How to 'safely' Sell a New iPad - for The Buyer, and for Me

GregMonarch on 30/06/2017 - 14:05
Last edited 30/06/2017 - 14:33 by 1 other user

I may be selling a new unopened ipad but will not use ebay, due to how easy it is for people to claim back on paypal. I also want to avoid 'tyre-kickers'. i.e. People that want to cracking the box seal, turn it on, play around with it and ask questions I can't answer (I don't know anything about Apple stuff), only to say "Here's $20 deposit, I'll be back this afternoon with the rest." But then doesn't return for a week, wants their money back, ipad is now opened and reduced in value/trust that it's new, etc.

So I'm seeking opinions… What's the best/safest way to sell it, so the buyer is the first person that gets to open it, knows it's new and fully working, and I also get paid with no way for them to turn up a day later claiming it doesn't work because they've changed their mind, dropped it, still gets their full warranty, etc.?

e.g. I heard warranty begins the moment you open it. I'm not sure if that means just opening the box - or turning it on for the first time!?

So I'm trying to protect both of us. Because if it were me I'd want to open it too… to check it works before taking it home. But I also want a genuine buyer, that isn't going to turn up demanding money back only to find out later their toddler stood on it.

Suggestions please?

Computing

Comments

  • FireRunner on 30/06/2017 - 14:51
    +4

    Doesn't warranty start from purchase date, how would you prove you didn't use it for a few weeks/months?
    Anyway I'm pretty sure eBay is safe, they have seller's protection.

    • Halo375 on 30/06/2017 - 15:03

      The definition of a Gumtree user is most definitely a "tyre kicker" - they would want to open the box and confirm the product was legitimate before passing over the cash. I do think eBay is the only way you would be able to sell the product remotely.

      The only other choice you might have (if the box is unopened and a current model) is to try and return it to a store for store credit without receipt. I'm not sure which stores would allow that, but it's a possibility you could investigate.

    • humdingaling on 30/06/2017 - 15:08
      +1

      warranty from date of purchase

      imagine if someone sat on the thing for 20 years…cant reasonable expect warranty to start after 20 years
      also how would they even know when you opened it?

    • GregMonarch on 30/06/2017 - 17:56

      Doesn't warranty start from purchase date

      I'm not sure. I was told today that with Apple products warranty begins "from the first time you open them", whatever that means exactly!?

      how would you prove you didn't use it for a few weeks/months?

      Apparently you receive a receipt from Optus. Their $70/100GB mobile broadband 24 month deal comes with a free ipad. That would have a date on it.

      Anyway I'm pretty sure eBay is safe, they have seller's protection.

      I guess… They take $40-$5 too. I'd rather split the difference and lower the price by ~$30 for the buyer.

      I could choose a Samsung tablet, but I'd get the ipad because the buyer can walk into any Apple store with a photocopy of the receipt for warranty purposes. Whereas the Samsung has to go back to an Optus store. (Apparently.) I figured if I immediately sell the ipad it effectively reduces that $70/m plan… to something less than $70, LOL.

      • salbee28 on 07/07/2017 - 15:00

        The warranty starts on the date of purchase as recorded on the Optus receipt. They also wouldn't need the receipt for warranty purposes once they have activated the iPad after purchase.

        Source - My employer sells large volumes of Apple products every year, it is also stated on the Apple website in the Legal section - "for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of original retail purchase by the end-user purchaser ("Warranty Period")."

  • CyberMurning on 30/06/2017 - 15:04
    +1

    face to face cash only, and bring bikies just incase.

    • altomic on 30/06/2017 - 15:24

      what if the buyer was from a rival bikie gang?

      • CyberMurning on 30/06/2017 - 16:21
        +2

        then call 911 from far away

        • 87percent on 04/07/2017 - 20:44

          May want to check that number if you need help

        • darthsparrow on 08/07/2017 - 00:57

          000

  • altomic on 30/06/2017 - 15:25

    Do you have a receipt for it?

