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If You think Short Sales and Foreclosures are Crazy, Welcome to the Wild West: Buying an iPad on Craigslist!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Realty Arts NC Broker License #235526

I've been perusing the Raleigh edition of Craigslist for an iPad. Craigslist is where I go when I want to peek at stuff, but am not married to the outcome. It is great to be an elective shopper on Craigslist, with no urgency, as Craigslist never comes off as totally civilized. I don't NEED an iPad, but I have a little itch I may scratch under the right circumstances.
But, I'm not going to hock the farm to scratch that iPad itch.
There seems to be a pretty good spread between the Bid and Ask on Craigslist, whether you are talking about an original iPad, or an iPad2.

I see plenty of ads for "WTB iPad $200" or "...$250." And plenty of iPads asking $550 or more. iPads with wifi and 3gs are in the $650 range.
The cheapest I have seen an iPad for sale is $300, and it was gone quickly,

But, you can order a 32GB wifi iPad refurb at store.apple.com for $429.00. Surely, Apple would do a great job on their refurbs, right? Why pay more for used?

Yesterday I saw an iPad2 advertised on Craigslist for $2000. Wonder if it was being sold by the guy who paid $900 just for first place in line in Manhattan?

I mean, fer cryin' out loud, these things start at $499 and run to $829 retail. Why $2000, or even $1000? Yes, iPads are cool. Are they THAT cool? I'm not so sure on that score.

I'm not so sure about the $829, either, but to pay a premium on top of that? Crazy. Wild. IMO.

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Independent Broker/Owner, Realty Arts

130 Towerview Court,

Cary, NC

Comments(7)

Shawna Green
Keller Williams Realty-Fayetteville - Fayetteville, NC
The key to your real estate needs!

Mike, I often times wonder that myself...its crazy but people will pay more for the product because its on Craigslist and they think that its going to be cheaper on there.

Mar 14, 2011 11:55 AM
Mike Jaquish
Realty Arts - Cary, NC
919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

Hi, Shawna,

Nothing is more costly to consumers than "bargain fever."

Mar 14, 2011 01:07 PM
Lora "Leah" Stern 914-772-4528
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson

Mike, its sort of like going to the closeout store and buying what you don't really need because its a bargain.  You gotta know your prices first!

Mar 14, 2011 01:29 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Mike...

I have seen the Ipad but I'm not willing to pay a premium. Didn't they just release the new model last week?

Mar 14, 2011 01:37 PM
Mike Jaquish
Realty Arts - Cary, NC
919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

Leah,

Yes, Top Dollar does not a bargain make!

Richard,

My itch is only slightly more itchy than yours.  Yes, the iPad2 came out last week.  Unless I get a great buy on an iPad, I am holding out to see a Motorla Xoom.

Mar 14, 2011 01:39 PM
Vickie Slade
Colorado Landmark, Realtors - Boulder, CO
Service You Can Trust ~ Someone You Can Depend On

Mike, I like a bargain as next as the next person.  But unless you really know your prices and what the competition is doing, how do you know if you are getting a bargain?

Mar 14, 2011 02:12 PM
Mike Jaquish
Realty Arts - Cary, NC
919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

Vickie,

When people have web access and will buy on Craigslist, why wouldn't they use that access to check on the price of the goods from the legitimate vendor?

The allure of a "bargain" overrides common sense sometimes.

Mar 14, 2011 02:33 PM