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

bender999

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 17, 2010
34
0
Austin
Hey I was wondering if there were certain places (physical or online) that was good for searching for and buying Apple products from other people?

Is there a place everyone goes to? I already know about companies that sell refurbished. I am talking about private owners.

Thanks for any tips :)
 

techwarrior

macrumors 65816
Jul 30, 2009
1,250
497
Colorado
You can take chances with private sellers on eBay, but I am sure there is a good chance of someone selling you devices with issues. There are some reputable eBay sellers like Gazelle that are probably safe.
 

Nbd1790

macrumors 6502
Jan 2, 2017
311
213
New York

Ebay can be a really good place to buy. I tend to look for users who are actual people and not store fronts (you can also find a good amount of Apple products that still have Applecare). If you do buy, buy from someone who offers a return policy. Make a Genius appointment to have them check it out and you should be good.

At the same time, Craigslist is another good option (again, use your best judgement on the item being sold and how descriptive they are). I was looking for a 13 inch 2015 model with max specs and ebay auctions would sell them for around $1100 - $1400. I found mine on craigslist in excellent condition and Applecare for $900. Ebay will always be a bit pricier because they take 10% of the final sale price.

Hope this helps!
 
  • Like
Reactions: bender999

madrich

macrumors 6502a
Feb 19, 2012
578
100
World Class City of Chicago
I have bought some items from eBay Sellers. Just like Nbd1790 indicates you can get some good buys from actual people. I also like that eBay has PayPal protection to ensure what you buy is what you expected to get. I also always pay with a credit card for double protection, and use it to extend any warranty another year.

I would be extra careful about CraigsList, once your money is gone, it's gone.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: bender999

Cobalt50

macrumors regular
Sep 27, 2015
130
62
Craigslist is iffy. But if you know what you are looking at, it can be a boon. I got a maxed out iPad Pro for half price plus Apple pencil. I have no idea why the guy sold it for so cheap. I think it was a business expense for him. He got tired of it/it didn't do what he wanted and he needed the money so he priced it to sell.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bender999

Starfia

macrumors 6502a
Apr 11, 2011
900
591
I tend to buy new or refurbished, but I've certainly sold used Apple products on eBay – I at least care that my buyers find my items accurately pictured and described, and eBay tends to advocate for the buyers, rather than sellers, in the event they aren't. But if you're going there to buy, make sure you scrutinize their feedback and their listings – they've done a good job of mitigating it, but some laziness and sheer dishonesty does exist there.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bender999
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.