  • scrimshaw on 30/06/2017 - 16:14

    Do note:

    Apple Store Return Policy. You can return your items to an Apple Retail Store within 14 calendar days of receiving your order. You need to bring a government-issued photo ID and confirmation of the web order number with your items.

    You can also initiate a return using the Self service portal (Apple ID required).

    https://www.apple.com/au/shop/help/returns_refund

  • moph on 30/06/2017 - 16:47

    You are greater risk than the buyer. The risk to the buyer is that you have opened and used the ipad (or else replaced the ipad with a rock), and then neatly clingwrapped the box to make it look unopened. That would be pretty unlikely, and if you've done a really good job of it, it would be impossible for the buyer to know, so at some point they're just going to have to take your word for it.
    I suggest this:
    You agree with the buyer that, if they commit to buy it, they can open the box in your presence to determine that it is in fact an ipad, in new condition, and it turns on, and that once they've made that inspection, they walk away with no recourse for complaint.
    Sit down at a table with the buyer. They put the money on the table between you. They open the box and confirm that it's a real ipad and it works. They take the ipad, you take the money, everyone is happy.
    If there's a genuine problem with the ipad and/or you're trying to scam them, they can pick up the money and walk out. You'll lose the 'unopened' status of your ipad, but if you know that you have a genuine new ipad, this should be no worry to you.

    There still remains a small risk that they'll try and screw you around, but I don't think you can escape that entirely with any gumtree sale, and IMO the most common source of gumtree screwiness is not malice but simple flakiness.

    • whooah1979 on 30/06/2017 - 17:30

      They put the money on the table between you.

      i like everything about your suggestion except for this part. where is a safe place to sit down and leave $100s on a table?

      • moph on 03/07/2017 - 11:35

        Quiet cafe or bar, table in corner.

    • GregMonarch on 30/06/2017 - 18:05

      You agree with the buyer that, if they commit to buy it, they can open the box in your presence to determine that it is in fact an ipad, in new condition, and it turns on, and that once they've made that inspection, they walk away with no recourse for complaint.
      Sit down at a table with the buyer. They put the money on the table between you. They open the box and confirm that it's a real ipad and it works. They take the ipad, you take the money, everyone is happy.

      Yeah that is the bit I'm struggling to find a solution to. i.e. Someone that initially agrees, then thinks of an excuse/changes their mind and just walks away anyway. Meeting in a police station would be good. But they won't handcuff the buyer for leaving, LOL and then I'm left with a 'possibly used' ipad - and the next possible buyer now has a seller (me) claiming it's new when it's been opened.

      • moph on 03/07/2017 - 11:40

        I don't think the police will be interested in this, and you'll just be getting in the way in a police station.
        I've done lots of gumtree transactions recently (including buying a car and selling another) and the thing you are worried about is very unlikely. Everyone I have dealt with has been totally honest. Some have been vague, flakey, and otherwise a pain in the arse to deal with but none have been malicious. Yes there are some horror stories out there and there are people who will try and rip you off, but they are few and fair between in my opinion, and if you take a few minutes to get the vibe of someone and follow something like the basic procedure I've suggested, I think you'll be fine.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/06/2017 - 17:44
    +1

    I would not pay a premium for a private sale-new unopened product. To me it is shop price or mint-used price. It is not hard to buy a shrink wrapper or even go to a shop to get the box shrink wrapped. But you might find somebody who thinks different from me.

    • GregMonarch on 30/06/2017 - 18:10
      +1

      No, not full price. It's going to be a lower price for that very reason - but I don't want it to be… oh, I don't know… $100 cheaper than people on ebay are selling it for, just because another person opened it before them.

      I'd be getting a reduced plan cost out of it. The buyer would be getting a discount on a new item with full warranty they planned to buy elsewhere anyway.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/06/2017 - 19:12

        I understand. I would not pay more for it than a used-mint product (well okay I might, if the receipt shows a purchase date). I'd not pay more for an unopened product that is a same age as a mint-used product that somebody else is selling.

        • GregMonarch on 30/06/2017 - 19:37

          Oh, I get you now.

