[iPad] Bought an underpriced iPad 4 off CL, something smells fishy

PrayForDeath · Nov 6, 2012, 07:55 PM

The sales tax here in Montreal is quite high (15%), so if I bought the 64GB iPad from Apple it would have cost me $805 after tax. I found someone selling it in a sealed box for $650 on craigslist, so I called him and said I was interested. He agreed to meet me right away.

I checked the model number for the iPad 3 and 4 online (1416 vs 1458) so that I can verify the iPad from the box sticker. I met the guy, checked the box, everything looked in order. 64GB 1458. Then I removed the shrink wrap, and tested the iPad. It fired up right away, but I could not complete the setup because there was no WiFi (gas station.)

After taking it home, I set it up, and verified that it does indeed have 64GB of storage (was worried about this the most.) I just finished moving my data and apps to it, and it's running flawlessly.

Is there anything I should look for? Anything I should test? And why do you think he sold it at a loss like that? When I asked him, he just said it's business.

If I manage to sell my 64GB iPad 3 for $600 (which is reasonable I think) this upgrade will have cost me 50 bucks.

Ih8reno · Nov 6, 2012, 08:02 PM

Did you get it from someone named in the Charbonneau commission? I hear they may need cash for some legal bills soon!

wlossw · Nov 6, 2012, 08:04 PM

It was most likely "hot". But better than a box with wood inside...

Gav2k · Nov 6, 2012, 08:04 PM

It'll be off the back of a lorry. Wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy your iPad!

Southernboyj · Nov 6, 2012, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrayForDeath

The sales tax here in Montreal is quite high (15%), so if I bought the 64GB iPad from Apple it would have cost me $805 after tax. I found someone selling it in a sealed box for $650 on craigslist, so I called him and said I was interested. He agreed to meet me right away.

I checked the model number for the iPad 3 and 4 online (1416 vs 1458) so that I can verify the iPad from the box sticker. I met the guy, checked the box, everything looked in order. 64GB 1458. Then I removed the shrink wrap, and tested the iPad. It fired up right away, but I could not complete the setup because there was no WiFi (gas station.)

After taking it home, I set it up, and verified that it does indeed have 64GB of storage (was worried about this the most.) I just finished moving my data and apps to it, and it's running flawlessly.

Is there anything I should look for? Anything I should test? And why do you think he sold it at a loss like that? When I asked him, he just said it's business.

If I manage to sell my 64GB iPad 3 for $600 (which is reasonable I think) this upgrade will have cost me 50 bucks.

Go to Apple's website and type in the Serial number to check the warranty. That should tell you if it was stolen or not.

notjustjay · Nov 6, 2012, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gav2k

It'll be off the back of a lorry. Wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy your iPad!

Enjoy it, I guess, but if the police manage to track it down and come asking for it back...

TheDoctah · Nov 6, 2012, 08:38 PM

When you do a serial number check it should show the date of purchase. If it has a valid purchase date. No need to worry on your end.

The person that sold you it is probably running some sort of store scam

ihonda · Nov 6, 2012, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notjustjay

Enjoy it, I guess, but if the police manage to track it down and come asking for it back...

id be quick to go swap it at the apple store.

Deasnutz · Nov 6, 2012, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihonda

id be quick to go swap it at the apple store.

Really think that makes it untraceable?

PrayForDeath · Nov 6, 2012, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southernboyj

Go to Apple's website and type in the Serial number to check the warranty. That should tell you if it was stolen or not.

All it's telling me is Technical Support: Active, and Repairs and Services Coverage: Active.

Where does it show the date of purchase?

AlphaDogg · Nov 6, 2012, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrayForDeath

All it's telling me is Technical Support: Active, and Repairs and Services Coverage: Active.

Where does it show the date of purchase?

When does the warranty expire? Subtract one year from that and add one day. That's your purchase date.

iEvolution · Nov 6, 2012, 09:31 PM

Only thing I could figure is the seller got the five finger discount when he 'bought' it.

PrayForDeath · Nov 6, 2012, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaDogg

When does the warranty expire? Subtract one year from that and add one day. That's your purchase date.

Ah I found the info on a new page.

Quote:

Your product is covered for eligible hardware repairs and service under Apple's Limited Warranty.
Estimated Expiration Date: 05 November 2013

And what does this mean?

