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tavilach · Aug 7, 2005, 10:07 PM

I bought a 1GB JumpDrive Photo on eBay for $50 ($60 with shipping), which is a very good deal, consideirng Amazon.com has it for $90. It's just like the JumpDrive sport, except it's bronze colored and comes with image rescue software (which I think is free, anyway...). In any case, the item was as described, and definetely seems to be untouched and in mint condition. Still, I am started to regret not having bought it on Amazon, as I have no way of knowing for certain if it'll just collapse on me. No warranty was provided, but because it was so cheap, that doesn't bother me: Of course, it just unsettles me a little.

The seller is a power seller with 31534 feedback, 98.5% positive.

So far, the drive works absolutely perfectly, with no signs that it's defective. If it were defective, do you think that I would notice already, or could it die in a month because of a problem that I'm not aware of? I just want to be sure that this drive is not more likely to die on me than a drive bought on Amazon. Do you think I have anything to worry about?

Next time, I'll probably save eBay for items that won't be holding important data

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twalker294 · Aug 8, 2005, 02:04 AM

If the seller has that much feedback it usually means that they are a mail order reseller who also happens to advertise on Ebay. If the drive works fine now chances are it will be just fine. Don't feel bad just because you got a good deal!

Todd

as2 · Aug 8, 2005, 02:19 AM

Technically anything you buy in eBay is a BAD DEAL....

WHY?!

Because you are willing to pay more than everyone else, which means you've paid over the odds.

Apfhex · Aug 8, 2005, 01:30 PM

Except for Buy It Nows...

uicandrew · Aug 8, 2005, 01:49 PM

as2, that is such a narrow minded view/generalization. ebay is very good for "niche" items where it would be nearly impossible to find it elsewhere, and or parts that are normally available to resellers (ie- airport cards)

also, look at small accessories (especially cell phone accessories). all the cell phone dealers rip you off for $20 -30 for a charger or handsfree device where they can be had for $7 (even with exorbitant shipping charges)

besides, paying more than someone else is one of the basic concepts of a supply and demand economy. if you're willing to pay $1000 for a 17" powerbook (and who wouldn't?), i'd gladly pay $1001 so I would get that powerbook instead of you.

comparing prices to amazon.com is a good rule of thumb. some ebay buyers are ignorant and will pay more for used items than they would pay for it brand new.

just be wary about the feedback.

twalker294 · Aug 8, 2005, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by as2

Technically anything you buy in eBay is a BAD DEAL....

WHY?!

Because you are willing to pay more than everyone else, which means you've paid over the odds.

That's nonsense. As long as you are educated and know what you can buy the item for elsewhere, if you can get the best price on Ebay then so be it. There are plenty of shoppers on Ebay who don't follow this rule which is what makes it a very good seller's market. I just sold a Treo 650 that I bought new from Cingular 4 months ago for $450 minus a $50 rebate. I sold it on Ebay for $445 so I actually used it for 4 months and MADE $45. If they are willing to pay it, I'm willing to reap the rewards

Todd

bowwowman · Aug 8, 2005, 05:23 PM

eDuCaTiOn is the key to buying on ebay.........
UNinformed shoppers are just suckers waiting to get ripped off!

If you know what you want, and what it is worth new AND used, then you C A N get some great deals, but you have to keep your emotions in check too, and not let the heat of the bidding war get the best of you