Finding and Buying Computers on eBay

By Ed Dalton

The most important consideration for finding and buying computers on eBay is to understand the descriptions of what is for sale.

You can prepare yourself by reading trade publications relating to what you want to buy. Some popular computer magazines are PC World, Mac World, and Publish. Another useful publication is Computer Currents, which is available free at many news racks, and is also published online at www.currents.net. Computer Currents is particularly useful as a guide to the going prices for computer equipment at discount outlets.

You can also read some of the books listed in the Books section of this guide.

Start by scanning through the listings on eBay. If you run into terms that are unfamiliar, look in the Glossary section of this guide. If there is anything that seems unclear about a listing, email the seller with your questions.

If you are buying a computer, ascertain what software comes with it, whether that software will be properly licensed for you to use, and whether the software comes with the full manufacturer's documentation.

In particular, evaluate whether the item is new or used, and what kind of warranty exists for you if you buy it. Consider whether you have any recourse if the item is not as represented, or if it doesn't work properly. If these things are not obvious from the listing, clarify everything with the seller before placing a bid.

Check the seller's feedback to get a sense of whether the seller is reputable and reliable.

As to the mechanics of placing a bid and completing a transaction, refer to the Services section of the eBay Web site. Below are some additional details.

Searching for a computer:
To search for a computer on eBay, you can use the categories to narrow your search. From the home page, you can select the Computers category. Then, you can choose a subcategory, or you can search for particular or "key" words in the full computer category by clicking in the search dialogue box on this page. For more tips on how to do searches, see "eBay Search Tips".

Viewing your search results:
You can view the listings that your search finds in many ways, including featured auctions first, only the auctions that are ending today, or all the auctions in order by the day and time the auction ends. If you are looking for something specific, you may want to browse through all the listings, but if you are looking to bid and buy as soon as possible, selecting only auctions ending today will be helpful. If the listing has "PIC" after the title, that indicates the listing includes a picture. "NEW" listings are auctions that have been listed in the last 24 hours.

Deciding how much to bid:
Once you find a computer you like, consider what it is worth to you and about how much it currently sells for. You can read some of the publications mentioned previously. You can also do a search of completed eBay auctions for similar equipment to see what people have paid in the past. Read the descriptions carefully. Details about the condition can help you decide how much to bid. If you have a question or are unclear about something in the description,you may want to e-mail the seller for more information before placing your bid, especially for more expensive computer equipment. Ask specific questions. Most sellers are happy to answer.

Placing a bid:
Once you have decided what you are willing to pay for the computer equipment, place a bid! You can set your bid for the maximum you are willing to spend. eBay will then place your bid at the lowest amount that ensures you are the high bidder up to your limit. If someone bids against you, eBay automatically raises your bid so that you remain the high bidder until the bid amount reaches your limit. You can also place a low bid and decide on a case-by-case basis whether you want to raise your bid when someone outbids you.

Note: It is also a good idea to look at feedback the seller has received before placing your bid. The comments will help you decide if this is someone you would like to transact business with! If there is a lot of feedback, at least glance at the recent responses and any negative feedback to see if there are any comments of concern or issues you would want to clarify with the seller.

Completing the transaction:
eBay will notify the seller and high bidder at the conclusion of the auction. The seller will then contact the high bidder to arrange for payment and shipping of the computer equipment. Typically, the seller will ship the computer equipment as soon as the payment has been received (if a money order is sent) or, when a check received has cleared the bank. There are escrow services available for a small fee if the buyer would like to see their computer and accept it before payment is released. If the computer is not accepted, the buyer must return it quickly and the escrow service returns the funds to the buyer. See "After the Auction" for more details.

When you receive your computer equipment, enjoy! And if the seller was prompt and courteous, give positive feedback so that other users will know this person is a good seller to work with!

The preceding material was written by Ed Dalton. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.