Product Authenticity

[greggerz]

I'm not exactly sure how to word this, but I'll try my best -

About a year ago, I bought a mac mini m1 from a person on facebook marketplace. Brand new in box. It was slightly cheaper than retail...maybe $50-100 (i dont remember exactly). This particular person also had a TON of other ads (iphones, macbooks, ipads, samsung stuff, etc). At first it seemed a little sketchy, like maybe they ripped off a store, or it was counterfeit. However, the person gave me their home address to meet for purchase, and the serial number checked out on apple's website, so that gave me a little peace that i wasn't getting ripped off. And - the mac mini has worked flawlessly. After the transaction and setting up the mac mini, i never really thought about the situation again.

Now, I'm in the market for a new macbook pro, and the 14" seem to be out of stock for a few months. This particular person is still selling Apple product online, and its still better pricing (slightly) than retail stores. But a macbook is 4x the price of the mini, so its a little riskier on my side financially....

So my questions -
Has anyone else ran into this sort of situation?
Can you shed more light on it (is this just a home business)?
Does apple allow individuals to be authorized resellers out of their home or through online marketplaces (facebook, CL, offerup)?
If the serial number checks out, am i good to go, meaning its authentic apple product?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

You would have to be an authorized Apple reseller to do that so doubt this person is and while the serial number may check out if it is reported stolen then that will more or less brick the machine when flagged by Apple. Additionally, you lose out on being able to return it if something goes wrong. They could be using a business account to purchase all these and since it wouldn’t make sense to sell them for $100 profit or whatever they are most likely doing something a little more nefarious to make more money.

So while it may be a slightly lower price unless it’s something you need now then pass.

 

[jav6454]

You can look at this either thru the negative lens (money laundry, stolen goods, et al) or the positive lens (buying devices thru other means at discounted prices).

To be honest, it's hard to say.

 

[greggerz]

You would have to be an authorized Apple reseller to do that so doubt this person is and while the serial number may check out if it is reported stolen then that will more or less brick the machine when flagged by Apple. Additionally, you lose out on being able to return it if something goes wrong. They could be using a business account to purchase all these and since it wouldn’t make sense to sell them for $100 profit or whatever they are most likely doing something a little more nefarious to make more money.

So while it may be a slightly lower price unless it’s something you need now then pass.

I feel like 'stolen goods' can be ruled out. Theres no way this person would be selling stolen apple products out of their home for several years and not get caught? Its not a few macbooks/iphones here and there. They have hundreds of listings, and quite a few positive reviews (nearly 5 star in aggregate).

Theres got to be a better explanation, i'm just not sure how apple works with regards to ecommerce. I'm wondering, it may be possible they've got international connections, and are somehow acquiring through those connections, and reselling here.... but i've got no idea.

 

[DeltaMac]

How about a link to a sale item for that seller?
Someone here may have also purchased from that same seller. If the seller is as active as you say, others may have other information that might give a better impression about the reliability of the seller (or can show legitimate concern about the seller's status)

 

[greggerz]

How about a link to a sale item for that seller?
Someone here may have also purchased from that same seller. If the seller is as active as you say, others may have other information that might give a better impression about the reliability of the seller (or can show legitimate concern about the seller's status)

Sure, here ya go -

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Sure, here ya go -

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

Why take a risk for such a small price difference? For only $99.- more at an official store you will be able to sleep at night without that nagging doubt if it is authentic or not . Also you will be ensured of a good customer service and warranty if something goes wrong.

 

[Fishrrman]

For a MacBook Pro 14" -- BUY IT FROM APPLE (shouting intentional).

Even if you have to wait a couple of months.

Shop around various Apple Stores for the base model MPB 14".
It might appear sooner than you think.

 

[kpluck]

Does he have a business license? Did he state where he is getting these from? It might be that he is able to buy them at a discount through an employer such as a school or government agency and then is reselling them. In any event, as others have mentioned, the discount seems to small to take the risk.

When I bought my 16" MBP after they were first announced in the fall, I was looking at weeks of waiting as well. Then I just started checking local Apple store stock and found what I wanted almost immediately. Of course, you can't custom order this way.

-kp