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Advice on buying iphone on ebay

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Pattyinneed

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 24, 2016
19
5
Dear all,
I am thinking to buy a iphone on ebay. Do you think that it is safe? What is the main source of the iphone on ebay? They are unlocked and cheaper.

Even though many people shared that the credit of the seller is the key, I know the credit definitely is important. Anyone on this forum bought iphone on ebay?

Could you share about your purchase experience? I would like to know the quality of the unlocked iphone.

I am thinking to buy iphone 5, or iphone 5s.
Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
Have a wonderful blessed day,
 
You obviously run the risk of getting a phone that is not black listed at the time of sale, but could shortly after the sale. As a buyer, you have decent amount of protection, but I do believe the risk is there.
 
Agreed don't do it. Buy one from a creditable shop so you have somewhere to go back to if it all goes wrong.
 
Don't do it.

Too many things can go wrong, and there is very little guarantee that you'll end up with a working, legitimate phone.
 
A better option would be to buy a phone on Swappa. Yes, you still have the potential to get scammed, but I have bought/sold plenty of iPhone's on there and with the exception of one minor mishap, I've had a great experience on there.

I stopped buying/selling iPhone's on eBay years ago after having way too many hacked accounts bid and never pay on the phones I sold.
 
You have something like 6 months to get your money back now. As a buyer I don't think you've ever been better protected than you are now.

I've honestly never heard of a buyer being declined refund. It's always the sellers getting boned.
 
Do not buy any T-Mobile branded phones. The can be blacklisted for non payment even months after you buy it. On eBay you have at least 45 days to return.
 
Have a set amount to buy! Mant buyers get competitive and go all out to win and they end buying a smartphone at retail prices but without the warranty of a new store brought phone! On used phones it is a gamble because you always want a super bargain and you don't know until the auction is over how much it is and what you are getting when you put you sims card inside it!
 
I've been burned buying phones on E-Bay. The seller flaked, e-bay froze his account, and all of us with lost $ only got back a fraction of $ because they only had so much $ in his account divided amongst all of us. Won't be doing that again. I don't do used phones unless I know the person who had it previously (a friend, coworker, etc...).
 
Why not buy phone from Apple. Zero risk you will be cheated. And so simple to get replacement in remote chance something is wrong. Buying used phones on eBay is just plain nuts.
 
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HEK said:
Why not buy phone from Apple. Zero risk you will be cheated. And so simple to get replacement in remote chance something is wrong. Buying used phones on eBay is just plain nuts.
Click to expand...
I'm guessing that price is one of the main factors that plays a role in it all.
 
C DM said:
I'm guessing that price is one of the main factors that plays a role in it all.
Click to expand...
I don't care what price you get it on eBay. When it doesn't work, has issues, gets black listed 3 months later you saved nothing and bought a lot of greef. Save up a few more months. The scams have gotten worse over last couple years. If price seems too good their is a reason. Caveat emptor
 
So it doesn't matter what the source of the iphone it lists on ebay, from refurbished or over stock. It doesn't matter. It is not trust worthy, right?
If I want to buy iphone 5 or 5s because of the budget, any suggestions?
I need wisdom.
Also I am going to use this phone oversea, not in the States.
Any thoughts?

Thank you for all your advice. It seems I should stay away from ebay.
Where should I go then?
I couldn't afford a brand new one from Apple, no matter SE or 6.
 
I have been burned multiple times on eBay, even from highly rated sellers. eBay offers buyer protection, but the hassle and time is not worth your money.
 
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Pattyinneed said:
So it doesn't matter what the source of the iphone it lists on ebay, from refurbished or over stock. It doesn't matter. It is not trust worthy, right?
If I want to buy iphone 5 or 5s because of the budget, any suggestions?
I need wisdom.
Also I am going to use this phone oversea, not in the States.
Any thoughts?

Thank you for all your advice. It seems I should stay away from ebay.
Where should I go then?
I couldn't afford a brand new one from Apple, no matter SE or 6.
Click to expand...
Overseas instead of in the States makes a big difference regarding IMEI status.
 
nburwell said:
A better option would be to buy a phone on Swappa. Yes, you still have the potential to get scammed, but I have bought/sold plenty of iPhone's on there and with the exception of one minor mishap, I've had a great experience on there.

I stopped buying/selling iPhone's on eBay years ago after having way too many hacked accounts bid and never pay on the phones I sold.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I will try Swappa.
Hope will get something reliable there.
 
Pattyinneed said:
So it doesn't matter what the source of the iphone it lists on ebay, from refurbished or over stock. It doesn't matter. It is not trust worthy, right?
If I want to buy iphone 5 or 5s because of the budget, any suggestions?
I need wisdom.
Also I am going to use this phone oversea, not in the States.
Any thoughts?

Thank you for all your advice. It seems I should stay away from ebay.
Where should I go then?
I couldn't afford a brand new one from Apple, no matter SE or 6.
Click to expand...
Buy less expensive phone. Does it have to be an iPhone?. or take your chance with eBay or othe sources. Any friend you know wanting to sell their phone? Coworker etc. other issue will be a 5 or 5s will most likely be needing a new battery. A 5 will be coming up on four year old battery. Why I am suggesting more bargain brand new phone. Anyway, good luck, hope it works out for you wherever you decide to get it.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: BigMcGuire
Pattyinneed said:
So it doesn't matter what the source of the iphone it lists on ebay, from refurbished or over stock. It doesn't matter. It is not trust worthy, right?
If I want to buy iphone 5 or 5s because of the budget, any suggestions?
I need wisdom.
Also I am going to use this phone oversea, not in the States.
Any thoughts?

Thank you for all your advice. It seems I should stay away from ebay.
Where should I go then?
I couldn't afford a brand new one from Apple, no matter SE or 6.
Click to expand...

Apple along with carriers offer installment plan so you can pay for you phone in monthly installments! Might want to look into this arrangement!
 
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