| Buying on eBay is a great way to get a cheap | | | | the MacBook with all its bits - charger and cord, |
| MacBook and the process should be problem-free as | | | | remote, display adapter, install disks and manual, all in |
| long as you do your research beforehand. Here are | | | | the original packaging. If it's not clear in the |
| some tips to make your MacBook buying experience | | | | description, ask. |
| a pleasant one. | | | | 6. Is the original receipt available? This is useful to |
| 1. Is it the MacBook deal for you? Avoid buying on | | | | prove ownership and also in the event of hardware |
| impulse. Take your time and do your due diligence | | | | problems if the MacBook is still under warranty. |
| before finalizing the purchase. Buy in haste and | | | | 7. Is the MacBook still in warranty? If you buy one |
| repent at leisure! | | | | that's under 12 months old you still have the option |
| 2. Does the seller have good feedback? Check the | | | | to purchase AppleCare for another two years' |
| seller's history and feedback rating. Be wary of sellers | | | | protection. |
| with nil or low feedback or a history of bad sales. If | | | | 8. What are the shipping costs? A deal may look like |
| in doubt, contact them through eBay's 'Ask seller a | | | | a good price 'til you see the shipping fees. Don't wait |
| question' link - your query will go through to the | | | | until after you've made the purchase to find out |
| genuine account owner | | | | you're being cheated. If shipping is not declared, ask. |
| 3. Is there enough detail in the description? Check the | | | | If shipping insurance is offered, get it. If it's not, ask |
| description with care. You need to know the specs | | | | for it. The small extra charge is worth it for your |
| as well as the condition of the MacBook you're | | | | peace of mind while your MacBook is in transit. |
| thinking of buying. If there isn't enough information, | | | | 9. How is payment to be made? Pay by credit card |
| ask the vendor for more. It's quick and easy with | | | | or use PayPal as they offer another layer of |
| the 'Ask seller a question' link and good sellers are | | | | protection in the event of a deal going wrong. |
| prepared to offer more information. | | | | 10. A last word of warning! Be wary of really cheap |
| 4. Is the photo adequate? Photos are the only visual | | | | offers. Lots of eBay accounts get stolen every year |
| detail you get to judge the condition of the | | | | and you could be dealing with a fraudster. As a rule |
| MacBook, and good sellers use good pictures. If | | | | of thumb, if it seems too good to be true, the |
| you're looking at a listing but the photo's inadequate, | | | | chances are it probably is. |
| don't be afraid to ask for more. Again, good vendors | | | | To sum it all up Don't bid on impulse, do your due |
| are quite prepared to send you more info. | | | | diligence and don't be afraid to ask questions. |
| 5. What does the sale include? Ideally you should get | | | | |