topic Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud in Computers & Electronics

Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

alfster4 — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:35:40 GMT

I'm looking at the Desktop Gaming computer search page, I went to highest price listing search. It starts at $13,001 & goes down from there. The first page of listings is filled with computers These computers are old computers worth less than $1000, being advertised for many thousands of dollars. Here is an example of the $13000 listing, which would be worth about $500.

I know enough about computers not to buy it, but some vulnerable person out there might not & pay $13000 for a $500 computer. EBAY should not be letting them advertise $500 computers for up to $13000, these computers are not valued at the price they are being listed at.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

sandypebbles — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 01:45:57 GMT

Then report it

eBay have no idea since they do not vet/check/value listings

Nobody in their right mind would pay 13 grand for a computer. Especially not one on eBay

vulnerable? seriously?

hardly the right word

Most likely a 'special listing' the seller has created for a certain buyer and set the price that high so only an utter idiot would put such a bid

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

eol-products — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 01:42:22 GMT

I have read others say they may do this to keep the listing active if they get more stock and will save having to do a new listing from scratch.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

alfster4 — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 02:01:17 GMT

I agree, only an utter idiot would buy it, but we all know there are utter idiots out there. Have a look at all their other totally overpriced computer listings as well.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

paper-jack — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 04:24:09 GMT

or maybe money laundering?

(I watch far too much crime)

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

gutterpunkz05 — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:14:44 GMT

They might be well overpriced, but that in no way constitutes fraud, not even close.

Surely buyers know to price check. But then again there are some doozy buyers out there.

And it is not up to ebay to tell sellers how to price their items, and it is probably illegal for them to do so.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

gutterpunkz05 — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:46:08 GMT

For the OP, Just to add, they also have Desk Tops for less than $200.

They also have some 72000 sales via ebay, with over 14500 FB score , at 99.2% for the last 12 months.

They also have some 4400 followers, presumably happy customers.

So here is a thing, why dont you contact the seller, and ask them to justify their prices to you, rather than simply placing inuendo on a public forum. If you have not got the gumption to follow up with the seller, then perhaps the seller may become aware of your post.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

jellybirddesigns — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:54:53 GMT

There's no fraud - sellers are allowed to price items at any price point they like, even if you think it is overvalued. The most likely situation is that they do not have stock of these items at the moment, so they put an unrealistic price on them to discourage buyers. When they get new stock, they revert to the proper price.

If you look at their feedback, you can see the price points of items that were purchased and most of what I looked at was under $1000.

They do have some concerning negative feedback, which would definitely put me off though.

Also, please bear in mind that nobody can offer you a genuine warranty on Ebay, unless they are an authorised distributor. It would be a real shame if you purchased something and after a few months had an issue. These third party sellers have no obligation after the first 30 days, so you would be much better buying from a proper Aussie store and getting a genuine 12+ month Aussie backed warranty. This seller has a "warranty", but after 30 days......well, I would wish you luck in even getting them to respond. Their FAQ's even go against some of Ebay's T&C's.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

eol-products — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:17:35 GMT

I think you are confusing the warranty issue in regard to not applying to an individual or overseas seller. If it is an Australian business then a warranty does still apply whether secondhand or a new product. Secondhand items from a business still needs to meet a certain standard and any warranty issues will be delt with by them not the original manufacturer.

Selling an item on ebay will not let a business seller off the hook for any warranty issues after 30 days.

It only takes a few minutes to work out they are a registered business with an ABN so are an Australian Business.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

davewil1964 — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:32:53 GMT

The linked item is advertised as refurbished, thus it is not new. The seller also implicitly doesn't offer a warranty.

The seller also reckons that a buyer is up for return postage for NAD, or DOA.

Make of that what you will.

But the salient point is that the item/s are not new, thus no warranty applies. Even if they are a registered Australian business.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

eol-products — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:55:01 GMT

Used items still need to be fit for purpose when sold by an Australian Business unless sold via auction. Although I have purchased new items on ebay sold by a car dealership clearing out old stock via auction and been covered by the manufacturers warranty.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

gutterpunkz05 — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 13:01:03 GMT

Yes buyers have statutory rights, but they are different to statutory warranties.

yes fit for purpose, under statutory conditions, but there is no set period for such and is very dependent on price and condition of the item purchased. Statutory conditions are different to statutory warranties, which virtually only covers free title.

The statutory warranties require that:
1) The consumer will enjoy quiet possession of
the goods.
2) The goods are free from any charge or
encumbrance not disclosed or known to the
consumer.

There is no legal requirement for a seller of new or used goods, to provide what is known as a voluntary warranty, Commonly known as manufacturers warranties, store warranties, express warranties etc.

Voluntary warranties
‘Voluntary warranties’ are the written and verbal
promises sellers and manufacturers make about
their goods and services. However, they are also
known by other names, including:
• express warranties
• store warranties
• manufacturers’ warranties
• money-back guarantees
• store refund policies
• store exchange policies.
The law does not require any business to provide
a voluntary warranty.

As sourced from ACCC

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

eol-products — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 21:18:23 GMT

The link to the listing is now gone and it showed they had items offering a warranty which once they offer this they cannot go back and say no at a later date.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

gutterpunkz05 — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 23:09:42 GMT

But that is completely different to having to provide a warranty, and they dont offer warranty on all products. I still have the link and know why it was removed. Naming and shaming has evolved and it is no longer simply a matter of identifying someone without actually naming them.

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

eol-products — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 23:33:12 GMT

I think you are reading outside of the context of the original reply which appears to be very common on these boards which is my fault for not including the post in my comment.

This is the original quote I am replying to.

"Also, please bear in mind that nobody can offer you a genuine warranty on Ebay, unless they are an authorised distributor. It would be a real shame if you purchased something and after a few months had an issue. These third party sellers have no obligation after the first 30 days, so you would be much better buying from a proper Aussie store and getting a genuine 12+ month Aussie backed warranty. This seller has a "warranty", but after 30 days......well, I would wish you luck in even getting them to respond. Their FAQ's even go against some of Ebay's T&C's.

The law states if an Australian business offers a warranty for either new or used items they have to abide by it.

In future I will try and include the original post as some others do as it will make it easier to follow .

Re: Overpriced computers bordering on fraud

gutterpunkz05 — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:27:35 GMT

Yes but stating an item is covered by warranty, does not actually state what is covered, and for electrical items, they are pretty much worthless. I dont even bother registering manufacturers warranties on electrical products, as virtually once you connect to a power source, the warranty provider will have a get out clause included and you are therefore left relying on good faith. Don't get me started on extended warranties, would never purchase one. Read one and you will know why.