HP on eBay - Suspicious, Need Help

Hi,
I'm just interested in getting some useful help here. Basically, I'm not very eBay-savvy, but have made a mistake of bidding on a laptop. I then realised that the user has 0 feedback and when I checked the RRP for the equipment, found that it was offered at a 50% discount (seems too good a deal). Now, I know I have every reason to suspect the seller.
I asked if he could provide an original invoice for the item, but when he contacted me, he told me that he could provide a written statement signed, stating he had sold the equipment to me at the agreed price. He even agreed to a pick up if I do not want shipping. I then proceeded to ask about the history of the equipment, but was told that he doesn't know where it came from (given by a friend) and that he has no original invoice to back up claims of ownership.
According to the sale description, the item is supposed to be sealed in box and brand new, which he confirmed.
My suspicions here are that there might be something wrong about this because the reasons (equipment history) weren't exactly solid. I have made a fatal error of bidding on it and actually is obliged to complete the transaction, failing which I could potentially end up with negative feedback. I don't have many feedback because I'm not a serious eBayer.
Now, is a negative feedback a better way to back out of this transaction, so I do not lose my $1000 or would people actually take the plunge here (because of the pick up offer)?

 

Well, in this case I think you have a valid worry...and you should cancel your bid if you are genuinely concerned. When you can cite a reason for your withdrawal, just state that you have concerns about the laptop not being as advertised (aka: not new or not hot).

You need to do this ASAP though, depending on how much time is left on the auction. If it has already ended, I would suggest contacting eBay directly and trying to void the transaction. Also, if it has ended and there is no way out of it: pay with PayPal and force him to ship it to you. If you pick it up or pay with other means, you will leave yourself without some of the protections provided by eBay and PayPal. When used correctly, they can insure items up to $1000. Read up on their Buyer Protection Policy (search that term at www.paypal.com) for more info.

Good luck, and I hope that some other members will have some other good ideas as well.

BTW, where is the seller located?

 

I'm sure the zero feedback seller doesn't have the $1,000 buyer protection. The auction page (under his username and feedback) would state the $1,000 buyer protection if he had it. That said, if the auction has ended you can get out of it by contacting the seller and telling him you just don't feel comfortable completing the transaction. He can file an unpaid item dispute on ebay and choose that you mutally agreed to not complete the transaction and get his fees associated with the auction refunded.

He might leave you a negative but at least you won't be out $1,000.

 

Ouch...forgot about the zero feedback.

But yeah, you need to end this affair before you get hurt.