Don't buy AppleCare on Ebay

[LSalander]

Its true, this is the first time this has happened to anyone I sold to, I just found this out because Lsalander filed a paypal dispute, I never received an email from him/her to ask for help.
I am still happy to help, but the buyer needs to contact me.

You must be kidding, right?
You NEVER recieved an email asking for help?
Go and check your ebay account, please.

You have at least 4 messages waiting.

I entered the code on Aug 12th, "pocessing", called Apple they said "it was ok, and would take time" then got the email yesterday night.
SO ?

Do what you want, do what you can, or have to but there's no way I am not going to get what I paid for.

What precipitated Apple asking for more info? You entered the code and it said it was invalid? Because unless that happened, I can't figure why they would ask you at all.

You can't figure? Well they did, so...what is important now? To figure it out or to get the problem solved?
Could be part of a random check policy they have...


Ok called Apple, stayed online for 17 minutes, and then the guy told me that the Code could not work since it was not backed up by some necessary information.

Those informations were never given to me, a Paypal bill won't be enough. They need the code on the box OR the proof of purchase from the retailer as written in the email I got. The Applecare won't be registered until then.

So....

 

[feelthefire]

You can't figure? Well they did, so...what is important now? To figure it out or to get the problem solved?
Could be part of a random check policy they have...

It's not that random. I work for a reseller and we regularly help customers register applecare plans-- this happens for probably one out of 3 that are sold through us. It's been on the rise of late, Apple has been requesting receipts fairly frequently.

I think they just figured out that there is a gray market for applecare and are cracking down on it. A large number of our customers do have to complete this additional step.

As others have said, the box is golden. You need to have a serial number OR a receipt, but not both. We always tell customers to put the box somewhere safe because it's easier to send in a serial number than it is to recover a receipt from a year ago.

Paypal bills are never accepted because they don't contain information about the reseller (which must include a name, address, and phone number per apple's rules for status verification) and are typically part of an ebay sale, which is never an authorized sale, even if the seller is an "authorized reseller" due to apple's rules about selling online.

 

[LSalander]

Paypal bills are never accepted because they don't contain information about the reseller (which must include a name, address, and phone number per apple's rules for status verification) and are typically part of an ebay sale, which is never an authorized sale, even if the seller is an "authorized reseller" due to apple's rules about selling online.

Thank you feelthefire.
I guess it'll be Paypal and Ebay that will be held responsible. I am staying in France at my parents for a while, purchase was made from there and they don't play with the law be it Ebay or whoever. Ebay has been sued here more than once for retailing fake goods. People won their lawsuits in 100% of the cases.

The seller said he would try to do something about this.

 

[patrick1234]

Can "macman812" shipping the codes in a original welded applecare box?

 

[LSalander]

He''ll do what he has to, but I will get what I paid for.
Since he sells boxes, according to what he says, he must be sort of legit...



On another forum in Europe, a guy bought an Applecare from a store (like TJ Maxx or something) not an Applestore. He registered it and it was not activated, he had to send a proof of purchase from the store: it solved the issue....

Seems like the death of cheap Applecare on Ebay.
Just my luck...

 

[mscriv]

To Macman,

If you can "publicly" resolve this issue and it be documented on the forum here it will go a long way towards legitimizing your business. In fact, I might even be interested in purchasing from you depending on how this works out. Of course I would like the box and it wouldn't hurt to check the serial number for validity first. It sounds like you can never be too careful.

 

[LSalander]

Yep

i sent Apple the proof of purchase (Paypal with my name, macbook serial number and seller's name) and got this today

Thank you for sending a receipt for your AppleCare Protection Plan. Unfortunately, we cannot accept that document as proof of purchase for your AppleCare Protection Plan. An order confirmation or shipment notification from an online auction or classified advertisement service, such as eBay or craigslist, is not an acceptable proof of purchase. Please ask the seller to give you the sales receipt that shows the plan's original purchase from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller.

