can learn a lot there.

Next, the DEAL: If the seller has sold many of the same item you may be fairly certain this is just another in the line.  As the old adage says, though, "If it's too good to be true, chances are, it is."  Also consider how you're going to pay  for this.  If a seller INSISTS on Western Union, back off.  Most scams happen this way. Money Orders may be a good way to protect yourself, but they are a real problem to get help. If at all possible, use a credit card that will back you in the case of fraud and problems.   Read the auction and never assume anything.  If it does not explicitly say that the auction includes a box, don't assume it does.  It may say sealed, but it could just be sealed in Glad Wrap.  Get all your questions together and write to the seller.  How he answers and how QUICKLY he answers your questions will tell you a lot.  With computer equipment, you can ask for the Serial number and check with the manufacturer about the history of the item.  Is it new? remanufactured?  Stolen?  Ask...never assume.

Never buy anything on Ebay that is not shipped with a tracking number.  UPS, Fed Ex, even the Post Office will give a Tracking Number to a package (for 55¢). Insist on tracking AND Insurance!  Pay whatever it takes to ensure and insure that you get the item in good condition.