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webb3201 · Sep 25, 2003, 03:51 PM

Hello all, I have noticed a new wrinkle to the numerous Ebay scams that run so rampant through the Powerbook section. I am curious why so many auctions are posted requiring bidder pre-approval? They are the usual ridiculously low prices (Ti 1ghz and 23" Display for 2,000, or 17" Powerbook for 1300.00)

What are these people trying to accomplish using the prereigster format.

johnpg · Sep 25, 2003, 04:04 PM

This stuff makes me nervous. Does anyone know if there are known problems with BUYERS scamming sellers? I'm selling my ibook on eBay right now and am a bit worried about all the scam talk. I've never had any problems before with eBay, but then again I've never sold or bought a Mac there before either.

John

Sandbaggins · Sep 25, 2003, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by webb3201:
Hello all, I have noticed a new wrinkle to the numerous Ebay scams that run so rampant through the Powerbook section. I am curious why so many auctions are posted requiring bidder pre-approval? They are the usual ridiculously low prices (Ti 1ghz and 23" Display for 2,000, or 17" Powerbook for 1300.00)

What are these people trying to accomplish using the prereigster format.

I think that one reason is the seller wants to get the potential buyer's info and then try to convince the buyer to complete the transaction outside of ebay. By doing that they get around paying fees and prob find it easier to con buyers.

EvanV · Sep 25, 2003, 05:17 PM

Originally posted by Sandbaggins:
I think that one reason is the seller wants to get the potential buyer's info and then try to convince the buyer to complete the transaction outside of ebay. By doing that they get around paying fees and prob find it easier to con buyers.

Yes, you are correct Sandbaggins. For pre-Approved auctions, you must contact the seller first. That way, they have your email and then offer you a better deal outside of eBay....

Sandbaggins · Sep 25, 2003, 11:38 PM

Originally posted by johnpg:
This stuff makes me nervous. Does anyone know if there are known problems with BUYERS scamming sellers? I'm selling my ibook on eBay right now and am a bit worried about all the scam talk. I've never had any problems before with eBay, but then again I've never sold or bought a Mac there before either.

John

Well one way to protect yourself is to ship to paypal verified addresses. Do not ship to another address no matter how much the buyer pleads. Make that fact clear on your description. Another way is to accept M.O.s and cash them before you ship your item. There are other methods like escrow you can also use.

PeterKG · Sep 26, 2003, 12:19 AM

Originally posted by Sandbaggins:
Well one way to protect yourself is to ship to paypal verified addresses. Do not ship to another address no matter how much the buyer pleads. Make that fact clear on your description. Another way is to accept M.O.s and cash them before you ship your item. There are other methods like escrow you can also use.

My auction just ended for my Apple 17" LCD. Even though I only listed Paypal for payment the buyer said they want to send me a check. Is this dangerous? Of course I would wait for check to clear.

thePurpleGiant · Sep 26, 2003, 01:08 AM

^^ Pete - just wait until you bank the cheque - and then as soon as it clears and the money is in your bank account, send the goods.

If it bounces, or something goes wrong, you still have your computer - no problems.

Sandbaggins · Sep 26, 2003, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by PeterKG:
My auction just ended for my Apple 17" LCD. Even though I only listed Paypal for payment the buyer said they want to send me a check. Is this dangerous? Of course I would wait for check to clear.

If you specified Paypal only you should try to clear up any confusion on the buyer's end. He/She should have read the payment information. Having said that, if you want to accept payment by check make sure it clears and ask the buyer for his address and ph #.
Once you get the check, look to see if the address (on the check) and any other pertinent info matches with what the buyer told you. Only ship to the home address. I would try to get the buyer to use paypal and have the buyer get verified to protect myself. It can be a hassle but we are talking about $$$$$.

mousehouse · Sep 26, 2003, 01:22 AM

it's not like opening a paypal account is a hard thing to do! just be careful. in the end the buyer wants some proof that he/she is going to receive the promised goods as well.

looking at ebay i think it's pretty fscked up. i can hardly find any legit items in the apple section, same at other groups.

maybe put your items for sale on mac boards and local ads?

Sandbaggins · Sep 26, 2003, 01:42 AM

Originally posted by mousehouse:
it's not like opening a paypal account is a hard thing to do! just be careful. in the end the buyer wants some proof that he/she is going to receive the promised goods as well.

looking at ebay i think it's pretty fscked up. i can hardly find any legit items in the apple section, same at other groups.

maybe put your items for sale on mac boards and local ads?

No, its not hard to get an account. But it adds a lever of confidence if you get verified. Also per paypal policy if the seller sends to a confirmed address, seller is protected. Better than nothing.

cc_foo · Sep 26, 2003, 02:21 AM

Originally posted by PeterKG:
My auction just ended for my Apple 17" LCD. Even though I only listed Paypal for payment the buyer said they want to send me a check. Is this dangerous? Of course I would wait for check to clear.

Hi,

I have read somewhere that some cheques will "clear", only to bounce weeks or months later, with the $ withdrawn from your bank account. I clearly remember reading this on the web somewhere... but cannot remember where.

So, IMHO, it's not safe.

Sandbaggins · Sep 26, 2003, 02:39 AM

Originally posted by cc_foo:
Hi,

I have read somewhere that some cheques will "clear", only to bounce weeks or months later, with the $ withdrawn from your bank account. I clearly remember reading this on the web somewhere... but cannot remember where.

So, IMHO, it's not safe.

Nothing is 100% safe. Even face to face transactions can turn ugly. You have to use your best judgment and do your homework. If you have some common sense and use it you have a better chance things will work out. If you decide to limit your methods of payment you also limit the chance people will make a transaction with you. I suggest people do their homework as sellers and buyers. I personally have never accepted a personal check on ebay. I also know that by doing so I limit the amount of people willing to buy from me.

webb3201 · Sep 26, 2003, 09:24 AM

I have sold (and bought) about 12 Apple machines on Ebay and have been fortunate. It seems that the point has been reached where Ebay is becomming a less viable for selling/buying Apple products. I had two auctions where bidders took my "Buy It Now" option to close my listing, with no intention of buying. One was a "0" feedback user regsitered in Nigeria.

I think an escrow service is going to become a necessity for both sides in the transactions. I was fortunate on my last sale to find a local buyer who was a very nice guy. We met, spent an hour talking Macs while he checked out the machine at Starbucks. Worked well.