Money Moral Dilemma: Should I sell my new PlayStation 5?

MSE_Sarah

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I managed to pre-order a PlayStation 5, but have had a change of heart as I'm not impressed by the new game releases. I could return it for a refund, and buy it next year when more games have been released, or I could sell it on eBay. The current hype around the new console means I'd likely make a nice little profit, but as someone who was a keen gamer when I was younger, it feels slightly immoral. 

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value.

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MalMonroe

If you have a conscience, like me, you'll send it back for a refund because the other option seems immoral to me too. I think you know what to do. Greed is not an attractive personality trait.

A_Lert

You bought it with the intention of keeping it and changed your mind. So I don't see anything wrong in reselling.

That said, your least risk least hassle option is returning for a refund. On eBay you could be targeted by a fraudulent buyer or be the victim of mail theft, and end up left with neither console nor money. If you are not an established eBay seller, then little feedback and selling a highly desired item is liable to put legitimate buyers off.

LeeRits

Sell it. It is now your property, its your choice what to do with it. If someone is silly enough to pay a significant amount more than the retail price then more fool them. At the end of the day, there is not a single person in this world who NEEDS a playstation 5. There's millions who WANT one, myself included.. but its not a life or death situation and you selling one that you originally ordered to keep doesn't make you a bad person. I think MalMonroe's comment is a bit dramatic!! As it's an item thats in high demand, you'd be foolish to return it when you can quite easily make money on it.

For guaranteed money with no fuss, CEX currently buy them for £600. You'd get more selling privately but it does come with more risks.

And if you REALLY want a good reason to not have people tell you that you're a terrible person, sell it for profit and donate the profit to charity (after any shipping costs/expenses). Win win for everyone  If anyone begrudged you for doing that, then they are the ones who are immoral because a charity definitely needs money more than anyone needs a PS5!

DCFC79

If it's unopened then I would return it for a full refund, if you have opened it and used it I would either eBay it (price it to take in account it's been open so second hand) or take it to Cex/Game for either cash or in store credit.

HappyChappy17

Perhaps consider doing what I did - someone in the local area was desperate to get hold of one for her kids. Knowing I’ve not lost any money (as she paid me retail price for it) and that kid will have the biggest smile on Christmas day is payment enough for me. 

I considered returning back to the shop but I didn’t want it to land in the hand of a scalper. 

Marvel1

If I know someone who was desperate, I would sell it what I paid for it.

BlueLeaf

I would sell on ebay for a profit

WWERAW

Well I found myself in this position and sold it tonight. No regrets, if I want another one I can just wait until they’re available, buy one and it will effectively be free now. If people can’t see past being one of the first people to own one at any cost, it’s not my issue. 

REJP

Send it back for a refund. That is the moral thing to do.  Then you can put the money into an easy access savings account, earn a few extra pence in interest, and buy another later when you really want one.  That is the Money Savers way after all.
 

Ga7483

There's no shame in reselling this for "profit" at all mate.  I wouldn't even think of it as selling for "profit";  you bought it for x price, and the going rate on eBay is y price.  It's not unreasonable for you to sell at the market rate on eBay - if somebody has the money and wants it, they will pay.  As alluded to above, however, I have sold a games console on eBay before and almost 3 months later PayPal REFUNDED the money to the buyer as they said they hadn't received it.  Luckily I still had the proof of postage so they gave me the money back.  If you do decide to sell, make sure you do everything you can to prove that you fulfilled the order.