iPhones on eBay
Can you buy an iPhone on eBay? Yes, you can. However, there are important
things to watch out for if you want to buy iPhones on eBay. With eBay it is always
caveat emptor - buyer beware. This is true when you are looking to purchase
iPhones on eBay as well. If you take measures to be sure that you know what
you are buying, then you can get a really great deal on an iPhone. However, if
you are not careful, you will be disappointed and possibly out of a lot of money.
This is what you need to be aware of when buying iPhones on eBay.
First, know what you are buying and if you are not sure ask the seller before you
bid. Some things to look out for are conflicting information between the title and
the extended description. For example there was a listing for an unlocked 16 GB
iPhone. That is what the title said. In the description is stated very clearly that this
phone is locked but then went on to say that they are using it with T-Mobile, so it
is clearly unlocked. The best way to resolve issues like this is to send the seller
an email and ask for clarification. Save this email and the response you get so
that if you are the winning bidder you have recourse if the iPhone is not as
described.
Know the difference between unlocked and locked. Unlocked means that the
firmware has been hacked and now you can insert any chip that will work on
ST&T or T-Mobile's networks. If you use T-Mobile you will lose the visual voice
mail, which is an AT&T exclusive feature. In the US the iPhone will work only on
cell phone networks AT&T and T-Mobile. This has nothing to do with the chip and
everything to do with the wiring. The iPhone will only work on the radio
frequencies that AT&T and T-Mobile provide. The terms "unlocked" and "new,
unopened box" are incompatible. You have to open up the box and hack into the
firmware in order to unlock the iPhone. Apple does not ship unlocked iPhones. In
order to hack into the iPhone you must open the box, and hook the iPhone up to
a computer. This is hardly unopened. Locked means that the firmware that
Apple shipped the phone with is intact and untouched. These phones will only
activate and work on the AT&T network. However, a locked phone has no issues
or troubles with any firmware upgrades whereas an unlocked phone must be
careful when updating to be sure they do not re-lock the iPhone.
Another thing to look out for when buying iPhones on eBay is to know if the
phone is refurbished, new, or used. A refurbished iPhone is one that Apple
(hopefully) has taken from not working properly to a like new state. This is a great
way to get an inexpensive iPhone. However, an ethical seller will clearly state
that this is a refurbished item. Les scrupulous sellers may not disclose this. If
unsure, ask. New and used are self-explanatory.
Be alerted to the fact that there are phones that are similar in appearance to the
iPhone but they are not iPhones. On eBay, you will see phones called A88,
iPhone, PDA, cell phone... These are not Apple iPhones, they are iPhone look
alike. Make sure that the manufacturer of any iPhone you purchase is Apple and
not CECT.
Finally make sure that you are aware of the sellers return policies and only pay
through PayPal using a credit card or pay directly with a credit card. Never pay
with cash, checks, Western Union, wire transfers or money orders. This way if
you are sold a fraudulent item, you have recourse through your credit card
company or PayPal. Buyers who do not take credit cards or PayPal are
questionable so once again remember caveat emptor, buyer beware.
eBay tries to make their venue a safe place to purchase items. An educated
consumer stands the best chance of getting a good deal. Before you buy
iPhones on eBay do a little research to be sure you are getting exactly what you
are looking for.