Need some advice about an ebay transaction

[Monty]

Warning: Long

The Dell desktop computer I've been using for the last 7 years has begun to show signs that it  needs to be replaced fairly soon.  Based on its performance and longevity, I searched for a more current version and found one on ebay. 

The seller listed it as "open box, unused"  but also specified "no returns".  He has over 800 sales and a 100% satisfaction rating, so I figured this would be a good risk for a good price.  

Long story short, I brought in one of the best techs in the area to help me get it set up (I'm a computer moron and I also wanted to make sure important documents etc on the old unit were "captured" and put on the new one).  

We did all the preliminary stuff successfully, but when we hit the Start button, we got nothing but a black screen.  Messaged the seller, who referred me to Dell tech support, which would be akin to trying to walk your grandma through setting valve lash over the phone.  

I need to resolve this quickly because the computer plays a major role in various other aspects of life, but don't know what to do at this point.  

 

[BlackSheep214]

Personally, I wouldn’t buy a new computer or laptop on eBay. You don’t know what you’re getting even if it says “open box, unused”. The warranty is probably limited warranty since it’s an “open box, unused” compared to getting new with better warranty. I guess what I’m trying to say is Buyer beware.

Buy direct through Dell website. Go on chat and they can assist you in building one at a good price. Save yourself the headache and aggravation. Buy new!

[peteski]

Since you already had a local tech expert involved in the setup, the computer worked fine at that point.  Can you get that person to come back to troubleshoot the problem with you? Is it a laptop, or a desktop computer?

You didn't mention if you even attempted any troubleshooting. I assume that by "start button" you mean the "power button"?  That could be something really simple (like the power cord not fully plugged in). 

If this computer has a valid Dell warranty, open up a support case with Dell. They will probably chat with you and step you through some basic troubleshooting.  They do this, even with the most non-technical people.

[Monty]

4 minutes ago, peteski said:

Since you already had a local tech expert involved in the setup, the computer worked fine at that point.  Can you get that person to come back to troubleshoot the problem with you? Is it a laptop, or a desktop computer?

You didn't mention if you even attempted any troubleshooting. I assume that by "start button" you mean the "power button"?  That could be something really simple (like the power cord not fully plugged in). 

 

The computer is a desktop.  The tech is one of my older brother's friends.  He mostly does corporate stuff, but accommodates certain people if time allows.  He's currently out of town for the next week and a half.  

The unit "worked" to the extent that it allowed us to input the info that allowed my Microsoft account to continue on the new unit.  Power cord isn't/wasn't an issue.  It was when we'd completed all the background stuff and went to actually use the computer that we got the black screen.    

[stitchdup]

4 hours ago, Monty said:

The computer is a desktop.  The tech is one of my older brother's friends.  He mostly does corporate stuff, but accommodates certain people if time allows.  He's currently out of town for the next week and a half.  

The unit "worked" to the extent that it allowed us to input the info that allowed my Microsoft account to continue on the new unit.  Power cord isn't/wasn't an issue.  It was when we'd completed all the background stuff and went to actually use the computer that we got the black screen.    

have you tried another screen?

[cobraman]

Even though a seller states No Returns ebay may still be able to help you. I would ask them to help if possible. Worked for me once. Ebay can still cover items even in these cases. 

[bobthehobbyguy]

First off did the guy that helped set it up try anything to try to fix the issue? What did he suggest you do.

If your tech did that then you need to get ahold of Dell to see about getting instructions for service. 

At this point you either need to get your tech back or get help from another. The other option would be to try looking at some videos on YouTube. The link to the this site might help if you could use the old computer to view them and do the steps on the new.

https://www.youtube.com/@MDTechVideos/videos

 

[Mike 1017]

Does E-Bay have a complaint department? If it doesn't work this could be fraud

[bobthehobbyguy]

2 hours ago, cobraman said:

Even though a seller states No Returns ebay may still be able to help you. I would ask them to help if possible. Worked for me once. Ebay can still cover items even in these cases. 

That's a good point. Might be your best bet at this point before you try other avenues.

[JollySipper]

I might would try to contact the seller...... Not for a refund, but for tech support. If he's that good a seller, he will stand behind the product and at least help you with setup......

[peteski]

I'm a bit confused.  So the tech guy helped you configuring some Microsoft things (obviously the computer was working), then you mention "when I went to use it, the screen was black).  Did your tech guy power it down and you powered it back up, but it didn't boot up?

