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Buying an iPhone 5S from Third-Party...Extra Tips?

6

6thDAY

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 14, 2010
734
88
Hi guys, I'm planning on buying an iphone 5s from craigslist.

I'd like to ask if you have any extra tips.

I know:

1. Check IMEI on back matches in Settings?
2. Make sure it's not iCloud locked?
3. Make sure seller erases "All Contents and Settings" in front of you?
4. Make sure it's unlocked by testing with own sim card and making a call
5. Inspect condition of phone to ensure it's as described?

Anything else guys?

Thanks.
 
1. Make sure there is wifi so you can login to iCloud with your own account.

2. Test camera and flash.

3. Look for water damage.

4. Test call and data test .

5. Imei check

6. Gps test.

7. Audi checks- speaker, headphone jack.

8. Home button response.
 
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madsci954 said:
Agree to meet in a public place with security cameras or outside a police department. If the seller refuses, walk away.
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Meh if you live in say a city that is huge or has a downtown area that's crowded ( not times Square crowded) your probably fine going to meet somewhere say in front of McDonald's or etc. I've met people in front of bestbuy, chase bank and etc and never had any issues.
 
Closingracer said:
Meh if you live in say a city that is huge or has a downtown area that's crowded ( not times Square crowded) your probably fine going to meet somewhere say in front of McDonald's or etc. I've met people in front of bestbuy, chase bank and etc and never had any issues.
Click to expand...
I like Starbucks too because if something happened and the cops had to be called, I think they'd get to a Starbucks in a reasonable time. Free coffee is usually enticing I would think.

Also there's some good info in here. But basically:

Make sure all buttons work.
Verify find my iPhone is disabled.
If it's advertised as unlocked test with a different SIM if possible.
Test speakers/headphone port.
Test cameras.
Test to make sure wifi works.

If somebody is interested in selling and not scamming they would have no issues with you spending 5-10 minutes to test out the functionality. If they are hesitant to let you test then I would say it's shady.
 
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All the above comments are great advice. I have purchased several IOS devices from Craigslist. I also like to exchange cell numbers, vehicle and clothing description for the meet. I usually won't even meet unless I have viewed good photos on the CL advertisement.

If it sounds to good to be true it usually is. I didn't purchase only one time when I felt the guy was trying to scam me.
 
My apologies in advance for my answer may not exactly be what you asked for in the first place. Having said that, I'd advice you to hold your iPhone 5s purchase for a few more days. After the iPhone SE is launched, 5s prices will definitely go down. Chances are that you may get a brand new 5s for what you might otherwise be paying to get one from Craigslist today.
 
iThingsGurl said:
My apologies in advance for my answer may not exactly be what you asked for in the first place. Having said that, I'd advice you to hold your iPhone 5s purchase for a few more days. After the iPhone SE is launched, 5s prices will definitely go down. Chances are that you may get a brand new 5s for what you might otherwise be paying to get one from Craigslist today.
Click to expand...
What he said ^^^^^^

Would be foolish to buy something so close to this announcement.
 
EDH667 said:
All the above comments are great advice. I have purchased several IOS devices from Craigslist. I also like to exchange cell numbers, vehicle and clothing description for the meet. I usually won't even meet unless I have viewed good photos on the CL advertisement.

If it sounds to good to be true it usually is. I didn't purchase only one time when I felt the guy was trying to scam me.
Click to expand...


Eh some people rather not make a profit and just want it gone. Personally I've sold some items dirt cheap to just move it out quickly as possible.
 
iThingsGurl said:
My apologies in advance for my answer may not exactly be what you asked for in the first place. Having said that, I'd advice you to hold your iPhone 5s purchase for a few more days. After the iPhone SE is launched, 5s prices will definitely go down. Chances are that you may get a brand new 5s for what you might otherwise be paying to get one from Craigslist today.
Click to expand...


Maybe he needs a phone now?
 
iThingsGurl said:
Maybe. But since OP asked for our suggestion before buying one right away, I'm sure he's open for contemplation.
Click to expand...


I would also assume he knows already the 5e is rumored....there is like 50000000000000 threads about it and you are on a forum for a website called MacRumors.
 
Closingracer said:
I would also assume he knows already the 5e is rumored....there is like 50000000000000 threads about it and you are on a forum for a website called MacRumors.
Click to expand...

Three posts into the thread yet, what your contribution is to enrich the usefulness of the thread escapes me.
 
My advice is meet up at your carrier's store. I haven't purchased any phone off of craigslist (I don't like buying used phones), but I have sold them before and I think going to the carriers store gives them peace of mind.

Never meet in parking lots, I don't care if they have security cameras, I don't care if there are a lot of people parked in the area, I just think parking lots are not a good idea. I always meet in a public place like in the food court at the mall, you can also check with your local police station, I called mine when I sold my macbook and they allow meetings when selling stuff online and a police man was actually present during the transaction.

When it comes to phones as I previously said I like meeting at the carriers store. The reason why is because they can activate the phone for you right then. When I sold my iPhone 6, the guy mentioned it to the Verizon rep and the first thing he did was check the IMEI, He said IMEI is clean and the phone has been paid for and its not attached to a contract. Then he went ahead and activated it for the guy and then he was able to test the phone. If you go to a corporate store they don't mind you doing the exchange in the store at all.
 
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