Hi. is it safe to buy unlocked new S8 from seller on Gumtree? The seller has shown me his contact/invoice from Telstra where he got the phone from. The contract gives him a free S8 I.e. zero repayment over the course of his contract. is there any thing that I need to be aware of? It looks like the phone is covered by warranty from Samsung AUS.any input from here is appreciated. Thanks!
Buying new sealed unlocked S8
Lk8 on 12/01/2018 - 09:01
Comments
It can go ok if the seller is legit, but if you check on Whirlpool it can also go wrong. Some people have bought new phones off Gumtree only to find that the phone is then reported stolen by the seller, they claim the insurance and get another phone. Meanwhile the victim's phone gets blocked.
You have to ask yourself whether the potential savings on this deal are worth the risk…only you can answer that question.
I went to Samsung and was told that in order for me to be able to be covered by Samsung warranty, I will need to show them a copy of the invoice of the phone from the seller (Telstra) and a letter that shows the details of the phone plus the agreement of him selling the phone to me. I'm only wondering now if this will get me covered?
Check that the imei/serial number on the phone matches that on the invoice.
The invoice only provides the IMEI number. Not sure if I can see the S/N on the box but I know definitely IMEI can be found on the outside of the box. Also wondering maybe I can register the phone on Samsung website once I get it?
there is code you can dial to get the imei
Also even the phone is under warranty, if you make a claim, you need the original owner to log in for you, a lot of hassle, so be careful :)
I went to Samsung and was told that in order for me to be able to be covered by Samsung warranty, I will need to show them a copy of the invoice of the phone from the seller (Telstra) and a letter that shows the details of the phone plus the agreement of him selling the phone to me. Also, if I can then register this phone under my name by showing Samsung the transfer of ownership agreement that the seller and I sign?
But don’t forget before he sold the phone to you, he’s already registered the phone under his name with Telstra, so any claim with wanranty, he has to do it, the problem is how can you register the phone under your name ? I don’t think Telstra or Samsung can help you as it’s a private matter between you and the seller !
Warranty of the phone is between owner and Samsung, not Telstra. I've checked at Samsung store yesterday and the same information on warranty is at their website too. Here's what stated at Samsung AUS website:
A. This Warranty is transferable to a subsequent owner of a Samsung product, in the event of the sale of that product, provided that Samsung is informed in writing within a reasonable time of the sale of the subsequent owner's name and contact details, such notice to be provided to Samsung at:
www.samsung.com/au
The notice should identify the name of the previous owner of the Samsung product, place and date of purchase, model, make and serial number of the product. The effective transfer of this Warranty does not otherwise alter the terms of this Warranty in any way.
the box can be reseal easily, so make sure there is phone in the box and the serial number match.
Don't think the seller will let me open the box if I haven't pay him? But I would like to open the box in his presence but even if I really find no phone in there, I would've already given him the money which he can run with it hahaha.. But having said that, would it help if I ask him to sign an ownership transfer agreement?
You can do it in a bank so CCTV is around and get agreement that you hand in the money and immediately you will open it and confirm before he head off
We will most definitely meet outside a train station. Is there CCTV there to capture? I just wonder how to access these CCTVs, if I end up really need it hahaha
@k8:
Train station have CCTV but if police willing to obtain it, it will be the question.
Therefore in the bank may be more easy.
Big risk for a small saving usually. You’re better off setting up an alert on ozbargain for Samsung S8 and buy at a good price from a retailer.
I would not advise to buy a phone which you cannot see. I have come across many people alerting on Gumtree to receive fake phones in sealed box. Not worth a risk unless the seller agrees to let you verify IMEI number on the phone and the invoice. Alternate action would be to visit a store and verify the phone and invoice.
Then again that means I would need to open the box to check the IMEI and verify it with the one on the invoice. I don't think I can do that without paying him. I have drafted an ownership transfer agreement for him to sign when we meet. Would that help?
Sorry, Im not sure if the agreement would be sufficient because it wont have any legal backing. Alternately, you may request a copy of his photo id (drivers license, front and back side) and also verify the invoice at Telstra to see if the phone was purchased from them and not reported as lost.
Have verified the phone with Telstra. It has not been reported stolen/missing.
Good then. Before proceeding, request the buyer into accepting 50% upon meetup and remaining after unboxing and testing:
a) Schedule meetup at bank/station/cafe and request his ID, pay 50% to unbox.
b) Verify IMEI and test the phone, pay the remaining.That's a great idea! I will do just that!
"Sealed and unlocked S8" - how much is he/she selling it for? Who knows, you may be able to buy one cheaper from a legit retailer?
$750
If you are willing to take that risk, why not take a risk with grey import?
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/351378 $695 from shopmonk.
Personally I would pay more from an Australian retailer such as TGG, Bing Lee and such.
Not sure which is better: A $695 grey import covered with store 1 year warranty or a $750 AUS stock covered with Samsung 2 year warranty (plus the potential risk)? Hhmmm
No, you should wait if you can. The new s9 will be announced soon (not sure about the actual release). There'll be price drops on the "older" s8.
If you go ahead would be worthwhile asking why he's selling.