A sales receipt from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller provided from a sales transaction concluded on an online auction or classified advertisement service is acceptable.

We will be happy to complete the registration process as soon as you send us one of the following two items:

1. The serial number of your AppleCare Protection Plan. You will find the serial number on a sticker on the bottom of the AppleCare Protection Plan box. Please email the serial number as well as the AppleCare registration number and Case ID shown above to acaa@apple.com.

OR

2. An original sales receipt documenting the purchase of your AppleCare Protection Plan from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. You could scan the proof of purchase and email it to acaa@apple.com, or you could fax it to (916) 399-7337 using the attached cover sheet. Either way, be sure to include the AppleCare registration number and Case ID shown above. The sales receipt should show these items: 1) The date the plan was purchased, 2) the itemized product information, 3) the total price, and 4) information about the Apple Store or Apple Authorized Reseller from which the plan was purchased. If necessary, please contact the reseller from whom you obtained the plan to request the plan's original sales receipt issued by Apple or its authorized reseller.

 

[ravenvii]

Wow, I just checked, my AppleCare's still there. But I'm definitely not going to buy on eBay again after reading this thread

*prays the AppleCare will be good 'til it expires in December 2011...*

 

[macandipodfan]

I bought applecare about a month ago. It registered fine, said that it was covered until July 20, 2011. Now it has changed and just says it's covered under Apple's service warranty and it's covered under repair. It says I'll need proof of purchase for warranty work.

 

[Music_Producer]

Wow, I just checked, my AppleCare's still there. But I'm definitely not going to buy on eBay again after reading this thread

*prays the AppleCare will be good 'til it expires in December 2011...*

There are authorized and unauthorized sellers on ebay - all kinds. If you buy the boxed AC from an authorized seller on ebay, then your AC will be honored.

Every manufacturer has a statement that if their customer buys on ebay, then the warranty won't be honored - that's hogwash. They do that to prevent competition to retail stores and brick and mortar stores. I buy stuff on ebay all the time - all my music gear, Apple hardware, etc - just be smart when buying - don't fall for too-good-to-be-true deals.

A sales receipt from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller provided from a sales transaction concluded on an online auction or classified advertisement service is acceptable.

You forgot to highlight this part. If the reseller on ebay can provide you with a valid receipt - then yes, AC will be honored. But if the reseller is buying AC codes from a distributor and then selling them (which is the case here)- then there is no chance that they will be able to come up with a receipt.

 

[LSalander]

You forgot to highlight this part. If the reseller on ebay can provide you with a valid receipt - then yes, AC will be honored. But if the reseller is buying AC codes from a distributor and then selling them (which is the case here)- then there is no chance that they will be able to come up with a receipt.

@Musicproducer, you're totally right, I highlighted what did not work, because I know for sure it does not work

But as Macma812 also sells boxes, he won't have any problem providing me with a valid serial number.
I bought from a guy who had sold more than 5000 of those and who said he also had the boxed version, not at the time of my purchase, though, and who is the only active member of a foum. I thought I was safe with that guy.

 

[rgarjr]

I bought applecare about a month ago. It registered fine, said that it was covered until July 20, 2011. Now it has changed and just says it's covered under Apple's service warranty and it's covered under repair.

That's the thing I don't get. Why does Apple validate it then a few months go by and they knock you off. Either they validate it for good or not.

 

[Music_Producer]

That's the thing I don't get. Why does Apple validate it then a few months go by and they knock you off. Either they validate it for good or not.

It was the same with the iTunes scam as well - the hacker generated (or cc stolen) codes would go through just fine - and one could use the credit to buy movies, music - whatever.. iTunes would then shut the account down after a week or so.

There's a thread about a guy who had $5000 worth of iTunes purchases and they closed his account based on a $200 shady code purchase. How the heck is anyone supposed to know if the code is real or fake.. if it goes through and works fine for a week?! (of course now everyone knows.. but still)

 

[LSalander]

Yet Ebay is responsible for letting those being sold.

