come on, everybody who was in shanghai or hongkong on the fakesmarket knows that chinas can fake all 
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Don't buy AppleCare on Ebay
- Thread starter Detektiv-Pinky
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
- Status
I believe 100% of what I have said is true and that on the balance of probabilities unless you are willing to show clear title to Applecare boxes from the comp usa liquidation as you say, and disclose who you are... then you are probably generating codes and covering with a good story like all con men do. Then you occasionally pick up a secondhand box to lend credence to your story. I note to date you have avoided my valid points and request for full disclosure.
As I said in my PM response to you:
I think this discussion should be public and if you are not selling fraudulent codes then please answer all my relevant questions and points.
If what you say is true you would have no problem disclosing your true identity and selling all with boxes from now on with the purchaser of course bearing the cost of the delivery of the box and registration papers (no downside to you if your story is true). Additionally if you had those and they are not counterfeit printed then I am sure Apple and the law would cover the warranty even if you were not an Apple Authorised reseller.
Ebay attracts a higher percentage of illegitimate business because of it's flawed feedback & clawback system, allowance of cloaked sellers, and lust to generate fees on both counterfeit and genuine sales. Some sellers reduce the risk to purchasers by stating who their legal name, address and phone number is in the auction and allowing pickups from a bricks and mortar address. In the event of a problem outside of the ebay/paypal tiny dispute window recourse is easily handled because you know who your are dealing with.
I am happy to be proven wrong but receipts and full disclosure are necessary for legitimate business (something I can show these to the taxman and all my clients on deals I do) ... can you do the same?
I only read the first 18 pages or so, and then skimmed the rest, so sorry if this has already been brought up, but this is what doesn't make sense to me:
I'm inclined to think that all this AppleCare eBay nonsense is a scam. eBay really is turning into a market for lemons: Legitimate sellers get put out of business by scammers selling counterfeit goods at a very low price. Customers get screwed because they can't tell whether an auction is legitimate or not.
Thanks, particularly to Music_Producer for his very informative contributions to this thread.
- Apple has the right to revoke your service if you can't provide proof of purchase or the original serial number.
- BUT, at the same time, there exists some legitimate Apple distributor that produces AppleCare plans that have no serial number (registration code only).
I'm inclined to think that all this AppleCare eBay nonsense is a scam. eBay really is turning into a market for lemons: Legitimate sellers get put out of business by scammers selling counterfeit goods at a very low price. Customers get screwed because they can't tell whether an auction is legitimate or not.
Thanks, particularly to Music_Producer for his very informative contributions to this thread.
Naive Ebay buyer....What should I do now?
Before I saw this thread, I was one of those naive EBay Applecare for Mac Pro buyers. I have emailed my Ebay "seller" requesting a receipt, to no avail.
Apple has of course sent me a email confirmation of Applecare coverage, but that sounds like it could be easily rejected by Apple if I can not show a receipt.
And I am assuming an Ebay screen shot of some sort would not be a valid receipt.
If I don't want to take a chance on Apple denying me in the next 2 years, can I buy a "confirmed" Mac Pro Applecare and somehow unregister the suspect first one and register the second legitimate one?
And my apologies if this has already been covered, but I have read most of this thread over the course of a few weeks and my senior mind is not quite as sharp as it was back in the day.....
Before I saw this thread, I was one of those naive EBay Applecare for Mac Pro buyers. I have emailed my Ebay "seller" requesting a receipt, to no avail.
Apple has of course sent me a email confirmation of Applecare coverage, but that sounds like it could be easily rejected by Apple if I can not show a receipt.
And I am assuming an Ebay screen shot of some sort would not be a valid receipt.
If I don't want to take a chance on Apple denying me in the next 2 years, can I buy a "confirmed" Mac Pro Applecare and somehow unregister the suspect first one and register the second legitimate one?
And my apologies if this has already been covered, but I have read most of this thread over the course of a few weeks and my senior mind is not quite as sharp as it was back in the day.....
I had a wonderful experience with AppleCare on Ebay. Apple asked for my proof of coverage, and the person I bought the applecare on ebay from sent me a copy of the original receipt.
