eBay, Gumtree, etc

[Black Hole]

I've been on the lookout for a decent second-hand iPad for an elderly friend (no, not the same elderly friend). I figured a 16GB WiFi-only Air 2 is the sweet-spot. Yesterday that crystallised into a definite instruction to go ahead when she spotted an advert for an Android tablet in the newspaper and I advised she would find iOS easier to use (this is not an invitation to debate the pros and cons of iOS v Android!).

Having previously seen Air2s listed on MusicMagpie for £180, I went looking and found stocks are now running low. I had to fish around to see if I could match my previously expressed estimate of cost. I started coming up with ads which were actually Air1, or initial payments on a phone contract, or damaged.

Something which jumped out at me was a very recent Gumtree listing, not my area but willing to post and actually not far from my sister (if that helped). £40. What? Too good to be true? Where's the catch? Photos looked OK, not stock photos.

But then I realised the photos were identical to an eBay listing purporting to be 150 miles away. WTF? Steer clear of that one. The moral seems to be only trust a Gumtree listing if you can go in person.

Eventually I found an eBay listing for one which ticks the boxes, in the right colour to boot, apparently on sale by a proper business specialising in business tech clearances, with a small engraving on the casing identifying the shop which cast it off, for £170 (no charger), and an apparently genuine unused charger (from a different seller) for £10. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Black Hole]

PMN: Maybe that Gumtree listing was trying to take advantage of Coronavirus (Restrictions) Regulations limiting people's ability to go in person. Send £40 electronically to somebody only identified by a mobile phone number (because it's worth a punt), then have a hard time getting the money back when nothing turns up or what does turn up doesn't match the description and £40 doesn't warrant the chase.

 

[MartinLiddle]

I have bought a couple of things on Gumtree (FVP-5000T and a PC) without problem but have always collected in person and had a quick demonstration; been happy in both cases.

 

[Black Hole]

have always collected in person and had a quick demonstration; been happy in both cases.

I'm sure; that's what Gumtree is designed to facilitate and seems to be the only surety.

 

[Trev]

That is if two really big guys don't turn up and mug you for your cash/phone/etc, as has happened.

 

[Black Hole]

That is if two really big guys don't turn up and mug you for your cash/phone/etc, as has happened.

That is the other side of the coin!

 

[mihaid]

That is if two really big guys don't turn up and mug you for your cash/phone/etc, as has happened.

that's why you don't park nearby and first go with no cash no phone no muggable items.

 

[Black Hole]

Eventually I found an eBay listing for one which ticks the boxes, in the right colour to boot, apparently on sale by a proper business specialising in business tech clearances, with a small engraving on the casing identifying the shop which cast it off, for £170 (no charger), and an apparently genuine unused charger (from a different seller) for £10. I'll let you know how it goes.

Both items arrived today, and I am very pleased with them. The iPad, in particular, is pristine (except for the engraving, which is tiny).