Quote:

Valid Purchase Date
A validated purchase date lets Apple quickly find your product and provide the help you need.

What exactly is a 'validated' purchase date? How does one usually validate it? (website says mine is already valid)

war eagle · Nov 6, 2012, 09:35 PM

You're okay man. Enjoy your ipad. You paid for it already, you set it up as new, it's yours.

notjustjay · Nov 6, 2012, 09:35 PM

Anyway, getting a good deal on an iPad doesn't necessarily mean it's stolen.

Maybe someone got it for him as a gift, and he chose to sell it at a bit of a loss and keep the cash instead.

Maybe he bought it with an employee discount and has actually sold it for more than he really paid.

PrayForDeath · Nov 6, 2012, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notjustjay

Anyway, getting a good deal on an iPad doesn't necessarily mean it's stolen.

Maybe someone got it for him as a gift, and he chose to sell it at a bit of a loss and keep the cash instead.

Maybe he bought it with an employee discount and has actually sold it for more than he really paid.

Makes sense. How much is the employee discount anyway?

AlphaDogg · Nov 6, 2012, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notjustjay

Anyway, getting a good deal on an iPad doesn't necessarily mean it's stolen.

Maybe someone got it for him as a gift, and he chose to sell it at a bit of a loss and keep the cash instead.

Maybe he bought it with an employee discount and has actually sold it for more than he really paid.

A friend of mine works at the Apple store. Employee discount is only 15% iirc.

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrayForDeath

Makes sense. How much is the employee discount anyway?

Didn't see your post

Southernboyj · Nov 6, 2012, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrayForDeath

Ah I found the info on a new page.

And what does this mean?

What exactly is a 'validated' purchase date? How does one usually validate it? (website says mine is already valid)

It was legally purchased.

Nov 6, 2012, 07:55 PM	#1
PrayForDeath macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2012	Bought an underpriced iPad 4 off CL, something smells fishy The sales tax here in Montreal is quite high (15%), so if I bought the 64GB iPad from Apple it would have cost me $805 after tax. I found someone selling it in a sealed box for $650 on craigslist, so I called him and said I was interested. He agreed to meet me right away. I checked the model number for the iPad 3 and 4 online (1416 vs 1458) so that I can verify the iPad from the box sticker. I met the guy, checked the box, everything looked in order. 64GB 1458. Then I removed the shrink wrap, and tested the iPad. It fired up right away, but I could not complete the setup because there was no WiFi (gas station.) After taking it home, I set it up, and verified that it does indeed have 64GB of storage (was worried about this the most.) I just finished moving my data and apps to it, and it's running flawlessly. Is there anything I should look for? Anything I should test? And why do you think he sold it at a loss like that? When I asked him, he just said it's business. If I manage to sell my 64GB iPad 3 for $600 (which is reasonable I think) this upgrade will have cost me 50 bucks.
	0

Nov 6, 2012, 09:35 PM	#14
war eagle macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2008	You're okay man. Enjoy your ipad. You paid for it already, you set it up as new, it's yours. __________________ Auburn Graduate
	0

Nov 6, 2012, 09:35 PM	#15
notjustjay macrumors 603 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Canada, eh?	Anyway, getting a good deal on an iPad doesn't necessarily mean it's stolen. Maybe someone got it for him as a gift, and he chose to sell it at a bit of a loss and keep the cash instead. Maybe he bought it with an employee discount and has actually sold it for more than he really paid. __________________ .
	0

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Nov 6, 2012, 08:02 PM	#2
Ih8reno macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2012	Did you get it from someone named in the Charbonneau commission? I hear they may need cash for some legal bills soon!
	0

Nov 6, 2012, 08:04 PM	#3
wlossw macrumors regular Join Date: May 2012 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada	It was most likely "hot". But better than a box with wood inside...
	0

Nov 6, 2012, 08:04 PM	#4
Gav2k macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jul 2009	It'll be off the back of a lorry. Wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy your iPad!
	0

Nov 6, 2012, 08:38 PM	#7
TheDoctah macrumors member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Brampton, ON	When you do a serial number check it should show the date of purchase. If it has a valid purchase date. No need to worry on your end. The person that sold you it is probably running some sort of store scam
	0

Nov 6, 2012, 09:31 PM	#12
iEvolution macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jul 2008	Only thing I could figure is the seller got the five finger discount when he 'bought' it.
	0