          Yeah, if they opened it while we sat there, turned it on - didn't work, had dead pixels, etc. - I'm not going to leave with their money. No problem for me to hand back their cash and take it to Optus. (Not sure, but I think you can just swap for another one in the first month.)

          I worry about the 'people' that have their scam method down pat… Buying on ebay, saying the box was empty/didn't arrive, etc. It's what you don't know about their scams that gets you. And I bet if they focus on any item, it would be ones like this.

        • [Deactivated] on 01/07/2017 - 16:19

          @GregMonarch: Fair enough, i-stuff are one of the most liquid stuff on the second hand market. Probably will attract more scammers than other products.

  • Ughhh on 30/06/2017 - 18:17

    Product and money exchanges at the same time. If buyer wants to check, sure, hand over money and he can check. That way he can't change his mind and leave you with opened box. Surely it's not a difficult situation.

    You're the seller, you set the terms of sale. If buyer refuses to hand over money, you walk. Private sales has its pros and cons, if you can't deal with the cons ie. Tyre kickers, sell it to cash convertors for 1/3 of the price

    • GregMonarch on 30/06/2017 - 18:29

      You're the seller, you set the terms of sale. If buyer refuses to hand over money, you walk.

      I guess so. Not used to being that… 'demanding' is my problem.

      I don't think the person that actually does buy it should have any concerns. A closed box, they open it, turn it on… and I assume Apple displays some kind of 'welcome first user' message like my HTC phone did - does anyone know? - and - both go home happy, and doesn't matter to them if I disappear because they have full warranty with Apple and a receipt or invoice (not sure yet what I'd get from Optus).

      • Ughhh on 30/06/2017 - 19:44

        It's not really demanding, it's being fair, smart and being proactive.

        I've sold so many things, over 10 items brand new and only one person asked to stay with him while he opens the box to check (already handed over money).

        But I also want a genuine buyer, that isn't going to turn up demanding money back only to find out later their toddler stood on it.

        Don't meet at your house and you won't have that problem. ACL does not apply to private sales. What the buyer thinks is kinda irrelevant, as long as you are selling in good faith.

        • GregMonarch on 30/06/2017 - 19:46

          Yep, so only snag is if I get a jerk that deliberately lies, opens the box, and walks - which I can't prevent.

          Or comes with 4 mates and beats me up outside the police station as I'm leaving to get the cash back.

        • Ughhh on 30/06/2017 - 20:25

          @GregMonarch:

          only snag is if I get a jerk that deliberately lies, opens the box, and walks - which I can't prevent.

          Which is why I said money and product exchange at the same time… If buyer doesn't agree, walk.

          Yeh… It could also be an alien wanting to kidnap you. If you aren't willing to listen, no one can help you.

        • GregMonarch on 01/07/2017 - 00:40
          +1

          @Ughhh: I am listening. I was adding humour. Confrontational fellow, aren't you? ;-p

  • nicholasfrawley on 30/06/2017 - 18:40

    Sell it on eBay and advertise it as Brand New. People can trust as eBay have got their back fi you were to be scamming due to their refund policy and you would fetch the most money from it due to the auction format so you could get what it is really worth.

    • GregMonarch on 30/06/2017 - 18:50
      +1

      Those are my reasons for not wanting to sell it there. :-) As a buyer, I love Aliexpress and ebay because I know I will 'win' if something goes wrong. But if I become a seller I know scammers have their methods down pat, and know Paypal can pull back funds without a seller's permission.

      Maybe I'll consider opening a new bank account - for that one sale - and withdrawing the money immediately. But I was hoping to give the buyer a discount, and me no ebay fees, so everyone wins.

    • amkssg on 30/06/2017 - 22:41

      Solution: Sell it on ebay with a super high postage price. Then state postage free if meet up and pay cash.
      That way, no one will pay with paypal.

  • Scrooge McDuck on 30/06/2017 - 19:12

    Wear gloves and smooth any sharp edges with a file.

    • GregMonarch on 30/06/2017 - 19:30

      Huh? You lost me. (Realise you're joking, but don't get the reference.)

