Do you guys think I should go with this deal?

[PhantomOSX]

I was looking around to buy a cheap but good mac, when I found a nice new 1Ghz eMac on Yahoo Auctions. So I bid on it and win the bid for $368.

The shipping is free and it's brand new in the box according to description. But I don't like the seller's responses to my emails. No matter how many questions I ask him, he only seems to respond to one or two questions, and usually with one word.

For example:

I say:
"Hello,

I have just won the eMac you had auctioned at Yahoo.

I've noticed that you state it's free shipping.

Could you tell me more details about the eMac?

Specific specs, video card, how new is it, etc?

Could I also have your phone number?

Do you take PayPal instead of the listed payment types?

I will send the money as soon as the above is met.

Thank you for the auction and I look forward to the product."

He Says:
"I also use directpaycash.com for payments to: XXXXX@aol.com . if
this is good let me know
thanks"

--Typical, going straight to talking about money rather than answering my questions.

I say:
"May you tell me more about the eMac (full specs),"

He says:
"its new in the box."

I ask:
"May I have your phone number as well, incase needed?

Also, when did you buy it? Why did you plan to sell it? It does
include 1 GB of RAM like stated correct? Do you have any pics of it?"

--He then gives his phone number, and his last name in another email. Completely avoiding to answer the full question about the Gig of RAM and pics, etc.

What do you guys think? Should I go with the deal or what? Is there any specific precautions I should take? I already searched for this guy's contact info on Google and have only found other auction sites where he posted stuff, both on Yahoo and the other one I found he has no feedback. This is a heck of a deal if it's true but I don't know. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks :)

[jsw]

If it were me, I'd be afraid of sending the money unless and until you get more feedback. And even then I'd wonder. Usually, deals that are too good to be true... aren't.

[PhantomOSX]

Yeah you're right. I've thought about using Escrow service to make the deal safe, though it will cost me an extra $25, but even so, it would still be worth it for a new eMac (if there's even one).

[dubbz]

Doesn't sound good to me. I'd stay far away.

[Dont Hurt Me]

Scam

[Blue Velvet]

Any genuine seller would take an interest in the customer and would also be happy to answer any questions, if they could...

The Mac may be as the seller says... but it may have also fallen off the back of a lorry, as it were.

If the Escrow service guarantees your money, then use it.
What's $25 in the scheme of things? Not a lot for peace of mind...

You've got his number: give him a call. You'll get a better feel for the deal by hearing the tone of his voice, not conclusive but indicative...

[PhantomOSX]

Ok, I just sent an email (bc he just emailed me) requesting to use Escrow in the deal. There is NO reason why he should deny this, since I said I will be paying the fees. We will see the truth soon.

[Mantat]

Make sure to use a real escrow service.

There are a lot of fake ones that are only up for a short amount of time to grab your cash then disapear. Only use one that is popular and with good reputation.

And I am sure there is something wrong with this deal. If its brand new, he could have sold it localy for much more. The thing that intrigue me also is why he wants to pay shipping. eMacs are WAY heavy and for such a low price, it should be at the buyer expense.

Call him and double check his story.

[PhantomOSX]

Yeah I plan on calling him in about an hour or so. Being at 50lbs, he would lose a good percentage of his money just paying for the shipping, I agree.

[Solafaa]

If you can get your money back then go for it, but it dose sound to good to be true, it could be stolen aswell.