Buying online, Ive seen a really good deal?

Question

Ive seen a good deal for a Apple mac powermac computer system, from somebody in Kanata in Canada for the price of $900 the deal looks really good, but somehow too good to be true, but at the same time I dont want to pass up this good deal, im based in London england also and the seller has said the system can be with me in 3 days is that even poss?
I dont know what signs to look out for and is there a way I can pay the person but cancel the payment if the item doesnt turn out as expected?

any info would be obliged, i know i sound absent minded but im not clued up on these things as it not everyday I do them

YEH THE SELLER (WHO WAS SELLING THIS ITEM ON GUMTREE) HAS SAID THEY WILL LET ME RETURN IT TO THEM WITHIN 3 DAYS AFTER IVE BOUGHT IT

Answer 1

I don't know...

It sounds very dodgy to me...

It could be possible to get it to you in three days, but that would work out very expensive from somewhere like Canada. For a price tag of $900, it sounds like a real bargain - but you'll never know if it doesn't work properly or if it's broken in some way. Think about it - it's a great way to get rid of such a powerful computer that is... well... broken: Send it to someone on the other side of the world, gain a few hundred dollars, and never hear from them again!

If you're on eBay, I wouldn't go for it without a lot of thought and research... And, of course, eBay is known for its scamming, theiving members! If you can contact the seller in some way, do so. Ask for more information about the machine.

On the other hand, the seller could be a completely honest guy, and the machine could be of very good-quality. You never know until you get it!

Also, PowerMacs are now, virtually, "out-of-date", and in this day in age, it's power will probably be on-par with an iMac G5.

So, in conclusion, I would stop and think. Never rush into something - even if it sounds like a good deal. If it's something you miss... It might have been better to leave it!

It can be thought of as a major business deal: It's a risk - it can go either way. It can ruin your life, or you can end up a millionnaire! (Except it's probably not a life-and-death situation!)

However, if you feel confident, go for it.

* If it's a PowerMac G5 with 30" Cinema Display, I'd go for it. But be careful! *
* I'm not familiar with the 'Gumtree' system, but still keep a look-out for any scams! *
* Also, if he says you can return it to him, (bear in mind that you have get it back to him in 3 days if you don't like it - so you'll need to spend a bit getting it back to him with delivery cost etc.) it should give you some time to test out the machine etc. *

Answer 2

Well my Brish Friend, I am Canadian...But I can't tell you about the computer, I can only tell you about life.

Sometimes a bargain , isn't...and since you are talking $900 here, that is a lot of money to lose. It it were me, buying a used computer, I would like to see it, try it, See what programs come with it or has the Hard drive been wiped clean...You are too far away to do this or to do anything about it if you get taken.

You might be better off buying a new machine, from a reputable dealer in london, or maybe a trade in machine from an An apple dealer in London.

I don't think the risks, warrant you trying this long distance purchase.

Answer 3

Hello Dave

You don't say who you are buying it from, ie ebay etc, but personally I wouldn't!

It is a lot of money to 'loose' if things don't go right. I would have thought that the person sellling would wait until your money had cleared before sending it, and then you wouldn't have a leg to stand on... you may not even get it sent to you!

Also if anything were to go wrong with the computer, would you be under any guarantee for anything?

I would go to a UK dealer, John Lewis etc or check out the apple web site for other listed main dealers or even buy direct from them

http://www.apple.com/uk/buy/
. I know you would be outlaying more money, but in the long run you could be saving yourself hundreds!!

I know I sound a little wary, but unfortunately there are so many nasty people in this world that can't wait to rip other people's hard earned money straight out of their hands.........I would hate for you to loose your money in that way.

Take Care
Kate

Answer 4

Remember the old saying "You get what you pay for".

For example:
What kind of service will a foreign company be able to give you?
What kind of components are not included in the cheap price?
What kind of things can you get closer to you?

Personally, I would not buy anything for more than $100 without having a store in my local area.

Answer 5

If you pay through PayPal they will give you insurance & if the item isn't as specified you can send it back and get a refund.
3 days does seem quite fast but with next day delivery or special delivery it is possible, as soon as they receive your money they will post it.

If you pay by PayPal or Credit card the transaction is pretty instant so you couldn't cancel payment, if you sent a cheque you could cancel it but that's only if they will accept a cheque.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 6

If you are considering making any form of purchase that seems a little suspect, then you must pay by credit card !
If the transaction goes wrong, then at least you are covered with some form of guarantee, i.e. the card company will reclaim your money for you !