Too good to be true (amazon.com related)?

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A

Antoneo

Diamond Member
May 25, 2001
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I found the HDTV I wanted for a phenominal price (33% below what amazon.com is offering it for and decimates the prices posted by every store I called for preorder) listed by a seller in the "Used and New" section: the marketplace. He/she is a new seller (no feedback), has never been rated before, and never bought anything either. Thus I don't know anything about the seller's history. Plus a hotmail email address.

He/she also claims (in the comment box) that he wanted this TV for a wedding present and got 4, so he is selling 3.

Now I have been waiting for this TV for about a month now since availability is scarce and plus the laws of supply and demand has kicked in. I'd really like to fill the space in my living room as well. Obviously I am afraid of fraud.

I've emailed the seller with questions and a request to post pictures (yeah I know).

Your thoughts?
 
Nocturnal

Nocturnal

Lifer
Jan 8, 2002
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IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE THAN IT PROBABLY IS!!!!!!!!!! I WOULDN'T TRUST ANYTHING LIKE THAT ONLINE. I WOULD ASK TO PICK IT UP IN PERSON AND IF HER OR SHE SAYS NO THAN IT'S A FLUKE!!!
 
pyonir

pyonir

Lifer
Dec 18, 2001
40,856
321
126
Unless you get pictures of the box, inside the box, with the seller in the picture with a copy of the current day's newspaper. I wouldn't trust it.

 
T

tRaptor

Golden Member
Jul 31, 2002
1,227
1
0
Are you out of your mind?

DO not even THINK about it if you can not go and SEE it first. And if you do, bring a few friends just in case.

I mean 4 HDTV's as wedding presents? Toasters maybe, but not HDTV's. If you have freinds willing to drop that much on you (as some people do) you probably have MORE than enough to have one already.


Sorry, but to put it another way: "RUN AWAY FROM THIS FAST"
 
F

fs5

Lifer
Jun 10, 2000
11,774
1
0
whats the price? and how willing are you to part the amount of money of said price without getting anything in return. classic risk/gain analysis
 
C

ClueLis

Platinum Member
Jul 2, 2003
2,269
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Do you have a long, positive heat record? If so, ask for the TV before shipping, to make sure.

EDIT: If he doesn't accept it, then let it go.
 
Nocturnal

Nocturnal

Lifer
Jan 8, 2002
18,927
0
76
Just do what I said, drive there if it is convenient for you and pick it up or ask to see it. Simple as that.
 
A

Antoneo

Diamond Member
May 25, 2001
3,911
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Originally posted by: fivespeed5
whats the price? and how willing are you to part the amount of money of said price without getting anything in return. classic risk/gain analysis
Click to expand...

The price offered by the seller is $2500. And no I don't really want to lose any of that lol.
Also there is a list end date of September 24th 2003.

ClueLis, unfortunately I do not have a long heatware (one pos out of one trade). I do not trade/buy/sell much at all.

I've checked with escrow and I believe it would cost $150 for that particular service. It would also cost at least $150 to ship it to me I think.

Nocturnal, yes it is certainly driveable distance (PA, I'm in NYC), albeit a long one. I'll ask the seller if it is availible for pickup.
 
M

madthumbs

Banned
Oct 1, 2000
2,680
0
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I sell stuff below cost through online auction, but I have excellent feedback. Feedback is an important tool in online auctions. I might buy small stuff from someone with no feedback, but both the seller and buyer would be stupid doing a big item like an hdtv with no feedback. Buyers should also be aware of techniques to manipulate feedback.
 
A

Antoneo

Diamond Member
May 25, 2001
3,911
0
0
Yeah I realize that feedback becomes a crucial part in auctions/online purchases. I haven't gotten any email from him yet so I guess I'll wait a couple days to see what he says. In the meantime, some other retailers seem to have come through and will have to contact them tomorrow.

narzy, I've noticed that "guarantee" as well but it is not without hassle or loss (for me at least). The total cost of the completed sale will be $2450 + est. $150 for shipping. Amazon.com covers up to $2500, leaving me vulnerable to a $100 loss. I have lost much of the "must... buy... now..." neurotransmitters and think I will likely wind up passing on the offer unless the seller provides me with undeniable proof of the television's existence in his possession.
 
kranky

kranky

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
21,019
156
106
Why wouldn't the seller just return the HDTV's to where they were purchased, which is probably much easier than going through the aggravation of selling them online - especially if he doesn't have a track record already? Or, why not sell them in the local paper? Still a lot easier. He surely wouldn't have any trouble selling them locally for 33% less than an online store.

This smells.

Sure, it's tempting, but look at the odds. Don't get carried away by a too-good-to-be-true deal.
 
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