EBay...Advice needed

[ILC]

Is it illegal to purchase academic software to then sell on EBay? I have discovered this one piece of software that is selling regularly on EBay for a price which would make about a 255% profit.

I also noticed that the mfg. part# is one digit off (i.e. standard: ###1, academic ####2); there is not a difference in the actual software, is there?

What do you all think? Am I looking for trouble?

P.S. Yes this is a piece of Microsoft software if that makes a difference.

ILC

[crouse]

Your not allowed to resell the software according to the eula..... and yes.... M$ does watch EBAY's auctions.

[ILC]

Yeah, I kinda figured something like that would be the case.

How can they enforce a EULA when you can not agree to it until it is on your system? Do they have any external EULA printed on the box (NM, I know they don't).

How would they enforce something like that?

ILC

[n3uxf]

When you buy academic software from Microsoft, you are supposed to provide proof (ie student id) that you are a student/faculty/staff of an educational institution. However, you often hear of stores selling the software to people without even asking for the proof.

[ILC]

I can buy it perfectly legally. It is the re-selling part that I am worried about.

ILC

[n3uxf]

The potential buyer, to be legal, would have to follow the guidelines of being a student/faculty to purchase from you, the same as you had to follow to legally purchase the software.

[youngqd]

"Legal" or go to Microsoft jail?
If you sold it without mentioning it was the academic version you should get into trouble.
The value of the academic version is well known and that is why it rates a discount.

[vicarious george]

Is it Office XP for around $50 or so?

[ILC]

Nope, Server 2003 w/ 5 Client Access for $150. Selling for $500-650 on EBay.

Young, there is no difference in the actual software, is there?

ILC

[Vagabond]

no diff in the software just cheaper via education