In Europe, they already lost lawsuits : saying that they only are a platform, a website and can not validate or check the content does not stand in court.

Since they make profit selling those scams they aid and abet crime, and are therefore held responsible.

I called Macman, left a message, got an email saying he was staying out of the country for a while.

 

[Music_Producer]

Yet Ebay is responsible for letting those being sold.

In Europe, they already lost lawsuits : saying that they only are a platform, a website and can not validate or check the content does not stand in court.

Since they make profit selling those scams they aid and abet crime, and are therefore held responsible.

I called Macman, left a message, got an email saying he was staying out of the country for a while.

Nope, ebay is not responsible. You really expect them to police every auction - and then have their team sort out the bad ones from the good? How would they know who is an authorized seller and who is not?

They have a Verified Rights Owner Program where a manufacturer can file a claim to get the offending listings removed - all it takes is a fax from the manufacturer's legal team to ebay's vero dept. and in a few hours the listings are removed. This is what most fashion-related manufacturers do to battle counterfeits from being sold.

The AppleCare scam is relatively new - the most annoying part is that Apple keeps quiet. They kept quiet over the iTunes scam - which resulted in thousands of customers purchasing shady codes and then having their accounts closed. Now the AC scam - any other company would promptly display a warning or notice on the front page - a note of caution about any such scams.. but not Apple.

 

[LSalander]

Nope, ebay is not responsible. You really expect them to police every auction - and then have their team sort out the bad ones from the good? How would they know who is an authorized seller and who is not?

They have a Verified Rights Owner Program where a manufacturer can file a claim to get the offending listings removed - all it takes is a fax from the manufacturer's legal team to ebay's vero dept. and in a few hours the listings are removed. This is what most fashion-related manufacturers do to battle counterfeits from being sold.

The AppleCare scam is relatively new - the most annoying part is that Apple keeps quiet. They kept quiet over the iTunes scam - which resulted in thousands of customers purchasing shady codes and then having their accounts closed. Now the AC scam - any other company would promptly display a warning or notice on the front page - a note of caution about any such scams.. but not Apple.

Well I beg to differ: they are responsible, that's 100% sure, I have checked here in France with the Fraud services and they gave me a history of all the lawsuits Ebay lost in France especially. SO legislation may be different where you are but here, that's another story.

Moreover, Apple knew it and kept quiet, in Europe, they will be held responsible for sure.

Had I bought it in the US, where I live, that would have been a totally different story I guess...

 

[Music_Producer]

Well I beg to differ: they are responsible, that's 100% sure, I have checked here in France with the Fraud services and they gave me a history of all the lawsuits Ebay lost in France especially. SO legislation may be different where you are but here, that's another story.

Moreover, Apple knew it and kept quiet, in Europe, they will be held responsible for sure.

Had I bought it in the US, where I live, that would have been a totally different story I guess...

They may be responsible if they are notified of the nefarious activity going on - they depend on the buyers like you and I for safety issues - when there are a lot of complaints they take action accordingly. Like I said before, it's impossible to discern which seller is honest and which one is not unless there is evidence - and that evidence comes in the form of complaints or other investigations. Now if they chose to ignore these complaints/investigations, then yes, I believe they would be totally responsible.

I'm not sure how you will be protected though, as didn't you make the purchase on the US ebay site? The seller is a US ebay seller, or did you go via ebay.fr? I would think that this transaction would fall under the US.

The seller is out of the country? I see a bunch of active listings..weird.

 

[LSalander]

They may be responsible if they are notified of the nefarious activity going on - they depend on the buyers like you and I for safety issues - when there are a lot of complaints they take action accordingly. Like I said before, it's impossible to discern which seller is honest and which one is not unless there is evidence - and that evidence comes in the form of complaints or other investigations. Now if they chose to ignore these complaints/investigations, then yes, I believe they would be totally responsible.

I'm not sure how you will be protected though, as didn't you make the purchase on the US ebay site? The seller is a US ebay seller, or did you go via ebay.fr? I would think that this transaction would fall under the US.

