Buying Microsoft Office on eBay?

nickbose on 18/10/2016 - 23:17
Last edited 18/10/2016 - 23:23

I am looking for MS Powerpoint 2013 and found some sellers on eBay selling product key ie I will have to download the software from a link and install with that key.
What are your experience in buying this sort of software?
Is it safe and genuine?
I think as I am paying with Paypal if worst comes to worst I'll just request a refund right?

Edit: I found another online stote, a bit more expensive but looks more legitimate? http://ozsoftwarestore.com/shop/ms-office/microsoft-office-2…

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Comments

  • mskeggs on 18/10/2016 - 23:39
    +1

    PayPal won't cover you for software keys.
    I can't comment on the keys you saw, but be aware there are developer network keys that work, but aren't legit keys unless you are part of that program, which you won't be, hence the question. You will have no recourse if they are revoked.
    My conclusion is either choose to pirate the software if you find that an option, look into the programs that offer free or heavily discounted legit keys via students/edu staff via schools or unis or your employer's HUP programme, or pay the money if you want an unimpeachable license.
    I am on the fence about software piracy, but buying a key that is not valid for you is worse, in my opinion, than straight out piracy as you are effectively paying somebody else for a pirate copy. To Microsoft you are no better than a torrent downloader as they will see none of the revenue.

  • ChrisLevo on 19/10/2016 - 08:41

    You just beat me to it.

    A product costs money to produce, whether something tangible or intangible.
    Not paying for software is the same as shoplifting hardware.

    Either buy it, or download and use the Open Office product.

    • mskeggs on 19/10/2016 - 09:29

      In what way is licence infringement like shoplifting hardware? If I steal a hdd, the vendor doesn't have it to sell and loses at least it's wholesale cost (and potentially the profit from the sale). If I had no money to buy software, so the alternative is to go without, or use open office the vendor is no worse off.

      • cameldownunder on 19/10/2016 - 13:24

        Amazing logic. If you steal from a shop, the vendor has the damage. If you pirate software, we all have to pay.
        Or do you think developer at Microsoft work for free? Or that it makes no difference if MS is selling 500K copies or 10 ?

        • mskeggs on 19/10/2016 - 14:05
          -1

          Did you buy Adobe Photoshop today? No? So you made it more expensive for everyone else? Is that your argument?
          Microsoft make plenty of money selling software. If licence infringers were going to pay, but then instead pirated, then they cost MS money.
          If licence infringers alternative was to use open office or go without, Microsoft is no worse off.

          Software copying is only a financial issue if it reduces sales. By your logic, me still using Office 2010 is an equally grave trespass! Those Microsoft programmers have been working for 6 years, yet I did not pay them an additional cent.

        • cameldownunder on 19/10/2016 - 14:25

          @mskeggs: "Microsoft make plenty of money selling software."
          Wow, you're their CFO now? How do you know? So stealing from Rich is al-right? They still have plenty of money? Is that your argument?

          My guess that for you it's OK to download movies illegally, as long as you didn't plan to watch them otherwise.
          But how can you determine if you were to watch a movie or not? Maybe you could have rented it.

          I did not buy Adobe, because I don't use it. And If I would be to use something similar, I might be purchasing a cheaper product.
          But anyone using software without paying, is also not purchasing other software, as you now have something to work with.

          For people that don't want to pay for software, there's something called freeware. You do know about?
          You paid for Office 2010 ( I hope ) and it's your right to use it for as long as you want. If you want new features, you pay again.

          And if everyone now pirates, and nobody buys the product? Right, then nobody would write software anymore, and then ?

          That mentality of "one does not make a difference" is so wrong.

        • mskeggs on 19/10/2016 - 16:05

          @cameldownunder:
          Don't need to be Microsoft's CFO. This is their last annual report:
          https://www.microsoft.com/investor/reports/ar15/index.html
          $90billion+ in revenue, and over $30billion profit in corporate license fees alone. They are doing splendidly.
          I didn't take a penny from Microsoft, because I have no desire to buy their software. I have a copy of Word 2011 that is a fine word processor. I got it via my employers HUP licence, thought they did charge me $15USD for the DVD, which I thought was a bit rich.

          As you know, I was responding to the preposterous claim that infringing a copyright was the same as stealing hardware, which it clearly isn't, as it doesn't deprive the vendor of any tangible good, just a possible profit.
          As for movies, I don't watch them much, but do pay for Netflix that others in the family enjoy, but I don't understand what this has to do with copyright on software unless you are trying to make a broader point, so I'll take it that way.

          Your final paragraphs are inconsistent. You point out people currently produce software for free, but then assert if nobody bought software it would stop being written.
          This is, by your own admission, incorrect.
          Assuming you mean that the particular Microsoft software you value wouldn't be written if nobody bought it, maybe so, but suggesting somebody infringing a license is the same (slippery slope) to nobody paying is nonsense. The ability to copy software is pretty easy, yet MS made over $30billion in license fees from corporates last year. I think there is ample evidence that there is plenty of financial incentive to create software.
          So the next argument becomes about pricing.
          I buy stacks of little apps and bits of software for my Mac, Android phone and ipad. I get a convenient source, with some guarantee of security and avoid the risks and inconvenience that come with pirated software. The value here is high, so I buy without thinking.

