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Is Craigslist worth it? Why's it so cheap?

bikalpapaudel

bikalpapaudel

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 7, 2009
43
0
Dharan, Nepal
I have been browsing Craigslist.co.uk for quite sometime and there are some awesome deals out there. I am not a high end guy and am looking for a second machine.

Let this link clear out things..
http://london.craigslist.co.uk/search/sys?maxAsk=200&query=apple&srchType=T

The models listed are incorrect. Some titles talk about MBA and the details posted show 17" MBP!

The information is wrong, there is almost nothing said about the current condition of machines, no actual photos. Some unrelated notebook pics and/or new pics from Apple.com are there. And at times the ads are from weird sellers.

I was looking for an inexpensive G3/G4 era notebook for less than 200 UK Pounds, and I can see MacBooks, MBPs and even MBAs enlisted for lower than that!

What now? Is it all SCAM?
 
Uh.. Unlike eBay and else, with Craigslist, you contact the seller, see the product and then buy it.

So I dont know how they think they'll manage to scam anyone. There are genuine ones too.

But I was surprised to not find good ol' 'books. :(
 
Although the specs listed are wrong, the thing about CL is you can request photos and/or see the product in person. Just cause you see it, and play with it a little, doesn't mean you have to buy it.

Whether they like it or not, its your money, and if its a scam then at least you'll know before buying unlike how people still get fooled on eBay.
So I dont know how they think they'll manage to scam anyone. There are genuine ones too.
Click to expand...
I did get a good laugh at the guy on here who posted about buying a knockoff iPhone from someone on CL.
 
For the most part... if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is ;)

However, that said, there are deals to be had

Look out for scams:

Stolen items
Bait and switch items
Pirated items
The usual things

Always buy locally, meet in a public place and test the merchandise thoroughly
If you have any doubts, walk away

Woof, Woof - Dawg
pawprint.gif
 
You can only deal face to face and with cash. No wire transfer, paypal or anything. You need to be able to see and try the machine in a public setting. If they can show you proof of purchase too that will help eliminate the possibility of buying a stolen item.
 
i use craigslist alot

let me clarify this for you and anybody else.

anything that wants you to go on a website and buy something is a scam
 
Wow. Thats a lot of help!

So only dealing face to face, tryin the machine and looking out for proof of purchase.

What more should one look for, specifically in a used Mac notebook? I sure wont buy any of those dual USB iBooks, lest one fail in no time. Anything else?

And guys, what's like the best deal you got? From CL or eBay?
 
bikalpapaudel said:
Wow. Thats a lot of help!

So only dealing face to face, tryin the machine and looking out for proof of purchase.

What more should one look for, specifically in a used Mac notebook? I sure wont buy any of those dual USB iBooks, lest one fail in no time. Anything else?

And guys, what's like the best deal you got? From CL or eBay?
Click to expand...

The thing about CL is its usually first come first serve for most people, and unlike bidding on eBay, you can try to talk a reasonable offer out of the buyer (SOMETIMES).

Look at the cosmetics, make sure there isnt too much damage (depending on the price you get it at, it theres a small dent but the price is a steal and everything else is in tip, don't let that hold you back).

Make sure you try it out, remember in most cases the buyer may not take it back, so make sure its what you want. An iBook will say iBook and look a hell of a lot different from a MacBook.
 
You can find great deals on CL because usually people want to get rid of their items fast. Only deal cash, pick-up and bring a friend or two.
 
I'd be weary of Craigslist if I was you, it's more hassle than it's worth. Buy from an authorised seller!
 
I've bought many ibooks, powerbooks, and imacs off of craigslist for friends and have never been stiffed. I look for ads posted by an individual that are honest about condition and are asking a fair price for the specs of the mac they are selling.
Scammers are a dime a dozen as well though. Their ads list things either without a city posted, or no price, or an insanely low price. Ones that list for sale without original install disc, or other missing equipment may be stolen.
 
I always sell my old systems on Craigslist (for in-person sales) or Ebay (for sales by mail), and they've always been in the conditions I represent them to be. I think many people do that, so your odds of being scammed may not be that high, unless you're looking for the too-good-to-be-true deals. (If you are, then the odds of being scammed would greatly increase.)

Then again, the general advice of taking precautions is spot-on. When I'm buying something used, I'll skip right over ads that have no pictures or generic marketing pictures. I also look for the good deals and tend to avoid the "great" deals. If you're buying from Ebay, ask questions of the seller and use a credit card that provides buyer protection. If buying locally from Craigslist, then definitely insist on testing the item. The idea is to do enough homework that: (1) you know what you're getting, and (2) the dishonest seller views you as a detection risk and doesn't want to sell to you any more.
 
dont let people make you nervous about using craigslist. Yes you should use precautions like meeting at a public place and bringing another person. But unless you are looking for an erotic massage your probably not going to be robbed.
 
I've never bought a laptop on Craigslist, but I have bought a bunch of other stuff as well as sold big ticket stuff (TV's, cameras, stereos, furniture) and I have yet to have a problem. I always look for an "honest" looking ad, something that isn't "h0t!!! APPPPLE Macbook! BNIB!!!! WEhite! WHY BUY FOMR APPLE WHEN U CAN BUY FROM ME N sSAVE!!! Got it as A Gift buT I alreADY Have one SO I am SelIInG!"

IF they have a receipt and are selling it brand new, be sure to ask them a)why don't you just return it and get your money back instead of selling it for a loss and b) make sure the Serial number on the box and the receipt match (I dunno if they do that in the UK, here in Canada at least when you buy Apple stuff the serial number is on the receipt to prevent false returns). And that $600 newest-gen Macbook Air is probably a scam ;)
 
I agree with the people who have suggested bringing someone with you and meeting in a public place. Its very convenient for a would-be thief to have their mark come to them with a known amount of cash on them.
 
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