ALLBIDS Blog

How to Buy Used Computers at Online Auctions

Thursday, 16 August 2018 | Mike Leano

Online auctions offer a means to buy used computers at far better prices, but the process can be complicated at times. At the very least, you have to:

1. Deal with minute technical details. The difficulty varies, depending on your tech-savviness.
2. Learn how the auction site handles important matters like payment methods and refunds.

Here are a few tips on how to go through the whole thing.

Find out how the website works

Each auction website has its own set of different rules. Because of this, you have to learn how the site you're eyeing works - particularly the following:

• Payment methods - Does the site let you use safer payment methods (e.g. credit cards)? Is the auction site a verified merchant among reputable payment providers? Does it have a secure payment system that hides your credit card's account number?
  
  
• Disputes - How does the site settle disputes? For instance, what happens when the item is defective or different from what was described?
  
  
• Security - How does the auction site safeguard your information? Is it secure? Does its web address start with https? Does its privacy policy contain useful information? Is its contact info current?

One good way to learn how an auction website works is to carefully read through its Terms and Conditions page. All the basics should be there.

What do you need it for?

Before you buy a used computer, you need to first ask yourself what purpose the machine will serve. Will it mainly be for word processing? Will you do some gaming on it?

This exercise will help you determine the following:

Specs
Once you know what the computer is for, you can decide what specifications it'll have. For instance, if you need something for complex 4K video editing, aim for something with hefty processing power (like an Intel Xeon or AMD Opteron), and an abundance of memory and hard drive space.

Likewise, see to it that the computer's specs can handle the programs you need to run. Otherwise, ask yourself if the money you save on a used computer is worth dealing with slower programs. As a workaround, you can use older versions of the software you need.

Size and weight
If you plan to bring the computer with you (especially if you're planning on getting a laptop), then you'll have to take its size and weight into account. Take note, however, that lighter laptops are usually not as powerful and feature-packed as its larger cousins.

Power concerns
This issue is for laptops and notebooks in particular. A used laptop will probably need a replacement battery because it has already used up many recharge cycles. If you plan to bring the device on trips, consider getting a new battery and maybe even a backup AC adapter to avoid running out of juice when you least expect it.

Read the description carefully

Before you bid on any item, make sure you read its description first. Thoroughly. This will give you an idea about important details like:

• The computer's brand and model.
• What the specs are.
• If there are any install discs included.
• If the computer has any cosmetic damages, which you can see from the attached photos.
• If there are any other caveats.

If you miss a key piece of information, you might end up having to spend more or making the wrong decision altogether.

For example, at ALLBIDS, we always wipe computers to ensure no data is left on them. We do this as a lot of our machines come from the government and they require hard drives to be wiped securely before they're sold. This means the operating system is removed. So unless the description says a computer has an OS, it most likely doesn't. This also implies that you'll have to buy an OS separately.

But if you're getting a special kind of server hardware, you won't even be able to buy the OS unless you buy new server gear. 

Do your research

Don't rely solely on the information included in the description, however. You'll need to look into other minutiae like:

• The current auction price vs the price of a similar unit when brand new. Bear in mind that when you buy used computers, it doesn't necessarily mean it's cheaper. If the auction price is awfully close to the price of a pristine unit, then maybe you should get the computer new.
  
  
• Cost of upgrades. The unit may seem cheap right now, but how much will you likely spend on upgrades like a new OS, a program you need, or a solid-state drive? The price of a new computer with all the bells and whistles - plus the warranty - might be a smarter expense.
  
  
• The seller himself/herself. Does the seller accept safer, more reputable payment methods which enable you to get your money back in case the deal goes sideways? Take the time to look at the seller's ratings and previous buyers' feedback, particularly the recent ones.
  
  

Take it out for a spin

It's always a good idea to test the computer you plan to buy. There's a huge difference between reading its specs on the description and booting it up to see if it works.

At ALLBIDS, bidders are allowed to switch on and test the computer. We actually have a testing bay where you can give it a test run, and you can check under the hood as well to see its innards' condition.

When you do get some hands-on time, make sure you inspect the following:

• The screen - Does it have dead pixels, discolouration or any sort of distortion?
• The body - Does it have any damage? Cracks or dents?
• The software (if any) - Are the keys and/or installation discs included?
• The connectivity ports - Are they all working? Do cables fit snugly or are they loose?
• The peripherals - Are they in good working order? Is there any damage?
  
  

Bidding suggestions

Here are a few tips you should consider when bidding:

• Before you make a bid, determine how much you're willing to spend in the auction. If the auction price goes over this amount, don't bid anymore.
• Beware of "shill bidders" who bid on items to artificially increase its price. If you have a maximum amount in mind and you stick to it, you won't be duped into paying more.
• If you win the auction, print a copy of the item description and the final price. You might need it later, in case of a dispute.

At ALLBIDS, we have rules against shill bidding but our protection doesn't stop there.

1. Bidders in our auctions cannot communicate with each other. This prevents the manipulation of the item's final price.
2. Unlike other websites where any user can start auctioning items, we deal with vendors directly and approve them individually. If a vendor is dodgy, we don't deal with them.
   
   

Always go through the auction site

If you encounter a problem with the sale (e.g. the item is different from the description, or it arrives late), contact the seller via the auction website. Don't use other means outside it. Why? Because if the seller can't resolve the issue, the auction site can intervene.

Never agree to communicating or paying outside the confines of the auction site. If you do, the auction site won't be able to protect you from fraud.

Bid with confidence

ALLBIDS runs a staggering number of online auctions for new and used computers on a daily basis. And on each auction, we provide layers of protection, which means you can bid with confidence. So look for the right computer today at ALLBIDS.

If you're looking to sell your computer, you can also use ALLBIDS to maximise your return. Get in touch with us to find out how.