Macmel wrote:
"THERE IS A SERIAL NUMBER ON THE BOX APPLE MIGHT NEED.
Plenty of times this has been discussed. In case there's a problem with your AppleCare suscription, Apple will ask you to provide this number and check if it correspond to the AppleCare code you introduce. If you don't have it, your AppleCare will be cancelled. It has happened before and there are several threads on that.
The AppleCare code is linked to a box with a serial number. In principle, you need only the code BUT Apple can ask you for the serial no. anytime.
Why don't they want to send you the box? One box=One code, so they should not be able to sell it to someone else... Unless it's a scam."
Yup, exactly right.
Again, I will state for the record and challenge anyone to provide proof otherwise:
The only "unique" identifier that distinguishes one AppleCare box - and one AppleCare policy - from another is the printed serial number that appears on the OUTSIDE OF THE BOX. Inside, the contents are the same from one package to another (for the same type of AppleCare, say, for an iMac). There is nothing INSIDE the box providing you with a code or number with which to register the policy - it's on THE OUTSIDE.
When you register, you use this serial number to obtain your registration policy number.
So - without the box, you can't register AppleCare, because without the box, you have no serial number.
Yes, a seller who won't provide the box can provide you with a serial number, and,
Yes, it may appear to register fine with Apple's online registration site,
BUT
Without the actual box (containing a bona fide serial number), how do you KNOW the serial number the seller has given you is bona fide (that is, corresponds with the same number from an actual box), OR is nothing more than a phony serial number generated through software?
AND
If the seller's number IS bona fide, and it came from an actual AppleCare package, where is the box that he obtained the number from?
AND
If you need Apple service, and you are asked to produce proof of purchase, without the box, how are you going to prove that you actually purchased a bona fide AppleCare package?
Those vendors (including a few ebay vendors) who include the box as a part of the purchase are selling legitimate AppleCare packages, because you are getting a bona fide serial number. The printed box is "the proof of purchase", so to speak. It prooves you are in possession of an actual unit of the product.
WITHOUT the box, you have "no proof" of ownership. If you need service, you may be required to produce the box - with the serial number - in order to obtain same.
Like P.T. Barnum said.....