Found New, sealed MBP for $900 on Craigslist... help?!

[madmaxmedia]

That's what I thought at first... and then I watched some MBP un-boxing on youtube. They are wrapped in plastic... units sold in 2012 have a white sticker seal on the back.

Gotcha. The problem is the risk of bad outcome is significant, and your entire investment could be wiped out.

If the seller was legit, there's no reason why he would refuse to let you open and inspect, if you said you would meet him in a public place like Starbucks, show him that you have the cash on hand, and assure him you want to buy but just need to make sure it is working and as described.

If they refuse that, then they are either a scammer or just seems fishy in some way.

 

[Vantage Point]

for anyone reading this thread here is a link that will be very helpful with regard to used apple hardware. Just input the serial number of the item and it will let you know how much warranty is left. So in this case, if the CL mac was used, defined as turned on at least once, the clock begins the warranty countdown. This is a good way for sellers to let potential buyers verify that there is warranty left. I would feel better buying a used item from someone that had 30 days left so if there is a problem I can simply go to Apple and have it repaired under warranty. In this case, that seller should be able to provide you with the serial number to check.

https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do?newid=y

 

[MusicIsLifeMD]

for anyone reading this thread here is a link that will be very helpful with regard to used apple hardware. Just input the serial number of the item and it will let you know how much warranty is left. So in this case, if the CL mac was used, defined as turned on at least once, the clock begins the warranty countdown. This is a good way for sellers to let potential buyers verify that there is warranty left. I would feel better buying a used item from someone that had 30 days left so if there is a problem I can simply go to Apple and have it repaired under warranty. In this case, that seller should be able to provide you with the serial number to check.

https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do?newid=y

That's true too... I'd just be very skeptical of him giving me the real serial number... esp. if it is a scam. Though, since it's never been turned on, would it still work the same way?

 

[Vantage Point]

If it hasn't been turned on then there would be no expiration date.

He would be incredibly stupid not to give you the correct serial number since once given, he/she would know that will be the first thing you look at before you hand over the cash.

So his response any request for the serial number to validate if it is new will speak volumes. If it is legit he should be happy to give it to you to remove hesitation.

Anyway, as first posted, getting the refurb includes piece of mind. Why spend a lot of money on something you can't trust.

 

[MusicIsLifeMD]

If it hasn't been turned on then there would be no expiration date.

He would be incredibly stupid not to give you the correct serial number since once given, he/she would know that will be the first thing you look at before you hand over the cash.

So his response any request for the serial number to validate if it is new will speak volumes. If it is legit he should be happy to give it to you to remove hesitation.

Anyway, as first posted, getting the refurb includes piece of mind. Why spend a lot of money on something you can't trust.

Oh I'm definitely getting the refurb, that last question was just for the information itself.