Help with Ebay prices

gyzmo

Hi guys and gals,

I'm thinking of using Ebay for the first time to buy a 30gb ipod (new).
Looking through, there are lots and lots on auction for just a few pence.
Now are these genuine or just scams? I can't believe that a bid of just a few pence would actually real, or that there would be someone selling it at that price. I suppose they are scams, but I am so green when it comes to these things!

smartie1976

I guess the tips I could give you are:

Check a sellers history - the more sales (theoretically) the better, and check what they've been selling before. if they only sell small things, or have only bought, suddenly selling 50 ipods = scam or hacked account.

if you are worried, contact other buyers to see if there transaction went ok.
And basically, if it seems too good to be true, it is!

jobbingmusician

Make sure you are buying an ipod, and not just a picture (common scam) - read every word of the description!!!

gyzmo

Thank you people!

I guess I'll just buy from Amazon or use my normal mail order company!

arnie&caseysma!

Also check the postage. Sellers could be avoiding ebay final value fees by selling the item really cheaply and putting an extortionate rate of postage on it.......

waddy80

Do a completed listings search (one of the options on the left when you are in a list) that way you can see what price similar items have SOLD for and what a particular seller has been selling them for.

mindysouthern

gyzmo wrote:

Thank you people!

I guess I'll just buy from Amazon or use my normal mail order company!

If you are looking for one cheap the best price ive seen is £177 delivered through Currys online.

If you register with Quidco or Rpoints you can then search for Currys and click to the site to get 'cashback/points' on your purchase. (Quidco gets 3% cash back so you'll get £5.31 back!)

When on Currys search audio, then i pod and you should find it. Its a web exclusive for £177.

If you need anything else and can make your order upto £200 you can use this promotional code PERK20 at the end to get £20 off - so you get your ipod and any item worth £23 for £180! (sounds good to me buy a kettle or something and put it away as a 'FREE' christmas gift!).

Overall you should get your ipod and a 'gift' for £179.40 (cos cashback on ful sale) and the RRP is £219 so a good saving!

ALSO Currys will normally match their online prices so if you print it out at checkout and go into your local store you might get the same ipod, or even full deal (without the cashback) instore!

This is for the black, the white is an extra £2.98 so just get a cheaper 'gift' fo the same overall price - both in stock at the moment and not half as risky as Ebay!

Sapphire

gyzmo wrote:

Hi guys and gals,

I'm thinking of using Ebay for the first time to buy a 30gb ipod (new).
Looking through, there are lots and lots on auction for just a few pence.
Now are these genuine or just scams? I can't believe that a bid of just a few pence would actually real, or that there would be someone selling it at that price. I suppose they are scams, but I am so green when it comes to these things!

Some sellers start off their auctions at a very low price in order to pull buyers in - check the progress of the auctions.

Note on buying electronic goods: be careful, since this is an area where there are a lot of scams (both from sellers and buyers).

As an eBay buyer and seller, I've found that from over 2,000 transactions only two or three have been duds. However, I don't buy or sell electronic goods - just work in a specialized collectors' area, in which buyers/sellers often get to know each other.

gyzmo

Thanks again guys and gals.

Have gone through ebay, and to be honest, am petrified! I really feel like walking into conman alley!!!

whilst I am sure there are many who trade successfully and honestly, I do feel uncomfortable even being on the site. Will stick with Amazon (and get my 2.5% rewards via mutualpoints!)

Thanks again!