          The cheapest link for full Office on Static ice is $479 (Microsoft Office 2016 Professional ESD Download). That is plenty of incentive for people to try free software, avoid upgrading or seek infringing licences (like the OP in this thread).
          Microsoft can charge what they like for Office, but shouldn't be surprised charging a high price results in lost sales volumes, it is capitalism 101. That they feel they maximise their revenues by charging this premium is fine, but it is still making out like pirates(!)

        • cameldownunder on 19/10/2016 - 16:45
          +1

          @mskeggs:

          Don't need to be Microsoft's CFO. This is their last annual report:
          $90billion+ in revenue, and over $30billion profit in corporate license fees alone.

          All from MS Powerpoint presentation license fee? Because that's what we are talking about

          They are doing splendidly.

          So it is ok to steal from them, because not paying for software is stealing

          I have a copy of Word 2011 that is a fine word processor.

          Good to see that you paid for it. I got my office version also through the HUP

          I got it via my employers HUP licence, thought they did charge me $15USD for the DVD, which I thought was a bit rich.

          You think that $15 for DVD + Shipping is a bit rich? Ohhh yes, they earn Billions, so everything that is not for free from them is "a bit rich"

          As you know, I was responding to the preposterous claim that infringing a copyright was the same as stealing hardware[…]

          Well let's then put it down differently: : It is the same as stealing hardware, as it is ILLEGAL !!!!

          Your final paragraphs are inconsistent. You point out people currently produce software for free, but then assert if nobody bought software it would stop being written. This is, by your own admission, incorrect.

          Companies write software for free ( e.g. ) antivirus, for personal use, the basic version. The same company also sells the "Pro" version, which you have to pay. With that money they pay their developers. If you do not buy the "Pro" version, they cannot pay their developers, and therefore the "Free" version of antivirus disappears. Ergo if nobody would buy software, software would not be produced. Q.E.D

          but suggesting somebody infringing a license is the same (slippery slope) to nobody paying is nonsense.

          Don't think so. If enough people pirate software, in such a way that the revenue is to low to pay the developers and keep the company afloat, then there's not much difference to nobody paying, as the company goes chapter 11.

          The cheapest link for full Office on Static ice is $479 (Microsoft Office 2016 Professional ESD Download). That is plenty of incentive for people to try free software, avoid upgrading or seek infringing licences (like the OP in this thread).

          Yes to try free software, yes to not to upgrade, yes to pay less for other software, but No No No to infringing license. Just because you can't afford it, does not give the right to steal it

        • mskeggs on 19/10/2016 - 17:17

          @cameldownunder:

          Well let's then put it down differently: : It is the same as stealing hardware, as it is ILLEGAL !!!!

          Well, why not say it is the same as rape or murder? They are illegal too, but equally don't impact the vendors profits if no sale was going to be made.

          Don't think so. If enough people pirate software, in such a way that the revenue is to low to pay the developers and keep the company afloat, then there's not much difference to nobody paying, as the company goes chapter 11.

          The software I am writing this message on is a pretty version of BSD, given away freely since the 1970s. On it runs a volunteer written web browser that displays your words and has been continually updated over the last 14 years. Both Berkeley Systems and Mozilla had motivations other than monetary to develop good software. Arguing that software won't exist if companies aren't allowed unlimited profit from it is not true. But I didn't say I thought everyone should be a pirate, in fact, I pointed out that many, many people pay for software, including me. So much so that just Microsoft makes many billions in profit. So to keep saying piracy is harming these producers to the extent they are no longer producing software is not true.

          Until quite recently, copyright infringement wasn't a crime in Australia, and historically, copyright protections were much more limited.
          I don't blame companies like Microsoft lobbying the lawmakers to extend their already substantial profits, but I'm not persuaded that the current laws are fair or beneficial to society. So I argue they should be changed to be fairer and more beneficial.
          This is different from seeking simply to pay less money for copyrighted software.

    • blitz on 19/10/2016 - 10:33

      A product costs money to produce, whether something tangible or intangible.

      That's true. I absolutely agree that authors of good, useful software ought to be rewarded for their efforts.

      Not paying for software is the same as shoplifting hardware.

      That's absolutely incorrect. A software pirate does not deprive anyone else of property rights. A hardware shoplifter most certainly does.

      • ChrisLevo on 19/10/2016 - 11:12

        Getting OT, but interesting.

        A software pirate deprives the owner of the software of profits, I should maybe have said.

        I don't mind getting negged for saying that I equate software piracy with theft.

        • blitz on 19/10/2016 - 12:04

          A software pirate deprives the owner of the software of profits, I should maybe have said.

          Also not true. How can I deprive a software producer of profit if I was never going to purchase the software in the first place? Further, my piracy does not stop someone else from legitimately purchasing the software.

          Also please note that I did not neg you, and I do respect your perspective on the issue.