So there are legitimate sellers out there!~
So there are legitimate sellers out there!~
Possible on a one off ... improbable with sellers that sell more than one or two for reasons I have outlined. Also bear in mind receipts are easily photoshoped and printed people only get looked into deeply by Apple and caught when the generated serial number is flagged by a real Applecare with the same serial number being sold and registered. You may find out that your sweet deal is sour after your ability to get a paypla refund or post negative feedback has expired!
Ok, I am soo glad I read this thread.
I bought AC for my iPhone on ebay from a seller in Seattle. I got the code, his communication was a bit sketchy, but the AC worked. I bought the "code" (I am assuming that is what i got ) and registered it, no problems. I actually just had the phone serviced last weekend. So I got lucky? I paid $50 for the AC.
Now with the laptops...
I emailed the same guy (who is selling AC for $163) about sending a sealed box to me, and told him about this thread. I also let him know that i don't wanna get burned. He has yet to respond to me, so I am assuming any AC sold for less than $240 is a SCAM.
Maybe Mac Man is legit, maybe not, but i saw one of his auctions. He offers just the code. Why not send the box? Sealed? If i am unable to get a sealed, unopened US Apple Care, then it is a scam. If a seller doesn't want/refuses to send the box (unopened), it is a scam.
SO that being said, Amazon is probably the best bet? I have seen some honest sellers, selling AC for like $249 or so, because they bought an extra AC, or the wrong one.
I'd rather spend an extra $130-150 on Apple Care from Amazon for piece of mind, rather than to get ripped off, and having an expensive computer with no AC.
I bought AC for my iPhone on ebay from a seller in Seattle. I got the code, his communication was a bit sketchy, but the AC worked. I bought the "code" (I am assuming that is what i got
) and registered it, no problems. I actually just had the phone serviced last weekend. So I got lucky? I paid $50 for the AC.Now with the laptops...
I emailed the same guy (who is selling AC for $163) about sending a sealed box to me, and told him about this thread. I also let him know that i don't wanna get burned. He has yet to respond to me, so I am assuming any AC sold for less than $240 is a SCAM.
Maybe Mac Man is legit, maybe not, but i saw one of his auctions. He offers just the code. Why not send the box? Sealed? If i am unable to get a sealed, unopened US Apple Care, then it is a scam. If a seller doesn't want/refuses to send the box (unopened), it is a scam.
SO that being said, Amazon is probably the best bet? I have seen some honest sellers, selling AC for like $249 or so, because they bought an extra AC, or the wrong one.
I'd rather spend an extra $130-150 on Apple Care from Amazon for piece of mind, rather than to get ripped off, and having an expensive computer with no AC.
I actually read through all 21 pages of this thread - a few very interesting tidbits in there.
But bottom line - if one buys Applecare on ebay and it comes in a sealed box with a serial number on the outside and the activation code on the inside - it's definitely better than just the code, but I would think that this can still be a faked code and serial number as well.
In a way, it doesn't evem matter what the serial number is since it's not used for registration.
And is Apple really able to match box serial numbers to specific Applecare codes if that question ever comes up?
But bottom line - if one buys Applecare on ebay and it comes in a sealed box with a serial number on the outside and the activation code on the inside - it's definitely better than just the code, but I would think that this can still be a faked code and serial number as well.
In a way, it doesn't evem matter what the serial number is since it's not used for registration.
And is Apple really able to match box serial numbers to specific Applecare codes if that question ever comes up?
I want to take LSalanders account as proof that Macman812 is legit, because right now he has some of the best prices as well as at least seeming to be legitimate. However, LSalanders is a new member here, with few posts, and could well have been created by Macman to add authenticity.
I know this is a baseless accusation, and I do not want to offend either of the two, but I am simply connecting LSalander's low post count with potential benefit to Macman. Do you think it likely or unlikely? And Macman and LSalander, can you offer somehow disprove this connection? I know I'm pulling a bit of a Glenn Beck, but until this is denied, I will remain slightly suspicious.
