Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Hi

Sorry to hear that you overpaid for AppleCare

The retail for AppleCare is $169.00 and I paid $122.00 which I believe is about a 28% discount

Oh, did you pay sales tax?

Since we're all making snarky comments, I bought my iMac AppleCare on eBay for $90 shipped. Received it yesterday (sealed retail box, not just a code). You overpaid. :p
 
Since we're all making snarky comments, I bought my iMac AppleCare on eBay for $90 shipped. Received it yesterday (sealed retail box, not just a code). You overpaid. :p

Perhaps on the applecare by itself, but as a whole, comparing apples to apples, I do believe that my purchase was less that yours, let alone due to the non payment of sales tax.
 
Perhaps on the applecare by itself, but as a whole, comparing apples to apples, I do believe that my purchase was less that yours, let alone due to the non payment of sales tax.

I think you'll find you're wrong, since I'm in Delaware right now. :) And Apple gave me a few... freebies for a slightly messed-up order.

And I got 5% Discover cashback, and EPP pricing (had to call for it, since it's not working online).

But keep going, please. :)
 
Last edited:
AppleCare and EBay don't mix!!!! AppleCare is ONLY valid if purchased from an AUTHORIZED Apple reseller.
With that said, the AppleCare that you purchased in a sealed retail box or even an email code will probably activate and you will probably have no problems. BUT Apple has the right to ask for proof of purchase at anytime during your coverage period. If you can't provide proof or present an eBay receipt your coverage WILL be voided.
Life is about choices. If you feel the few dollars "saved" is worth the risk for a several thousand dollar purchase then you made the "right" choice for you.
For myself, I'd rather spend the extra few bucks and purchase directly from Apple and have solid piece of mind knowing it WILL be covered.
There are many previous threads regarding AppleCare and eBay. I would strongly suggest you research these threads and rethink your decision of saving a few bucks.
 
AppleCare and EBay don't mix!!!! AppleCare is ONLY valid if purchased from an AUTHORIZED Apple reseller.
With that said, the AppleCare that you purchased in a sealed retail box or even an email code will probably activate and you will probably have no problems. BUT Apple has the right to ask for proof of purchase at anytime during your coverage period. If you can't provide proof or present an eBay receipt your coverage WILL be voided.
Life is about choices. If you feel the few dollars "saved" is worth the risk for a several thousand dollar purchase then you made the "right" choice for you.
For myself, I'd rather spend the extra few bucks and purchase directly from Apple and have solid piece of mind knowing it WILL be covered.
There are many previous threads regarding AppleCare and eBay. I would strongly suggest you research these threads and rethink your decision of saving a few bucks.

I've never, ever, ever, heard of that happening. I know what Apple says, but it's only to cover their asses in the case of their records "disappearing." I've always bought my AppleCare from eBay or from other sellers, and never had an issues. And yes, I've had to use the AppleCare a few times. I've also done this for all my family, including family in other countries. I get a mailed/emailed a copy of my AppleCare contract from Apple upon registration, which - if it's ever needed, is more than sufficient as proof of purchase. I've never been asked for it, though.

Even with some older boxed versions of AppleCare that actually won't register online because they're not "current", a quick call to Apple has that resolved and the agreement applied to the account.

So, thanks for looking out for me, but you won't ever get denied AppleCare (that I can tell) once it has been applied to your account and you have your contract paperwork.

That said, I'd be interested in reading some of these threads where people have trouble after the fact. Do you have any links?



----------

sounds like you did fantastic then.

I did. My point wasn't to brag, but rather there's no sense in making others feel bad about a decision that has already been made, - in this case buying AppleCare for a "too much money."
 
I'm glad I was able to help. Please search the forums for past threads. Yes many have been denied AppleCare coverage for key generated serials.
I was just like you, I always purchased from eBay.... Until I had an issue. Apple refused my refund request after they denied the buyer of my computer to transfer under his name.
I had to refund money to the buyer because he was unable to transfer AppleCare to his name.
After that I have purchased from Apple and never had any issues for refunds, replacements, repairs, or transfers.
 
Since stores only carry base configuration models, please post:

1. Pic of receipt
2. Pic of box showing configuration details

...Or it didn't happen.
 
I'm glad I was able to help. Please search the forums for past threads. Yes many have been denied AppleCare coverage for key generated serials.
I was just like you, I always purchased from eBay.... Until I had an issue. Apple refused my refund request after they denied the buyer of my computer to transfer under his name.
I had to refund money to the buyer because he was unable to transfer AppleCare to his name.
After that I have purchased from Apple and never had any issues for refunds, replacements, repairs, or transfers.

Who said anything about "key-generated serials?" Who on earth would buy one of those?!

And also, not worried about transfers of any sort. In fact, I've registered all my family's computers under my account so it's easier to keep track of, and despite being in other countries they're all able to use the AppleCare just fine.

