| Buying a MacBook on eBay is easy and safe so long | | | | display adapter, install disks and manual, all in the |
| as you do your homework. Here are a few tips to | | | | original packaging. If it's not clear in the description, |
| make your MacBook buying experience a happy one. | | | | ask. |
| 1. Is it the MacBook deal for you? Avoid buying on | | | | 6. Is the original receipt available? This is useful to |
| impulse. Take your time and do your homework | | | | prove ownership and also in case of hardware issues |
| before committing to the deal. Buy in haste, repent | | | | if the MacBook is still in warranty. |
| at leisure | | | | 7. Is the MacBook still in warranty? If you buy one |
| 2. Does the seller have good feedback? Check the | | | | that's less than a year old you still have the option to |
| seller's history and feedback rating. Be wary of sellers | | | | buy AppleCare for another two years' coverage. |
| with zero or low feedback or a record of bad deals. | | | | 8. What are the shipping costs? A deal may look |
| If in doubt, contact them through eBay's the 'Ask | | | | cheap 'til you see the shipping fees. Don't wait until |
| seller a question' link - your message will go through | | | | after you've bought it to discover you're being ripped |
| to the real account owner | | | | off. If shipping is not stated, ask. If shipping insurance |
| 3. Is there enough detail in the description? Check the | | | | is offered, get it. If it's not, ask for it. The small extra |
| description carefully. You need to know the specs | | | | cost is worth it for your peace of mind while your |
| and the condition of the MacBook you're interested | | | | MacBook is in transit. |
| in. If there isn't enough detail, ask for more. It's easy | | | | 9. How is payment to be made? Pay by credit card |
| with the 'Ask seller a question' link and good sellers | | | | or use PayPal as they provide another layer of |
| are happy to supply more info. | | | | protection in the event of a deal going wrong. |
| 4. Is the photo adequate? Photos are the only visual | | | | 10. A word of warning! Be wary of really cheap |
| information you have to judge the condition of the | | | | offers. Many eBay accounts get hijacked every year |
| MacBook, and wise sellers use good pictures. If | | | | and you might be dealing with a scammer. As a rule |
| you're interested in a listing but the photo's poor, | | | | of thumb, if it seems too good to be true, chances |
| don't be afraid to ask for more. Again, good sellers | | | | are it probably is. |
| are happy to supply more info. | | | | To sum up Don't bid on impulse, do your homework |
| 5. What does the deal include? Ideally you'll get the | | | | and don't be afraid to ask questions. |
| MacBook with all its bits - charger and cord, remote, | | | | |