Selling MacBook. Okay to make the serial number public, for warranty verification?

[Glumpfner]

Hi there,

I am selling my MacBook Pro and some people were asking me to post the serial number so they can verify the warranty, which is still good until November 7th 2011.

Is it safe to post the serial number? Could people do anything with it? Use it to login to apple website or something similar?

Cheers.

 

[panzer06]

Hi there,

I am selling my MacBook Pro and some people were asking me to post the serial number so they can verify the warranty, which is still good until November 7th 2011.

Is it safe to post the serial number? Could people do anything with it? Use it to login to apple website or something similar?

Cheers.

I don't see the issue with doing so but some folks definitely are concerned about doing so.

I tend to give it via PM to serious buyers.

Cheers,

 

[jenzjen]

I've posted the SN many times with no issue, but if you're uncomfortable, just write email for SN.

 

[NickZac]

I personally wouldn't as someone could theoretically call Apple and have parts sent to their house. It isn't likely but still isn't worth the risk IMO.

 

[Squadleader]

Ive done it for what I thought were a serious buyer....(He was !)

 

[Blu101]

I personally wouldn't as someone could theoretically call Apple and have parts sent to their house.

I'm certain that Apple needs a little more than just a serial number to send parts out free of charge...? Especially to a different name and address than what's on record for that SN's original purchase.

Otherwise, what's stopping anyone from writing down SN's from any macbooks they come across at school, work, etc.?

 

[jenzjen]

I personally wouldn't as someone could theoretically call Apple and have parts sent to their house. It isn't likely but still isn't worth the risk IMO.

Apple asks for personal information (name, address, etc) in addition to the SN before opening a repair request, but like I wrote, if you're uncomfortable posting it directly on the ad, give it out by request.

 

[NickZac]

I realize Apple asks for more, but for this day and age, it is not hard to get people's information (ex: you have to publish an email or phone number to sell the Mac) and if someone has an email address, they can change things on the account. Furthermore, Apple parts are sent as a new part and then you have X days to return the defective part or else they charge you full retail.

As far as writing down other serial numbers, you are not going to be able to change a SN for a government or university computer and I don't know about you, but if I saw someone checking out my computer, there would be a problem. Identity theft is a HUGE issue and so I don't want anyone getting any potentially valuable information from me.

As I said, it is VERY unlikely but it sure ain't impossible. Better safe than sorry.

 

[jenzjen]

Not if it costs you the sale, I've asked for the serial for every used Mac I've purchased. It is the only way to independently verify the machine and warranty via the Apple site. If someone says no, I move on. If he is not comfortable giving me the serial, I'm uncomfortable buying.

 

[NickZac]

No that is fine if you send it via email. That is to one person. Posting it in a listing such as eBay or CL is different as thousands of unique users will see it and you have no control over who does and does not get the SN.

 

[Squadleader]

Well, how did ya make out...?? Sell it...??