The seller is out of the country? I see a bunch of active listings..weird.

I bought from Ebay.fr indeed so maybe.
Anyway, the seller is,until proven otherwise, a reliable seller, since he also sells boxes . He is on a trip, he said...
but it will be a short one since he has active listings...

 

[feelthefire]

@Musicproducer, you're totally right, I highlighted what did not work, because I know for sure it does not work

But as Macma812 also sells boxes, he won't have any problem providing me with a valid serial number.
I bought from a guy who had sold more than 5000 of those and who said he also had the boxed version, not at the time of my purchase, though, and who is the only active member of a foum. I thought I was safe with that guy.

He doesn't need to provide you A serial number, he needs to provide you THE serial number of the box that went with your code.

 

[macandipodfan]

Okay, so this is really weird. The guy I bought it from is offering to send me a brand new sealed box (with a new code) for free, since my code evidently was invalid.

 

[LSalander]

Okay, so this is really weird. The guy I bought it from is offering to send me a brand new sealed box (with a new code) for free, since my code evidently was invalid.

wow awesome I was sort of hoping the same....

 

[Swiss Apple]

It seems that I'm in the same boat as a few others. I bought my iPhone Applecare for $45 from an Ebay seller in the US (+11,000 feedback and 100% positive), it registered fine and I got an email certificate from Apple.

So far so good, I then sell the iPhone and email Apple to transfer the cover to the new guy. Today I get an email from Apple asking for proof of purchase in order to complete the transfer. I've already emailed the Ebay trader but he is unable to help since he just re-sells the codes.

Not really sure what the next steps are, other than to tell Apple that I lost/threw my receipt away.

 

[feelthefire]

It seems that I'm in the same boat as a few others. I bought my iPhone Applecare for $45 from an Ebay seller in the US (+11,000 feedback and 100% positive), it registered fine and I got an email certificate from Apple.

So far so good, I then sell the iPhone and email Apple to transfer the cover to the new guy. Today I get an email from Apple asking for proof of purchase in order to complete the transfer. I've already emailed the Ebay trader but he is unable to help since he just re-sells the codes.

Not really sure what the next steps are, other than to tell Apple that I lost/threw my receipt away.

They almost always ask for proof of purchase OR the serial number of the box. This is where buying boxed applecare can help you.

However, if you just got the code, and you tell them you threw away the box and reciept, you may be out of luck.

 

[andiwm2003]

it seems apple has realized that their codes have been hacked and they quietly throw out every applecare contract that has some activity and where the owner can't show a reciept or box.

it's a bit unfair because people who bought in good faith their codes get told by apple first everything is fine and then month later they are out of luck. but that is the risk in buying insanely cheap stuff on ebay. we have to accept this because it's not apples problem that we took a risk.

apple is only at fault because their code generator is shoddy and because they most of the time accept the codes first and deny service later. if apple would always ask for the serial then the fake ebay codes would be discovered immediately and we could get our money back via paypal. sucks but so is life.

 

[Swiss Apple]

it seems apple has realized that their codes have been hacked and they quietly throw out every applecare contract that has some activity and where the owner can't show a reciept or box.

it's a bit unfair because people who bought in good faith their codes get told by apple first everything is fine and then month later they are out of luck. but that is the risk in buying insanely cheap stuff on ebay. we have to accept this because it's not apples problem that we took a risk.

apple is only at fault because their code generator is shoddy and because they most of the time accept the codes first and deny service later. if apple would always ask for the serial then the fake ebay codes would be discovered immediately and we could get our money back via paypal. sucks but so is life.

This episode is only 3 weeks old, so I could get PayPal to refund my money and also threaten to leave a negative rating. However the point made by the seller is that the code has been accepted, its just that Apple always ask for proof of purchase when you try and make a routine change.

In any case Ebay needs to put an end to Applecare email codes once and for all since you are getting a sub-standard product, in no way comparable to a boxed policy.