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Why are there so many "Opened – never used" Asus routers on eBay? I noticed a major seller keeps having "Opened – never used" Asus routers coming up (same model, same price). Are they genuinely never used?
Why Are There So Many "Opened – Never Used" Asus Routers on eBay?
Euthyphro on 24/05/2022 - 09:31
Last edited 24/05/2022 - 22:42 by 2 other users
Last edited 24/05/2022 - 22:42 by 2 other users
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Any links available? Its bit hard to work out based on your description alone.
Linked added to the post.
I actually bought one of those and can confirm they are legit. However just like electronics on Kogan these too are grey imports originating most likely in SEA or China. You would also notice these usually have slightly different model numbers even though the HW is identical to the router twin sold in Australia. Some sellers disclose both model numbers but most would only advertise the model number sold in AU and you'll receive the grey import twin with an Australian converter for the US/EU type power adapter(which was genuine Asus).
I'd assume these are either ISP CPE or new old stock used in Asia hence sold as opened-never used as the shrink wrapping would be missing or would come in a non-descript brown box . Mine came with Chinese as the default language but wasn't that hard to feel my way around the menus and change it to English and it would again revert to Chinese if the unit was factory reset. In my case it wasn't really an issue as I flashed Merlin immediately after receiving it. I did use it for about 3 years before upgrading and had no issues. Gave it to a family member and he is still using it after 5 or so years - no complaints.
These sellers usually call these OEM Asus - I bought the RT-AC88U and it was definitely "new and unused" with peel off protective film stills attached to plastic surfaces.
Few examples below;
https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=oem+asus+r…Funny thing is Kogan is now selling official Australian Asus routers and qualify for any promo they run.
I'd assume these are either ISP CPE
Many of the RT-AC68U listings used to be T-Mobile branded ISP hardware that was imported here. Asus and Harvey Norman (the model was exclusive to their stores at the time) were not happy, judging by some of the responses they took. (Including but not up to: Screaming from the high heavens that they wouldn't honour warranty, discouraging Merlin developers from supporting it to the tune of "this is illegal, reee" responses whenever someone asks)
I'm assuming that the RT-AC88U listings are Chinese imported stock or similar, as they sell for ~300RMB there.
I don't typically consider Asus gear anyway, due to them typically using Broadcom solutions. Too closed for me, and the Asus firmware is… not great, not terrible.
I don't typically consider Asus gear anyway
What do you recommend instead?
For a long line (anything other than FTTP?) isn't a Broadcom chip usually the most recommended?
Wireless frequencies could be a real consideration for any grey import couldn't they?
For a long line (anything other than FTTP?) isn't a Broadcom chip usually the most recommended?
Yes. I believe the NBNCo DSLAM hardware is all Broadcom based too. My aversion to them is purely personal. (They're not very FOSS friendly)
Wireless frequencies could be a real consideration for any grey import couldn't they?
Only if you can't find a country select for it in settings.
@Namidairo: Which would rule out ASUS (at least certain models) if I've comprehended properly a prominent ASUS reps posts on another forum.
Probably grey imports of overseas models that have been flashed with AU version of firmware.
Most likely originally destined for Chinese market, so they had to open the boxes and change firmware to our version.