I know this is a baseless accusation, and I do not want to offend either of the two, but I am simply connecting LSalander's low post count with potential benefit to Macman. Do you think it likely or unlikely? And Macman and LSalander, can you offer somehow disprove this connection? I know I'm pulling a bit of a Glenn Beck, but until this is denied, I will remain slightly suspicious.
I also want to add that you can get legit Applecare from APPLE for $183 (Educational discount). So the person who said you cannot get it for anything less than 240 is wrong.
$249 is the RETAIL price that Apple charges for MacBook air/13"MBP/MacBook. The lowest price you will find for this from an authorized reseller is $195. My source cost for retail Applecare for this product is $176 (it varies - but with Apple products there is not much profit margin as compared to other manufacturers)
$183 is the Educational retail pricing - which means educational resellers probably get it for $150. I am not an educational reseller so I can't comment, but if someone here has an EDU agreement with Apple then maybe they can post what sort of pricing they get.
Now, macman sells the same product for $115. Ebay fees+ PayPal fees take out about $15 so he's left with $100 in total sales for one code.
Let's say he takes the minimal profit route and buys them for $90 each code - thus making $10 profit. It's unbelievable that Apple sells AC (educational) for $90 - that's more than 50% off their retail EDU pricing.
The screenshot I posted of the Chinese seller selling this same AC for $60 makes more sense. As I said earlier, volume buying from these sellers can results in even more profit potential (remember that the Chinese sellers were acquiring hacked iTunes cards for $2.60 for a $200 iTunes card) Macman's supplier might be getting AC for $40 - and then reselling it to macman for $60,$70 or $90 - who knows.
Also, Apple is *very* slow at removing ebay auctions - heck they're slow at acknowledging anything. After 2000 batteries explode - they'll probably issue a recall. They won't make a statement on these hacked iTunes/AC codes because it will make their authentication procedures look plain stupid.
Not to mention the possibilities of a class action lawsuit.
I am not saying that it's not shady.. infact I very much agree. I am just saying that you *can* get it from apple.com for $183 (one person posted earlier that it looks like it isn't possible to get legit for under $240; that was my whole point)
looks like you're referring to the 13", and he was referring to the 15". macman sells 15" for 160 right now, which is way cheaper than amazon or edu discount.
Well, maybe people are using "educational discounts" to their hearts content, but if you ARE NOT getting the UNSEALED BOX with that purchase price, there is something shady!
I emailed the guy who sold me the AC for my iPhone. I told him about this thread, and how there seems to be some shady (cracked codes, etc) deals on ebay. I asked him if he can include the box, unsealed. If he cannot provide the unsealed box, I am not willing to take that risk.
He didn't respond for a week and a half, then I sent him another messag, saying "By lack of response, I am assuming that you do not provide unopened boxes with your AC". He emailed within hours, stating that he no longer sells AC at this time. Try back in a few weeks. I can post his ebay ID. I mean my iPhone AC works, but if Apple asks for proof, I am SOL. I never received a box for the AC. I paid $50.
So if these sellers selling AC for $150 less than Amazon does, and do not provide boxes, just codes, something is wrong. If I can get AC from Apple for $183, why wouldn't everyone else? I am going to check what I can get AC for from Apple. I just don't see why anyone would bother buying AC on ebay, if indeed they can pick up AC from apple.com for less than $200. And you don't have to worry about anything.
I emailed the guy who sold me the AC for my iPhone. I told him about this thread, and how there seems to be some shady (cracked codes, etc) deals on ebay. I asked him if he can include the box, unsealed. If he cannot provide the unsealed box, I am not willing to take that risk.
He didn't respond for a week and a half, then I sent him another messag, saying "By lack of response, I am assuming that you do not provide unopened boxes with your AC". He emailed within hours, stating that he no longer sells AC at this time. Try back in a few weeks. I can post his ebay ID. I mean my iPhone AC works, but if Apple asks for proof, I am SOL. I never received a box for the AC. I paid $50.
So if these sellers selling AC for $150 less than Amazon does, and do not provide boxes, just codes, something is wrong. If I can get AC from Apple for $183, why wouldn't everyone else? I am going to check what I can get AC for from Apple. I just don't see why anyone would bother buying AC on ebay, if indeed they can pick up AC from apple.com for less than $200. And you don't have to worry about anything.