        • ChrisLevo on 19/10/2016 - 12:17

          @blitz: Sorry, mate, but I did not mean that you had.

          Going way OT, but I still believe that pirating software deprives the developer/owner of profits they should be entitled to get for their work.

          Not worth getting our flame-proof pants singed :-)

  • the-mal on 19/10/2016 - 08:48
    +3

    Is it safe and genuine?

    It'll most likely be a bulk license key. Technically it'll be genuine but they're not allowed to be resold so your circumstances for using the key would violate the T&Cs and there's a (low) chance the key could be deregistered and your copy could stop working.

    For the risk involved in buying a key from a dodgy source vs the relatively low cost of a yearly Office 365 license, I'd tend to just buy it from Microsoft.

  • nickbose on 19/10/2016 - 09:50

    To the (profanity) that use the words "cheap arse", "illegally buying software", "Not paying for software": Don't you see the point of my post is to BUY the software LEGALLY at the cheapest price (don't we all want the cheapest?)?
    If you have nothing worth contributing to the topic then STFU.

    Back to the question: so if the eBay listing doesn't seem right, what about the other on ozsoftwarestore? Any other legitimate sources with cheaper price than going to Officework and buy the disk - also I could not find just Powerpoint, only whole Office set.

    I remember buying Windows 7 Pro licence online many years ago, downloaded the file from digitalriver website or something and that worked fine, activated, updated no problem whatsoever over the years until I upgrade to Windows 10 with that very copy of Win 7.
    So to those (profanity) again: was I a pirate doing that and not going to Officework and bought Win 7 at 5 times the price?

    • the-mal on 19/10/2016 - 10:30
      +2

      so if the eBay listing doesn't seem right, what about the other on ozsoftwarestore?

      It'll be the same thing. Software licenses basically don't differ in price because the usual price differentiators (supply chains, transport etc) aren't a thing with a license key.

      So if you find a key for a price that is significantly cheaper it'll be because:

      1) It's not legit

      2) It's a bulk key and shouldn't be individually sold

      3) It's a key from another geographical region and the conversion rates make it cheaper

      Both 2 and 3 are relatively low risk and will most likely work, but you're still technically breaking the license agreement so if the vendor decides to ban those bulk or out-of-geography keys you could end up trying to start your app one morning only to find that it's reverted back to the demo version.

      There are a few other alternatives for getting Office cheaper:

    • jnewau on 19/10/2016 - 12:00

      As mentioned, ozsoftwarestore are also not selling legit licenses. On moral grounds alone for being outright liars on their website I'd avoid them. They are most definitely not genuine licenses sourced from distributors as they claim

      An easy way to tell if these stores are shonky are if they're selling keys for Microsoft Office Pro Plus. This is a product ONLY available to Volume Licensing customers. It is not, and has never been available to purchase single units of it via retail. Legit VL customers are never emailed keys, they instead get a login to the Microsoft Volume Licensing Centre, and they view their licenses there. So its a dead giveaway that they're shonks if they're supposedly offering keys for this product.

      And yes, if you bought a key for a fifth of the price of Officeworks, then yes, you are pirating. There is NO WAY a legal license would have been a fifth of the retail price, unless it was for the promo upgrade price offered at the time by Microsoft, or a genuine educational offer

      There is no magic legit source of software licenses that some stores can somehow tap to offer cheap software at crazy discounts compared to retail. None of the majors are ripping you off - there really isn't that much margin in those licenses.

  • mskeggs on 19/10/2016 - 12:14

    There is a robust discussion on Whirlpool from May about this store and topic:
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2510307
    Similar points are being made in both.

    TBH, I am surprised they are still around as MS are very active in pursuing licence infringement.

  • macrocephalic on 19/10/2016 - 13:39

    Personally, I took the risk on a cheap key. I mostly use linux at home, but there's one piece of software that I found I can't live without, and there's no linux version of it, and it doesn't work properly under wine.

    I needed to install a version of windows onto my desktop just to run this software, and the antipiracy methods that MS use are more effective than they used to be - so I had the choice of pay full price for something I only use occasionally, pirate (which is getting harder), or pay EU10 for a licence from G2A. I chose to pay the money.

    G2A have a facility to report a non-genuine key if it doesn't work straight away. If the key is revoked later then tough luck.

    Given that I only use this for a specific reason - and I don't need the internet for that, once windows was activated I disabled the network adapter so there will be no updates, and no revocation of the key later.

  • nickbose on 19/10/2016 - 19:08

    $147 for whole set of Office 2016, no media, just key
    http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/microsoft-o…
    ? Genuine
    Why some say it must not be genuine if there's no sticker?

    And is this found on staticice OK? $120 http://pacstarcomputer.com.au/office-programs/139-microsoft-…

    • mskeggs on 19/10/2016 - 19:53

      Those are both low price student editions

  • Thomas85 on 18/08/2017 - 16:41

    I bought Office 2016 for around $100 here: https://www.softwarechick.com/collections/microsoft-office-2…
    The student edtition. The Professional costs around $170.
    Also just the keys…

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