If you do a search for XBOX 360 on Ebay right now you will get about 11715 matches. If you do a search for XBOX 360 Systems you will get about 954 matches. And if you do a search for XBOX 360 Premium Gold Pack, you will get something like 193 matches. That's a lot of listings.
Now, out of all those listings, how many are the "REAL DEAL " and how many are just "TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE"? Well let's talk about the XBOX 360. What is it anyway? Today's video games are more than just video games, they are computer systems. That's right computer systems! You can watch DVD's and of course, you can connect to the internet and play video games with others online. Now having said that, how many people have gotten the necessary parts and built thier own computer? I bet a lot of people have. So if a person can get the parts and build thier own computer, isn't it possible to get the parts and build an XBOX 360? Well I have found out that this does happen. Yes you heard me, IT DOES HAPPEN!
I recently lised an ad for an Xbox 360 Premium Gold Pack All In One Bundle at an incredible price, or so I thought. It was a dream. It came with two wireless controllers one wired controller two top video games and a 64 mb card. I had several people to buy and pay for the item. My customers were excited because it was such a great price. (If I get a good price I always pass it on to my customers) Well when I ordered the items from the warehouse, I was told that they do not accept Paypal or credit cards. Western Union and Bank wire transfers only. Well that did not come up in any of my communications or phone conversations. So I figure, ok I need to get these items for my customers so I agreed. When the information was given to me, guess what? It was to be sent to China. Can you believe it,China? Well, I try to Western Union the money and found out that Western Union has a lot of reports of fraud from that country. Well now I get suspicious and I talk to my cousin who also sells on Ebay, and he tells me of his experience with a Chinese wholesaler. He purchased an Xbox 360 premium gold pack from one of these warehouses in China and what he got was a very good imitation. Now how did he find out it was an imitation? He started having problems with the system about four months later. He contacted Microsoft and they wanted to help, as they always do, he was told to send the system to them and they would fix it for him. Well after a brief inspection of the unit they confirmed that it was not a legitimate Microsoft product. Bummer. He has been taken for ride,
I even checked this particular wholesaler's web site again and found that he has listed the new Playstation3 and claims that he has it in stock. Well now how is that possible? Easy he has either built his own version or he is just trying to get a quick buck with no intention of ever sending the product. Either way, the consumer loses.
I am writing this guide because I want buyers and sellers to be aware of what can happen. I have checked the major retailers to see what the going price is for the Xbox 360 Premium gold Pack and it is going for between $499 and $519. The Xbox 360 core console is going for $299 to $319.
Now if you see a listing for a Brand New Xbox 360, and it is going for significantly less than these prices, ask questions. Check the sellers feedback and how long they have been a member of the Ebay community. Ask if these items are coming from inside the U.S. Ask if this item is generation 1 or two. (generation 1 had a defect that caused them to burn up) Ask about the warranty. Ask if the warehouse they are dealing with, if it is a drop ship item, is a member of the BBB Online. Ask about a return policy for the item. Ask how long they have had the item and why they want to sell it. Ask as many questions as you need to to find out if the item you are about to purchase is the real deal or a cheap imitation.
I hope you find this guide to be helpful my experiences in this matter have helped me and I wanted to pass this on to you so that no one has to learn a lesson the hard and expensive way. Thank you for reading and Happy Bidding!
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