The Big Question: How can I get tech bargains on eBay?
One man's gadget trash is another's tech treasure...
You could probably furnish an entire home with bargains from ‘the Bay’, but when it comes to tech listings things get a little more complicated.
Gadget hunters tend to be a little more switched on to eBay’s foibles, so if you want to successfully fish for bargains it pays to arm yourself with some knowledge of the best tools and spots to cast your net.
Here are some of our favourite auction-winning tools, plus a few pointers from eBay on how to snag second-hand bargains from its refurb shelves…
The Snipe Machine
MyiBidder
Trying to win an eBay auction is a serious business. As the clock ticks down, you’ll have more sweat on your brow than an eSportsman in a Counter-Strike final. But one way to avoid eBay blood pressure strikes is by using an auction sniper.
These apps and desktop services automatically place bids for you in an auction’s final moments, letting you specify the exact second to strike. They also help you avoid showing your hand too early or getting into bidding wars.
The best two smartphone-based snipers we’ve tried are MyiBidder and Baytomat. Both have quite basic designs and similar features, including the option of importing watch lists, searching eBay and choosing when to strike. They also let you start ‘grouped bidding’, which will automatically cancel the rest of your bids on similar items if one is successful.
Both start you off with ten free ‘snipes’, but MyiBidder wins out thanks to its cheaper extra credits (£1.49 for ten more).
Alternatively…
Gixen
If you don’t fancy using your phone, Gixen lets you snipe away for free on your computer. No app is needed – you just use your web browser. It’s great for work computers that don’t let you install your own programs.
£free / Download
The Local Expert
Local eBay Deals Finder
Some of the best eBay bargains can be found in collection-only auctions. Larger objects such as TV’s and vintage radio cabinets are often too cumbersome or fragile for sellers to be willing to send via courier, and you can take advantage of their more limited appeal with this app.
Choose a location and radius, then pick your genre and search just like normal. If you don’t have a Volvo estate to transport those original 1970s speakers, it’s worth getting a quote from the rent-a-courier service Anyvan – although you’ll need to ask the seller if they’ll accept third-party collections.
The Typo Finder
Fat Fingers Pro
Some poor, tired eBay sellers leave typos in their listings that drastically reduce the number of bids they attract. Luckily for us there are apps such as this, which automatically work out the key typos for any search term. Only the paid version of Fat Fingers lets you filter results, but the Android app ‘Misspelled auctions for eBay‘ is free. See you in the queue for a ‘Paystation 4’.
Insider tips
We also went hunting for some more official tech bargain advice – eBay’s Retail Director for Electronics Murray Lambell gave us these pointers…
1) Go Refurb
Many tech firms, including Dyson and GoPro, are refurbishing and selling their own items on eBay. Refurb is a great way to bag a bargain, so check it out here.
2) Are you covered?
One of the things to consider when buying refurb is the warranty the item comes with. If you shop from eBay’s refurbished hub, all items come with a 12-month warranty from the seller.
3) Save on shipping
Look for sellers that offer free shipping by ticking the box in the ‘Advanced’ section of the search filter. Many tech items are small enough to be shipped cheaply, and it’s a great way to save a few extra pennies.
Andrew Williams