Thanks God
I found this thread before clicking buy it now Applecare Macbook Pro from eBay. I just wonder if those eBay sellers send only codes to customers, they may be cracked them from apple site.
I found this thread before clicking buy it now Applecare Macbook Pro from eBay. I just wonder if those eBay sellers send only codes to customers, they may be cracked them from apple site.
yes, he does only send codes, but based on his forum presence in this thread he seems at least kind of legitimate.
I am uncertain for sure, but that may be the case, as many sellers only email a code only! That should raise yellow flags instantly. I admit that i was all about being cheap. But even if this Macman has helped people on here, why doesn't he send the box (sealed, at that)? And if the AC is truly that legit for that cheap ($163), why sell it for so cheap? If Apple sells it for $340 or Amazon sells it for $299, (even the apple store sells it for $239 under the educational link), why not make more profit? I can understand if these codes are hijacked.. it is basically all profit..
Bottom line. If you don't wanna risk NOT having AC (or finding out a year from now that you got taken for a fake code), buy from someone that has the sealed box, and isn't selling it for $200 less than a reputable retailer...
Lol, yes just like Madoff used to hang out with the guys from the SEC and his gullible investors, which made him so legitimate.
Macman probably generated additional sales by peddling his wares here.It's all about being cheap. If they start selling codes only for $50 more, no one's going to buy them. They would rather pay $20-$30 more and buy the legitimate boxed version from an authorized dealer.
On the other hand, it's super low-ball prices that entice people into falling for it. You know I understand when people buy fake rolexes or whatever for cheap - but at least they're getting *something* for that money!
However, that's with an education discount, for which you need to qualify (or lie about it) to get, so it's not available to that (unfortunately small) group of people who are not students and not willing to lie about it.
Anyone can get the student discount online. There is a link. They ask for no verification. I am not saying it is moral or whatnot ( I am in school), but that is no different then knowingly purchasing AC on ebay for dirt cheap is probably a hacked code, especially if you have to DOWNLOAD the discs that ARE supposed to be included in the SEALED APPLE CARE BOX!
Teerex, I hope that what the apple rep said on the phone is true. Somehow, I feel it is just a matter of time before something major goes wrong (logic board, screen, etc), and when you go to take it in (maybe 2 months, or even 2 years), they ask for proof, or a receipt (not PS'd or typed in notepad), and you tell them you talked to someone on the phone (800-my-apple) and they said you were good to go. The genius then tells you that you were mis-informed.
I hope that is not the case for you, but I WOULD MUCH rather pay the ethic price (i mean we know it isn't 100% legit at a $160 price point). I wouldn't even bat an eye at someone who "uses" the student discount to get it cheaper. It is still legit, and you are helping keep fraud down.
I just wish Apple would do something about this. People who are selling the codes KNOW that they are effing people royally! A lot of people, like my self, wait until the year is almost up, then purchase AC in the last few weeks of warranty. If you buy these bad codes, you have NO time left on your warranty to purchase a legit copy of AC.
I hope it works when I need it too. I do have the registration receipt from Apple and the Ebay receipt from purchase as well. I have 2 weeks left on this machine before the 1 year anniversary. I debated on buying a boxed version of Apple Care but after spending $180 on the first one an additional $200+ on a computer that is refurbed for $1299 bay not be the best idea but I've got two weeks to make up my mind. Let's see...shall I flip a coin?
Yeah, i understand that the cost of AC is like 1/3 or 1/4 of the price of the Mac (in-some cases), but it IS cheaper than having to shell out $1200 for a logic-board.
And I don't know if a print from Ebay purchase is legit. It is like buying AC on craigslist. I think having the box is like the receipt, or proof of purchase. I think with the case of buying apple care on Ebay, it is buyer beware. It is like russian roulette. It works fine for some (my iPhone got the screen replaced, and i bought AC on ebay, albeit $20 cheaper than retail, and have no box..glad i read this thread before i bought it for my MBP) and some people are SOL.
- Status