Was that right after the setup was complete, and your tech guy just walked away and left you hanging? Or did he shut it down, and when you tried to power it back up later, it never came up?

What is the model number or name of your computer?  Dell website will have documentation about the unit you should be able to look over.

You should be able to do some basic troubleshooting, even being computer neophyte.  There must be some status lights on the back of the desktop )and some maybe on the front).  You didn't explain what the "Start" button is.  Is that a power button (to turn the computer on)/  Anyway,  when the computer is powered up, do any of the status lights light up?

[Monty]

OK, this'll probably be my last post on this.  As I mentioned earlier, I really don't know much about computers, hence hiring the tech.  Because I need to have an operating computer, the "new" one is currently at a repair shop.  I'm using the old one as sparingly as possible till the other one is ready.  I had hoped the seller could be persuaded to swap units with me, but that's not gonna happen.  I will be curious to find out what the issue was.  Too bad I can't impact the seller's reputation.  

[peteski]

Sounds like a positive step. Good to know that you are still able to use the old computer.
But I hope that you didn't make last post in this thread - I'm curious about what the repair shop finds was wrong. I suspect other participants of this thread are also curious.  Please give us an update once you get the computer back.

[cobraman]

Sometimes ebay only has a Positive section and no negative. The couple times I had a problem I just used the positive and then wrote This is NOT a positive and then list my problem. Did nothing but make me feel better. ?

[MrMiles]

15 hours ago, Monty said:

OK, this'll probably be my last post on this.  As I mentioned earlier, I really don't know much about computers, hence hiring the tech.  Because I need to have an operating computer, the "new" one is currently at a repair shop.  I'm using the old one as sparingly as possible till the other one is ready.  I had hoped the seller could be persuaded to swap units with me, but that's not gonna happen.  I will be curious to find out what the issue was.  Too bad I can't impact the seller's reputation.  

 

if the computer is just black when you power it on, i suspect it could be the RAM, motherboard, video card or wire or monitor, or maybe just the power supply.  most computers will have some kind of boot up display when you first hit the power button while it does it's internal checks of the ram, video card, drives, etc.  it may be just a flashing bar or even a logo. i believe you mentioned its a dell, so i would think there would be their logo. that is why i mentioned the wire or monitor in the sentence before

 

depending on what the computer repair shop says, i would ask the seller to reimburse you for the costs if it is a hardware issue. if they wont, then i wouldnt feel bad about leaving a negative or neutral. they should stand by their product, and if they wont, then other buyers should be warned of their bad business practices. 

if it's the OS, (i am assuming windows), then they should be able to quickly reload it back to factory in less than one hour

if it were me, i would have just put in an ebay not as described complaint and asked for a refund, if it doesnt work, they will give you the money back, even if the seller said no returns. it sounds like you tried to get their help and they wouldnt, so hit that negative button. its for everyones best interest

 

 

i hope you do let us know what the final result is on this

Edited June 23, 2023 by MrMiles

[peteski]

10 hours ago, cobraman said:

Sometimes ebay only has a Positive section and no negative. The couple times I had a problem I just used the positive and then wrote This is NOT a positive and then list my problem. Did nothing but make me feel better.

No, is not sometimes.  Sellers can only leave positive feedbacks for buyers.  But buyers can leave all 3 types of feedbacks for sellers. Unless something was changed recently. When you give negative feedback to a seller, you have to jump through hoops, but you can still do it.

The whole eBay thing is broken, and it is getting worse with every "update".

[MrMiles]

36 minutes ago, peteski said:

No, is not sometimes.  Sellers can only leave positive feedbacks for buyers.  But buyers can leave all 3 types of feedbacks for sellers. Unless something was changed recently. When you give negative feedback to a seller, you have to jump through hoops, but you can still do it.

The whole eBay thing is broken, and it is getting worse with every "update".

you can still leave a negative for a seller as i buyer. i did it this week. did not ship it, did not respond to emails, so i put in a refund request to ebay and all of a sudden they decide to ship it. i left negative anyway because they were terrible. i have no doubt that had i not put in a refund request, i would not have the item yet

Edited June 24, 2023 by MrMiles

[peteski]

1 hour ago, MrMiles said:

you can still leave a negative for a seller as i buyer. i did it this week.

That is what I wrote: buyers can leave all 3 types of feedback. Maybe you didn't  realize it meant: positive, neutral, and negative.

Edited June 24, 2023 by peteski