Expert: Marvinator - 3/28/2007

Question
Hi,
I am considering buying software on ebay.  If they say “brand new”, “never used” or “original box”, would that software qualify for registration and support, or would it be like buying a pirated version?  Does it depend on the vendor (a business vs private seller?).  I can find software bargains on ebay, but don’t want to give up any rights as a purchaser.  Thanks for answering this question!


Answer
In order to discuss this subject, we need to take a moment and discuss the basic makeup of Ebay Sellers.  For the most part, and by that I mean a good 90%, Ebay sellers are NOT businesses.  They are what could be called "Kitchen Table Sellers" in that they sell out of their home.  One of the few areas of resale in Ebay where you find MORE professionals is in the computer/software area.  Though the numbers are less, you still need to understand that many of the sellers with whom you will deal are not businesses but actually independent sellers reselling software they find and purchase cheaply for resale.  

Can you tell the difference?  In some regards, yes.  Those with large numbers of auctions and high feedback could mostly likely be businesses.  Is this important in buying the software? No.  What it all comes down to is whether or not the software able to be registered.  If it is able to be registered, then you can expect to be supported by the company who wrote it.  

How can you tell if it is registrable?  Ah, now we come to the crux of the problem.  Just BECAUSE a seller says that an item is new in the box doesn't mean it is.  Just BECAUSE a seller says that it is shrink wrapped doesn't mean that the seller did not buy it and re-wrap it in shrink wrap.  This is why I took the time to lay out the differences in sellers.  It all comes down to the honesty of the seller and how well you do your homework.  

A good seller will have high feedback with LOW negatives.  Take the time to check out a seller.  Just because they have 500+ rating does not mean that they don't have 20-30 negs for non-performance.  Take the time to read a seller's feedback and check out the ratio of Positives to Negatives.  You ultimately want a rating with 98% or higher. This means less than 20 negs for every 1000 positives - and to be sure, 20 negs on a seller with a rating of 1000 is something to think about!  Take the time to see how often the negs occur, and what were the reasons.  If they happened early in his Ebay career and he has not had any recently, then you might find him worthy of your business.  Otherwise, stay away from anyone with too many negs or negs received very recently.  

Lastly, Do your homework. Once you have found a seller who looks honest and a product which looks pretty good, write to the seller.  Ask if the software is registrable or supported by the manufacturer.  Also ask if there is a return policy for software not supported by the manufacturer.  Beware of sellers who do  not answer or who blow you off with abusive or non-professional responses.  Next, go to the manufacturer's website and check on whether this version is no longer supported.  (Keep in mind that there are many 'tech' sites on the net where you can get support on older version software even when it is no longer supported by the manufacturer.  If you can't find the manufacturer's website, look to see if there is a forum on the net where 'die-hard' users of the program can go to discuss it's use.)  

Remember lastly, that Ebay is a venue, not a business.   You are dealing nearly blind with a seller who may or may not be as professional as they appear.  Take the time to do your homework, be careful and secure on the net.  

I hope this has helped.