      • kiitos on 01/07/2017 - 16:11

        He's addressing the "safely" in the title.

        • GregMonarch on 01/07/2017 - 18:33

          Oooo. Now you've said that… If I didn't have the quote marks, I would have got that instantly, LOL.

  • kalupet on 06/08/2017 - 07:43

    Have you solved your problem? I'm also selling IPAD from optus. Wonder how much you sold yours? Is it via ebay or somewhere else. Thanks

    • GregMonarch on 06/08/2017 - 16:27

      Hi. I listed it on both Gumtree and a local buy/sell/swap facebook group for $550. Sold it for $540 to a guy from facebook who wanted to meet a couple of days later. But during that time I had a couple of other people contact me. So I should have held out for the extra $10. I set that price because as I was browsing ebay & gumtree to get an idea what they sell for, I could see ads for the same thing (grey import probably) from Kogan for a little more than that price. (How nice of Gumtree to show people browsing my item.)

      When I first listed it on Gumtree, mine was the only one in Australia with those specs. I was going to list it for about $570. But after listing it I saw a couple had appeared for $550, so I dropped my price to sell it quickly. If you don't mind waiting, I'd probably list it for $570 if I could do it again.

      According to ended auctions, I could have got slightly more selling it on ebay after paying their fees. But I didn't want to risk some thief scamming me on Paypal.

      When I signed up Optus didn't have any of the 128GB version in the store. So they ordered it in and I had them email me (I don't have a phone) when it arrived. When they emailed, I said I wasn't well, I'd be in when I could. They knew I was reselling it and couldn't care less about it. I was busy, didn't have time to type the ad, so by the time it sold, they'd had it in the store for about two weeks.

      I met the guy at the Optus store, gave Optus my drivers license, they gave me the ipad, guy gave me the money which I counted, and I gave him the ipad. He asked Optus a couple of questions and we both left.

      Oh - and Optus originally said my address wouldn't be on the paperwork they print out - just your name and the ipad IMEI number. So I'd told the guy he could have the original receipt… But they DO print your name and address - which he of course wanted. I wasn't comfortable with that. But what are you gonna do, after saying he could have it!? If I could do it again, I'd probably take a ruler and tear off my name and address, leaving him with the IMEI number but no personal details. (They print 3 identical pages.)

      • kalupet on 07/08/2017 - 09:50

        Thanks i guess meeting the buyer is the safest one. Got buyer from ebay willing to pay $750 via paypal but i am suspecting to be fraudster. No buyer feedback at all.

        • GregMonarch on 12/08/2017 - 14:40

          Sorry - been offline. No way in the world I'd accept paypal from someone with less than 5-10 feedbacks, and check the wording of feedback (that it doesn't all sound like the same person - giving themselves feedback with another account), and with at least one item being something more than a few dollars… especially with an Apple product - big red target painted on it for scammers. They'll probably pay, you ship, they claim it was damaged, send you back an empty box, provide photos of the box to paypal, receive their paypal back, and keep the ipad - which they've since registered as the first owner.

          Let someone else take the risk for their first few sales because where there's one buyer there will be more. Especially avoid if you mean they're offering more to accept Paypal to ship, or to paypal and pickup is even worse - you're supposed to ship if you accept paypal - and of course you can't provide paypal any proof of shipping! You probably know all this though.

          They could also buy one from Officeworks/Harvey Norman for about that - so why aren't they? LOL!

          A few sold for those higher prices, but I noticed the price where several were selling reasonably fast was about $640 (I think it was) on ebay history/completed auctions… Then I think ebay fees were about $59. And paypal might have fees too. Subtract half of those fees and sell it for that on Gumtree. Or wait until ebay has another no insertion or final value fees offer. Problem with that is, more will come up for sale in the meantime, warranty is reducing each day, and people will be watching the price, so 'the market' might be paying less by then.

  • EnterTheShiftKey on 14/08/2017 - 11:23

    Always ask people around you if they want it first. Fastest way to sell anything.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join