Share

Gumtree launches laptop price checker

Cape Town – Classifieds provider Gumtree has launched a laptop price checker in South Africa so that buyers and sellers can compare prices.

“Laptops are one of the most requested and fastest selling items on Gumtree. There is constant churn in the category which is why it’s important to price your second hand computer correctly,” said Claire Cobbledick, head of Marketing for Gumtree South Africa.

The eBay-owned company has built the tool to reflect the average selling price of laptop brands on the platform.

As an example, the average selling price of an HP 550 is R4 985.86 on Gumtree though the price gives no information on the condition of the device.

Comparatively, a refurbished HP EliteBook costs R4 503 from Universe Direct.

Declining market

The Gumtree tool allows users to shift a slider to determine the most ideal selling price for their used laptop, but Cobbledick warned that it was only a guideline.

“While pricing is obviously influenced by the condition and age of the item, as well as demand, it’s a great guideline for shoppers and sellers.”

The declining rand is set to see new laptop prices increase and lower sales as the market faces sharp declines.

International Data Corporation data shows that notebooks in the Middle East and Africa suffered a 28.6% drop to 1.9 million units in the second quarter of 2015.

“Right now, with the continued weakness of the rand, I do not see an upside. It is going to hurt consumers and they may cut back on buying – which will hurt the local market,” said Christopher Riley, CEO of The Notebook Company recently.

As new laptops increase in price, second hand units may become more attractive to shoppers, but Cobbledick warned online shoppers to be alert for scams.

“Never pay for an item until you’ve actually verified that it works as advertised and until you’ve physically received it. Meet in a public place such as a police station or a coffee shop and if possible, bring a friend with you.”

Gumtree has also built price checkers for cars, houses and phones.


- Follow Duncan on Twitter

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
19.06
-0.8%
Rand - Pound
24.04
-0.6%
Rand - Euro
20.55
-0.4%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.37
-0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.8%
Platinum
901.20
+0.5%
Palladium
997.97
-0.4%
Gold
2,200.01
+0.2%
Silver
24.52
-0.5%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,001
+0.5%
All Share
74,204
+0.4%
Resource 10
56,476
+1.5%
Industrial 25
103,644
+0.4%
Financial 15
16,491
-0.2%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders