eBay: Photoshop CS2 for GBP 8.00 / US$14.72

Was just looking at eBay on a whim and found this as a Featured Item:
Photoshop CS2 for GBP 8.00 / US$14.72

No manual or box, but it is (or claims to be) the full Windows version plus Image Ready 3.0. Frankly, this seems waaay too good to be true... but at such a small price, I couldn't resist snagging one just in case it's the real deal.

I do know that CS2 uses activation, which I'd think would seriously hinder piracy attempts if these weren't legit copies. But the seller has a feedback score of 1152 (99.8% positive feedback), so it doesn't look like anyone's had activation problems.

As of this writing, there are 41 copies left. Just a heads up.

As a buyer from eBay in the past, I would send the seller an email requesting a legal notice before buying.

The one negative rating in the last month stems from someone with a -2 rating (-4 overall), so it doesn't count in my mind.

However, the seller is also selling Corel Draw version 12 for GBP 18.50, which sells retail for $399.99. (link)

Personally, this reads as someone selling pirated copies or grossly below price. I would be very, very careful.


Personally, I use The GIMP anyway.

Sounds like legit OEM copies. Technically not legal for resale but you probably won't go to hell. Quite a nice price.

Most likely you've been conned out of $14.72. You'll need to contact Adobe to activate the software for use past 30 days. Hopefully they don't question you about the serial number . The seller might provide you with both a serial number and activation code, but both will probably be key generated and invalid, even though the serial number will plug in and work. Still, 14 bucks to try out PSCS2 for 30 days is something . You can get the same thing for free here:

http://www.adobe.com/products/tryadobe/main.jsp#product=39

I agree it's probably an OEM copy. Good luck getting it activated. Adobe is pretty strict about Photoshop activations these days. Most likely it'll work fine for 30 days, and then BAM, all done. Rule of thumb, if something sounds too good to be true, it is.

Like I said, I figure as much. If it is the case, I've learned a valuable lesson for a measley $20... and a certain seller who's built up an excellent standing on eBay for 4 years is gonna get a nice little reporting for eBay policy violation.

I'm very curious, though, as to why there is no negative feedback from users whose activations didn't work.

And BTW, the seller's Corel Draw description says it is neither OEM nor academic. Hmm... this should be very, very interesting.

I already had PS7 & PS CS upstairs and was browsing ebay.

bought PS7 for 4 GBP!! ( inc delivery)

It arrived as PS6 with a serial...then the upgrade to PS7 with serial and 'was' on a copied disc

The seller described it as ' backup incase you loose your original photoshop disc) it never mentioned serial numbers would be with it but when i put it in the PC there was a folder stored on the CD named 'serials'

So there you go

And Ive had nps with Adobe.

I didnt intend to buy the full version but thats what I got.

I also bought Sims 2 & University from Asia...now these come on normal discs but not in the packaging or with the manual..the serial number was on a sticker on the box.
And i paid half what I would pay in the UK.

I dont think Sims 2 is a copy i think they loose the bulk for lower postage and as its cheaper to buy in asia they are taking advantage of the price differences in ebay by selling to countries that pay large amounts of VAT on such things

I HATE the UK for the price of ANYTHING gggrrrr

I dont think anyone on ebay with a feedback THAT high would risk having a 'fake copied' neg rating must of took him a LONG time to get that many feedbacks over a 1000?

I think you find it works perfectly altho dont be surprised if its coped.

Then its a moral issue and thats a whole new thread! LOL

Sent this to the seller last night:

Their reply:

And I did. How kind of them.

I've known about OEM/pirate sellers of software, especially Photoshop. I was kind of surprised to see someone doing it on eBay as a Featured Item, though -- and with 4 years of positive feedback, too!

And this should probably be in the Off-Topic forum, now that I think about it.