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iPad Craigslist: iPad Air 2 Sealed Box Issues?

J

Joe Duffer

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 20, 2014
25
0
NW
I found a sealed box iPad Air 2 (wifi 16gb) for $250. We exchanged text messages and the seller agreed to meet at a public place to complete the transaction. He said he could provide the receipt and a copy from Toys R Us.

My concern is, what if anything, is in the box and why doesn't the seller simply return the iPad for refund ($499)?

Thank You...
 
Joe Duffer said:
I found a sealed box iPad Air 2 (wifi 16gb) for $250. We exchanged text messages and the seller agreed to meet at a public place to complete the transaction. He said he could provide the receipt and a copy from Toys R Us.

My concern is, what if anything, is in the box and why doesn't the seller simply return the iPad for refund ($499)?

Thank You...
Click to expand...

It's awfully easy to shrink wrap a rock inside the box. You'd be crazy to buy a "sealed" box iPad on Craigslist.
 
Joe Duffer said:
My concern is, what if anything, is in the box and why doesn't the seller simply return the iPad for refund ($499)?
Click to expand...
There's a saying that goes, if its too good to be true then it probably is.

I'd personally avoid this sale, sounds to fishy to me.
 
Texting Seller...

Asking him if he has any issues with me opening the box before handing over the cash?
 
He replied - "That would be fine"

We are meeting at a Starbucks.

I still don't understand why he doesn't return it...
 
dyt1983 said:
Agreed. I always open sealed things that I buy from people. And if I sell something sealed, I tell the buyer to open it in front of me. If they say it's a gift for someone, I tell them too bad open it.







Well, it was observed before the box was sealed so it "being an iPad or not" won't change. But the battery could be dead.
Click to expand...


Well obviously try it out , make sure the serial number is the same as the box and etc. If it was legit the seller wouldn't have an issue with doing all these tests . Personally I never buy used off Craiglist or eBay unless I have to for something that can't be bought new and rather pay more for new or at least used at Apple Store
 
adamhenry said:
Activation locked? :mad:
Click to expand...

Even with a Wi-Fi?

----------
Closingracer said:
Well obviously try it out , make sure the serial number is the same as the box and etc. If it was legit the seller wouldn't have an issue with doing all these tests . Personally I never buy used off Craiglist or eBay unless I have to for something that can't be bought new and rather pay more for new or at least used at Apple Store
Click to expand...

I usually don't either, but half price is hard to resist.
 
kupkakez said:
Yes even with WiFi. I suggest before you meet up you do a little more research on what to check. Who cares if it's half priced if it's a paperweight...
Click to expand...

When I turn on the iPad, will I know the device is ready to use when you're asked to “Set up your iPad," during the device setup process?
 
I'd assume it's stolen.

It's possible though that he got it legally somehow and was beyond the 14 day return window. Not likely, but possible.
 
Some of these people might have bought the iPad with a gift card or credit card and be willing to take a loss to convert it to cash.

My friend got one from some guy selling a 128GB Air 2 sealed for $380 back when they first came out. He opened the box and turned it on to make sure it was an Air 2 and 128GB. It was legit, no problem. Just make sure you open the box and check the storage capacity. Also run the serial on Apple.com to make sure it's the Air 2 if you're unable to identify the difference yourself.
 
Still Confused...

Short of reaching the seller again and asking for the Ser#, are there any other suggestions for validating the device at the time of purchase?
 
Stop by a Best Buy or Apple Store and hold a demo. Note the weight and size and compare with the device you are getting. Just to make sure it's not a knock off. Turn it on and make sure you can get past the "Hello" screen. Check for any dust behind the initial screen protector (theres supposed to be one if its new, I think).

There's numerous things you can do, but if it isn't what it turns out to be, you'll just be out some of your time. It's worth it to check.
 
Joe Duffer said:
Short of reaching the seller again and asking for the Ser#, are there any other suggestions for validating the device at the time of purchase?
Click to expand...

From the link I provided earlier:

1. Turn the device on and slide to unlock.
2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
3. Begin the device setup process.
4. After choosing a language, choosing a country, and connecting to a network, the device will begin activation. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, they can remove the device from their account by signing in to icloud.com/find. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.
You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to “Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” during the device setup process.
 
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