A low price isn't automatically a good deal. An item that fails after two weeks isn't cheap — it's a bad purchase that happened to have a low price tag. Here's how to tell the difference before you buy.
Start With the Photos
For any electronics purchase worth more than $30, you want to see: the front face (cracks, dead pixels), the back (dents, scratches), the ports (bent pins, cracked housings), the device powered on, and all accessories present. If a listing uses manufacturer stock photos instead of actual photos of the item you'd receive, treat it with skepticism regardless of price.
Read the Condition Description Carefully
- "Like new, tested and working" → Low risk, buy with confidence at a fair price
- "Light cosmetic wear, all ports functional" → Scratches you can live with, device works
- "Customer return, untested" → Price should be lower to reflect the uncertainty
- "Sold as-is, for parts" → Known problem; only buy if you know what you're doing
Know What Fair Market Value Actually Is
Check eBay's sold listings — not asking prices, actual completed sales — for the same model in similar condition. A good deal on used electronics is typically 30–50% below eBay sold prices for equivalent condition. Anything at or above eBay's sold range isn't a deal regardless of how it's marketed.