No sweat if it doesn't sell (which looks like it wont not as ebay is flooded with them) I'll take it back and not lose a dime. Maybe I'll keep it and give it as a present... who knows. As far as the semantics of what is and isn't scalping don't care what it's called. I bought a phone for X, sold if for Y and I come out on top by several hundred. No matter what you call it I think that's pretty cool.
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All iPads Fellow scalper what ipad are you buying :)
- Thread starter silverf1re
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No sweat if it doesn't sell (which looks like it wont not as ebay is flooded with them) I'll take it back and not lose a dime. Maybe I'll keep it and give it as a present... who knows. As far as the semantics of what is and isn't scalping don't care what it's called. I bought a phone for X, sold if for Y and I come out on top by several hundred. No matter what you call it I think that's pretty cool.
What's going to end up happening is Apple requiring a restocking fee for anything that gets returned. Maybe that's the right answer. If Apple can meet the majority of demand (as they have for the last couple of launches) and requires a restocking fee, that would put a complete stop to scalping. The risk would be much too high.
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Words matter.
I hope this doesnt come off as some kind of brag as I am far from rich, but I have well into 6 figures of unused credit across numerous credit card issuers. This isnt exactly difficult to obtain for someone who is financially responsible. Though maybe it is easier for someone who does think it is worth his time to pick up an easy "$1000 or $2000" a few times a year.
Having 5 or 10 grand locked up in easily fungible goods is perfectly doable if I can turn them around for a profit before the bills come due.
I don't use Ebay much, so apologies in advance. How do you as a seller not get burned? I've heard the stories of people getting the device, then claiming the box just contained a brick or something, and Ebay/Paypal refunded as they side with the buyer. Buyer ends up with the cash and the device.
How do you protect yourself?
Video!
Take one of the device from all sides including functioning. Sound, video, wifi ect. I know it sounds like a PITA but take a video AT the post, video yourself boxing, packaging and actually putting the package in the box/giving it to the mail person. Copy down all info like IMEI and SN. Ship insured for at least purchase price with delivery confirmation and ONLY to their pay pal verified address. Also like I suggested in another post, don't tell them about the videos that way if they try and scam you you can slam dunk them!
Taking the time to ensure you cover your own butt will save you a headache in the end. I also don't have to wait to remove money from my account because of my paypal status so that is another big help. No chance of them taking money out of the account if there is an issues because if I think there is going to be one the money comes out ASAP.
Well, rich in the context of THIS discussion really just means someone with the means to make something like this happen, not necessarily "cash rich."
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Easy way to fix that is not to use Paypal or whatever, and require cash up front. That used to be possible, though I haven't used ebay in many years, so I don't know whether their policies now require specific types of payments. In the "olden days," most sellers required delivery of a money order or certified cheque (or clearance on a non-certified cheque) before they'd ship an item.
I think the risk is all on the buyer's side in these types of cases though. Committing to buying something that the seller doesn't even have in his possession is incredibly risky.
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I'd say no, assuming either that the problems at plants in China are dealt with, or production is done in Brazil (I think that was a rumour a while ago). Apple has been getting much closer to meeting demand at launch over the last few product releases.
If there were a shortage of LCD components, there'd be shortages of every laptop, tablet, monitor and phone on the market, since these things are all built by the same 3 or 4 companies. There obviously is not, so that's just nonsense.
Until Apple really turns the screw and starts a 25% restocking fee. On that day, I'll sit there laughing as I watch as their eyes bulge and buttocks clench...
Let's make it better. 25% restocking fee for the first two iPads returned during a single visit. Raises to 50% starting with the the 3rd iPad...
Yes, but who cares why there is a shortage, all that matters is that there are people willing to pay that much for used ones and near $1000+ for new ones.
Why would your assume that the iPad cycle is still next spring? It's actually much smarter to have it in the fall then buyers get them for the holidays rather than hold out for the April release day.
Anyone have success posting 11/2 preorders on eBay? Final sale for 16GB, 32GB, & 64GB? Just curious if demand is really out there.
i'm getting an iPad mini, but since Tim took over there just hasn't been the same hype around product launches or shortages
16GB Black for $425?
http://r.ebay.com/ogxFLA
The winner has a 20% bidding rate with the seller. Smell a shill?
http://r.ebay.com/ogxFLA
The winner has a 20% bidding rate with the seller. Smell a shill?
That same argument could then be used for while doesn't Apple have all of their cycles in the fall; iPad, iPhone, iMac, MBP, MP....etc. Well part of it comes down to logistics and developmental plan.
Also to some degree the masses are idiots and will buy an iPad/iPod/MBP/iMac around the holidays even if the new update is only a few months away. Those that follow product updates on MR make up a very small percentage of the consumer base.
1) Click "32 bids"
2) Click the winner "i***m"
3) Under "30-Day Summary" it says "Bid activity (%) with this seller: 20%"
That seems pretty high. In the last 30 days, one out of every five bids this person has made has been with this seller.
Since ebay buyers use past "Completed" listings to decide how much something is worth, it is in the best interest of a seller to make sure the first couple of Minis are sold at a very high amount.