Selling iMac - is Ebay the best way?

Amazon is a much safer way to sell something.

eBay always side with the buyer in a dispute. always.

Take 12.5% off each year that you own it. So if you paid $2000 and are selling it year 4, you could expect to get $1000 for the unit.

I've not sold a Mac on eBay in several years, but my last experience was a near-disaster. The buyer, after receiving my G5 Powermac, started making all kinds a goofy accusations about how what I sent was not what I advertised. They said I had swapped out various components for cheaper ones, and their proof was that some of the internal screws that held things in place were mis-matched. The buyer started asking for various concessions in the way of refunds, but I held strong. I offered to refund their money if they shipped it back, but I wasn't willing to pay for their shipping (and I'd already eaten an additional $50 or $60 on shipping it out the first time). The buyer apparently decided to keep it since I never heard back from them. The whole time I kept expecting either negative feedback or a contact from eBay, but nothing was forthcoming. Months later I checked back and the buyer was no longer a "registered user". My impression was that they wanted me to refund them some cash, but without really providing any real evidence that a refund was appropriate. Since then, I've pretty much stopped using eBay.

Mark Morb said:

Too many stories like that on Ebay, especially since they stopped you being able to leave negative feedback for buyers.

Based on mauman's calcualtions my price seems about right at least...

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Personally never had any problems with eBay, but I usually don't sell anything above 500 Euro. Although I did sell a camera once for 750. Transfer was done via direct bank, no PayPal, so I was protected. If PayPal is used, the seller always loses; any claim and PayPal will refund the money and take it from your account. The other side doesn't have to prove anything.

Yes, true a seller can't post any negative feedback anymore. eBay is a gamble if you're a seller.

OP, have you considered using Craigslist? It's a good way to avoid scammers.

I've sold many Macs on eBay, working and non-working. Never had an issue, always had happy buyers and great feedback.

selling

I use Amazon, no problems..no stolen credit cards...

The Man said:

The other side doesn't have to prove anything.

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But they do have to return a box and obtain proof of delivery.

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mus0r said:

I've sold many Macs on eBay, working and non-working. Never had an issue, always had happy buyers and great feedback.

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Some day you will get a complaint about your expensive item. Ebay will tell the buyer to send the item back and get proof of delivery. You will sign for a box that contains a couple of telephone directories. Ebay will take the money by direct debit from your bank account and give it to the buyer and then they will close the case.

You won't give the buyer negative feedback because ...................

Man don't talk to me about selling on eBay. I sold a MacBook Pro 15 in 4 yrs ago. The buyer said its broken, eBay reversed the charge, and the buyer NEVER SENT IT BACK. I sold it almost brand new, no issues. If he wanted to return it by all means do so but I got ripped off hard. Never again.

Prior to this incident I've made dozens of sales without issue but losing $1700 makes me a little bit bitter.


I honestly don't think amazon is any better. Deal with Craigslist. Bring a friend or two when your do the transaction. Meet at a public place like Starbucks. That's what I've done when I sold my g4 iMac and ipad minis.

Yeah eBay is a dangerous game, clearly state what you have all defects and terms and conditions. Document your sale well and you shouldn't have any problems.

I have been selling on ebay for many years and I know many ins and outs to the business.

Question is, how fast do you need to sell it? If it is listed on ebay, it will be a for sure sell. However, the fees can really stack you up and you are going to end up paying more than 10% of the overall return. In addition, the price you will get for it is still uncertain.

Here are a few big fees you have to pay up front after the sale:

Final Value fee: 7%
Paypal Fee (unless covered by seller):3.5%
Shipping
Listing fees (if applicable)

To maximize, I would suggest selling it locally or listing on a local classifieds.

I have a maxed out 27" mid-2011 iMac that I'm looking to sell. I considered Amazon Marketplace, which I usually prefer, but it doesn't seem very friendly for selling BTO Macs. From what I can tell, it will get listed with other retail iMacs, and I would have to try to describe why mine is more expensive because it's BTO. No one will bother with it if it's higher priced. Am I missing something with selling on Amazon that would make this easier?

Mark Morb said:

Craigslist is not a suitable alternative as I'm in the UK

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Try http://www.gumtree.com. Sound out potential buyers on the phone, arrange to meet somewhere safe, and insist on cash in exchange for a detailed receipt and a brief guarantee. I sold my MacBook Pro this way and avoided all the scammers that "hot" high-value items on eBay attract, and even with the fees to push your listing up the page (which is essential) the cost of the sale was much less than it would have been via the eBay/Paypal route.

designs216 said:

OP, have you considered using Craigslist? It's a good way to avoid scammers.

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Not really, If anything Craigslist is even wilder then Ebay is.

rnauman821 said:

Take 12.5% off each year that you own it. So if you paid $2000 and are selling it year 4, you could expect to get $1000 for the unit.

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I would be more inclined to take 12.5% off for every year since it was released.

A 2009 iMac is worth pretty much the same whether it is 4 years old or 3 years old.

Sue De Nimes said:

I would be more inclined to take 12.5% off for every year since it was released.

A 2009 iMac is worth pretty much the same whether it is 4 years old or 3 years old.

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You take a hit year one simply for the unit being used.

As your in the UK mac2cash is ok:

http://www.mac2cash.com

Obviously you wont get anywhere near an eBay price but its hassle free and you get the cash quickly.

rnauman821 said:

You take a hit year one simply for the unit being used.

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I am talking about adding a year potentially.

If you bought a 2011 iMac in October 2012 brand new (as the only Mac available) and then sold it in January 2013. That is 2011 Mac not a 3month old Mac.