Personally, this computer is for me, just for myself. I'll be keeping it at least 3 years. It's a boxed, retail version of AppleCare. Given that info, I think it's fair to say buying it on eBay is pretty safe.
 
Since stores only carry base configuration models, please post:

1. Pic of receipt
2. Pic of box showing configuration details

...Or it didn't happen.

This is actually not true. I know for a fact that stores do carry "custom" configs because I bought such a MacBook Pro from the soho apple store last year.
 
Since stores only carry base configuration models, please post:

1. Pic of receipt
2. Pic of box showing configuration details

...Or it didn't happen.

It really happened. Call your walk in to your local applestore and you will see this config as one they carry. They have 3 different 27" models.
 
I rather get the exact spec that I want, with HE discount and free AppleCare than get it now.

I waited this long for it, what's another few weeks?
 
I rather get the exact spec that I want, with HE discount and free AppleCare than get it now.

I waited this long for it, what's another few weeks?


It was the exact spec that I ordered. The same one that I wanted!
 
WilliamG. I'm sure you heard of the counterfeit problems many companies have with China? Well I hate to break you the bad news but it includes AppleCare.
Try to think how "they" can sell Applecare so cheap on EBay? Well it's one of two ways...
Keygen's and/or ill gotten.

I know your trying to justify your purchase but the sad truth is it is not legit. A few years ago ebay was littered with AppleCare now not as much since many people learned and eBay cracked down.

Your sealed box might be a counterfeit with a keygen serial. Please read the threads from years earlier. You will hear from Apple resellers that can tell you that the eBay listed plans are way below dealer cost.
You know the old saying... If it sounds to good to be true.....
 
It really happened. Call your walk in to your local applestore and you will see this config as one they carry. They have 3 different 27" models.

Actually - you're right. I went to the Apple store yesterday and on the iPad next to the iMac they had on display, it gave a 3rd 27" option for $2599. I didn't actually look at it thoroughly b/c I had to leave and I assumed stores wouldn't actually carry these! While it's not "custom" it is essentially the same config everyone here is ordering, and it's the same price.

Sorry I doubted you!
 
Man... this thread reminds me of when I was married. Nag, nag, nag over trivia. OP you got a great computer that was what you wanted. You did not have to deal with shipping and it is fully supported with Apple care directly from Apple. As long as you are happy that is all that matters. Enjoy your new machine :)
 
Actually - you're right. I went to the Apple store yesterday and on the iPad next to the iMac they had on display, it gave a 3rd 27" option for $2599. I didn't actually look at it thoroughly b/c I had to leave and I assumed stores wouldn't actually carry these! While it's not "custom" it is essentially the same config everyone here is ordering, and it's the same price.

Sorry I doubted you!

I'm curious as to why they offer this as a "base" config in stores but not on the website?
 
I'm curious as to why they offer this as a "base" config in stores but not on the website?

My guess is they probably wanted to have an i7 version for sale in stores... Plus, they know that i7, 680mx, 1tb fusion is the config that most people who want it customized will be buying.

Not sure why they didn't make a third i7 config on the website. Regardless, though, it comes out to the same price. I suppose the only difference online is that you can choose a trackpad if you want. I'm sure if you walk into the store and drop $2600 + tax they will throw one in for free if you say "I really wanted the trackpad but it's only available as an option online."
 
WilliamG. I'm sure you heard of the counterfeit problems many companies have with China? Well I hate to break you the bad news but it includes AppleCare.
Try to think how "they" can sell Applecare so cheap on EBay? Well it's one of two ways...
Keygen's and/or ill gotten.

I know your trying to justify your purchase but the sad truth is it is not legit. A few years ago ebay was littered with AppleCare now not as much since many people learned and eBay cracked down.

Your sealed box might be a counterfeit with a keygen serial. Please read the threads from years earlier. You will hear from Apple resellers that can tell you that the eBay listed plans are way below dealer cost.
You know the old saying... If it sounds to good to be true.....

Nonsense. This is a legit version, period. Stop fear-mongering. I've never read of counterfeit AppleCare boxes being anything but a fear tactic. I've searched for these fake boxes and never seen a picture of one. My AppleCare I bought has a serial number outside the box, was bought from an Apple reseller, and works fine.

If you want to say "buy smart," or "be careful on eBay," do so. But don't go around telling everyone that all cheaper AppleCare is fake/stolen/whatever, because it's not true!

I consider myself a smart eBayer. I bought the old iMac AppleCare, also seen here.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JZ32KQ

It works perfectly on new iMacs. It was the same thing when I bought iBook AppleCare and used it on a MacBook Air. That cost me just over $100. Since it's the old version they're valued less, for no good reason. That's why they're so cheap, not because they're stolen or counterfeit etc.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.