How do you safeguard you purchase??

[Mikeoo17]

I've come across a laptop that I'm interested in buying from another member but I'm not all that experienced with online purchasing (esp from an individual person). What do I need to do to ensure I get what I'm paying for? What can I do if the laptop arrives damaged? How do warranties work when transfered between people?

Any help definitely appreciated!! Please don't limit your responses to the questions asked above. I'm sure there are numerous things I should concider.

[Jason]

Use either escrow or Paypal as a payment method. Because both have buyer protection. Be sure the seller insures the notebook, so if it gets damaged, then it's covered. As for the warranty it depends. Some companies will transfer the warranty... ie. Dell. Others are not so happy to do that. The best way to do a transaction, is through ebay... you could have the seller list it there then buy it from them on ebay.

Here is a good guide... http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=41756

[confusedsoul]

Pictures, lots of pictures. Good feedback, meaning transactions with different people, and also, even if they have lots of feedback, doesn't mean they got it with selling laptops. A person with 1000 feedback, could have sold 999 computer cables to get there. Make sure to get their NON-Free email account, and definately use Paypal. If they have less feedback than you, ask for them to ship first or to ship after you have sent them half of the amount?

[ejl]

if they don't allow paypal payment, make sure that they will at least allow payments via escrow, a service that holds the money until you receive your product.

[Mikeoo17]

What about a combination of escrow and paypal?? If I had the choice between the two, which should I pick?

[Jason]

I personally have never used escrow, but I think Paypal is great! And I'd recommend it!