Facebook Buyer Wants Refund - iPhone

Macgyver on 04/06/2023 - 02:25
Last edited 04/06/2023 - 13:26 by 1 other user

Hi,

I sold an iPhone on marketplace. The buyer told me about 3 hours later that it does not connect to Wi-Fi (does not find any network) and the reception keeps flicking from a bar or two to none.

I hadn't used phone for some time, so I intend to meet with them and check it out.

Other than presenting me another phone of theirs that is broken and pretending it was the phone I sold, what other scam possibilities should I look out for?

Usually I would say too bad, no warranty, however, if the phone is really just not working right then I'd feel bad to take cash for a problematic phone.

Thanks.

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • holdenmg on 04/06/2023 - 02:52
    +3

    Hi,

    Maybe they should update the iPhone IOS or charge the phone it hasn't been used for some time.

    Check the WiFi settings if not working at all.

    • AustriaBargain on 04/06/2023 - 04:35

      How do they update without wifi.

      • Gervais fanboy on 04/06/2023 - 04:37
        +4

        I am pretty sure you can connect your phone to iTunes via your pc and that updates your phone for you..

      • EightImmortals on 04/06/2023 - 07:57
        +1

        Through the mobile network?

      • coffeeinmyveins on 04/06/2023 - 14:00
        -1

        I seriously doubt the issue is that wifi doesn't work

        Dumbass Probably doesn't know how to use an iPhone or is doing something stupid

  • Hybroid on 04/06/2023 - 03:03
    +29

    You’re setting yourself up for a scam or headache. They should have tested it when buying. As impractical as that may be in reality, that’s how second hand sales work. You do not owe them a refund and should not proceed further.

  • Gervais fanboy on 04/06/2023 - 03:31
    +1

    I agree with @Hybroid

    Also, this sounds like a relatively older model. How much did you sell it for?

  • MS Paint on 04/06/2023 - 03:40
    +10

    Do you know the serial number or IMEI of the phone you sold?

    • McSquintus on 05/06/2023 - 11:20

      This! If they didn't take note of it, no point in meeting up with the person as they could have swapped out the phone with a faulty one.

  • thatonethere on 04/06/2023 - 05:23

    Maybe pressure you to refund or partially refund so they can repair it.

    However they should have tested the phone before exchanging money.

    But if they know where your house is you may want to weigh that in too.

    • Tomcruise on 04/06/2023 - 09:56

      Do you really check signal strength when buying a phone? As thsts it's purpose.

      • Mechz on 04/06/2023 - 12:00

        Buyer beware. Not OPs problem anymore.

      • thatonethere on 04/06/2023 - 12:38

        When u buy second hand privately all on the seller.

        Tbh probably not the phone but the carrier in their location. I only have 1-2 bars….

  • Mokr on 04/06/2023 - 07:44
    +5

    If the phone is not working and you didn't check.

    Then is it fair they get the money back?

  • Dave Bowman on 04/06/2023 - 07:53
    +4

    Give their money back if it is indeed the same phone, and next time be sure to check any electronics you're selling on marketplace.

  • Caped Baldy on 04/06/2023 - 08:42
    +2

    I hope you've got a copy of the IMEI in case they do something tricky

  • garetz on 04/06/2023 - 09:45
    +2

    Do not meet up with them, you are putting yourself in a precarious position of expectation.

  • Hugh G Rection on 04/06/2023 - 09:52

    (profanity) him, all sales final.

  • pegaxs on 04/06/2023 - 10:10
    +7

    Just say “sorry, it was working fine when I was using it. There is no warranty on second hand, used goods from personal sellers. No, I will not be meeting with you as all sales are final.” And block them.

  • geek001 on 04/06/2023 - 10:11
    +1

    If you are intending to meet the guy, maybe meet him somewhere with good free wifi, ie. Maccas or your local shopping centre. That way you can check if the phone wifi is indeed not working or not.

  • Cave Fire on 04/06/2023 - 12:01

    Maybe look for the Imei? Maybe even with the network provider if you bought through a big network or contract. Listings without serials imei or mention of "imei/serial recorded" attract dodgy buyers.

  • coffeeinmyveins on 04/06/2023 - 13:59

    Sounds like you feel guilty that you didn't fully check the phone was functioning before selling it. I've been there with a used coffee machine I got off the side of the road. Buyer said it was leaking so I took it back and just binned it.

    Electronics, especially phones are harder to deal with though.

    If you do meet up with them then ensure that the phone is identical.

    One problem you may face is what if they have removed a component from it to fix their own phone or damaged it in some way.

    iPhones don't just have wifi connection issues, is it up to date? Is it very old?

    I'd be inclined to tell them to update the software, check online and say sorry it's second hand and it's yours now

    The onus is on the buyer to verify things work

    • AustriaBargain on 04/06/2023 - 14:02
      -3

      You sold trash from the side of the road? Why did you think someone throw it on the side of the road in the first place, I'd expect a refund too if I bough literal trash.

      • JIMB0 on 04/06/2023 - 14:15
        +1

        There's a whole industry that picks up trash from the hard rubbish collection and resells it. I see them every year ticking along in old clapped out vans trying to fit furniture in the back like a game of tetris.

      • coffeeinmyveins on 04/06/2023 - 15:56

        It worked when I took it home and made coffee just fine. One of those nespresso pod machines.

        What I didn't realise is that the water container was cracked and leaked slowly over a few hours.

        And to your point about LiTeRaL tRaSh. I once made around $400 picking a Betty Boop statue out of the bin and selling it, so yeah.

  • bobbified on 04/06/2023 - 16:21
    -1

    Probably better not to meet the guy. Things could easily turn violent if you don't agree to whatever they want.

  • Wiadro on 04/06/2023 - 22:13
    +1

    do not meet

  • bhubb18 on 05/06/2023 - 11:26
    -1

    Sounds like a great way for them to give you a different phone that is actually faulty, and they keep the good phone

  • Cave Fire on 06/06/2023 - 14:01

    … If it's an old iphone they need to update it? Must be many system updates behind. Ask them to do that. Perhaps via itunes if possible. If the phone isn't configured right, then it won't connect to Wifi. Another issue could be something with their own setup. Reception is also variable, but they need the right updates, then network settings to work. If they are not willing to do that stuff, then they probably didn't like the phone etc. Had some dodgy person pay $260 for the first iphone in 2012, then spend close to a month trying to convince me it didn't work or was faulty.

  • Irishness on 06/06/2023 - 17:36

    meet somewhere like outside a police station just in case

  • yummypinacolada on 06/06/2023 - 20:19

    Are you planning to refund the money if proven to be faulty? If not, no point in meeting.

    Next time check the condition of your item before selling, and ask the buyer to check your item throroughly as there'll be no change of minds or return.

    Last time I sold my phone, the guy literally spent 15 mins to try out everything which I'm happy to wait as well.

  • browncamry on 26/07/2023 - 12:14

    just wondering if 3hrs gives them enough time to open up the device, disconnect the working wifi module, and replace it with a faulty one?

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