any tips? anything specific to look for?
if new, then look for descriptions that say the phone is sealed in box, if its just new in box but not sealed then it could've been used and just repackaged to look like new
if used then always look for actual pictures of the phone in the posting, make sure you read what condition the phone is in (scratches or anything) and how long it was used for
the phone should run you anywhere from 350-450
PS: Bought 2 new sealed vibrants off of ebay one for 420 and other for 430
ld006 said:
if new, then look for descriptions that say the phone is sealed in box, if its just new in box but not sealed then it could've been used and just repackaged to look like new...
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Click to collapse
That is excellent advice to minimize buyer's risk, which is why phones in that state command a higher price than just "mint" phones in excellent condition. (Like a new car depreciates immediately when you drive it away from the dealer.)
Also, note that eBay has a Buyer Protection Program to help resolve disputes, and it is in eBay's own interest to guard the integrity of its marketplace. That does not mean they guarantee your satisfaction or even that the phone will function properly. But eBay will guarantee that the merchandise shipped meets the seller's advertised description, and "New, Sealed in Box" is an objective standard.
As a buyer I once bought such an advertised phone that did not fit that description as-delivered, and the seller was not cooperative in resolving the problem. So I had to escalate the issue to eBay, which found in my favor and saw to it that my money was refunded when I returned the merchandise. Actually, that's the closest I ever came to being burned on eBay. I think it is less risky than buying from a Craigslist seller.
I paid 350 for a 2 weeks old one (barely used) with the original box & accesories, all in perfect condition. What a sweet deal!
Check the seller's rep. I wouldn't but from anyone with fewer than 40 sales and a 98% pos rep.
Just my .02
Ebay is great, until you need to talk to them on the phone because of a shady seller!
gonintendo said:
any tips? anything specific to look for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't want to scare you off ebay, however, with a purchase like this, I would do my ebay research very carefull.
You need to know the truth, the truth is, if you run into a problem, you will have tons of difficulty contacting ebay via phone.
I ask you to do 1 simple thing for me, just 1. Try to find an ebay phone number, search their site, search google, try to find a phone number to talk to a human being. Now, if you are able to find a phone number, call the number, see if you can get through to a human being. It took me almost 3 weeks to find a phone number, I litterly called about 20 numbers all of which were fake, old, no longer active, or put me through loops.
Finally, if you do have a problem, such as you paid for the product and didn't get the item, be ready for another saga that can last a very long time.
I've had a case open with ebay for nearly two months, supposedly ebay had decided in my favor, and I was due a full refund. Guess what, ebay never issued me a refund, the case still says open, 2 months now, no refund.
I would procede with caution, and only use paypal.
But, I beg of you, take my little challenge, try to find an Ebay phone number from their site, then if you eventually find one, see if you can get someone to pick up on the other end.
Good luck.
Always pay with PayPal. Any disputes with the seller, PayPal will back you up. They have a buyers protection program. Look it up on their website. By the way, you dont need a Credit Card to use PayPal, you can link it to your bank account if you prefer to pay cash.
SamsungVibrant said:
I really don't want to scare you off ebay, however, with a purchase like this, I would do my ebay research very carefull.
You need to know the truth, the truth is, if you run into a problem, you will have tons of difficulty contacting ebay via phone.
I ask you to do 1 simple thing for me, just 1. Try to find an ebay phone number, search their site, search google, try to find a phone number to talk to a human being. Now, if you are able to find a phone number, call the number, see if you can get through to a human being. It took me almost 3 weeks to find a phone number, I litterly called about 20 numbers all of which were fake, old, no longer active, or put me through loops.
Finally, if you do have a problem, such as you paid for the product and didn't get the item, be ready for another saga that can last a very long time.
I've had a case open with ebay for nearly two months, supposedly ebay had decided in my favor, and I was due a full refund. Guess what, ebay never issued me a refund, the case still says open, 2 months now, no refund.
I would procede with caution, and only use paypal.
But, I beg of you, take my little challenge, try to find an Ebay phone number from their site, then if you eventually find one, see if you can get someone to pick up on the other end.
Good luck.
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Click to collapse
I agree with the poster...to a point. Ive been anebayer for years.
Ebay number? I googled it:
http://contact.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ShowCUPortal&guest=1
Its on the ebay website. Called it too . Current and valid. Long wait time though
I never trust the disputing system on ebay. Slow, almost like they dont care.
However ebay golden rule:
unless you Really truly know/trust the seller....
always pay with a credit card (not visa debit) and using paypal.
Paypal are very quick to deal with fraud/issues and very favorable to the buyer usually (I know, I sell and buy a lot ! ).
Paypal are good if you use a credit card because they are afraid of chargebacks.
Buy from sellers you trust. A good thing to do is simply ask the seller before you buy! They are human too....and if they seem legit (good reason for selling, give you an accurate description of the phone), by all means buy!
I've bought and sold on ebay (internationally):
* logitech mice
* Logitech Keyboards
* Three laptops
* Diamond 1
* Diamond 2
* N82
* N95
* Nexus One
* HTC Desire
* Samsung Captivate
I've had issues but theyve all been resolved on paypal/ebay.
Just my $0.02 and in no way an endorsement or bag-out of anyones comment or services
Oz
I've learned my lesson never to buy anything used that is expensive and mechanically or electronically complex. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!
I've had Good Luck with Craigslist
I've purchased 2 Vibrants and a HTC HD2 from Craigslist.
All three were in next to new conditions and I'm very happy with my purchases. I was able to inspect the phones BEFORE putting up my money. I also require the seller to sign a receipt and provide ID before making the purchase. Can't be too careful in todays world.
I paid $300 each for the Vibrants and $250 for the HD2.
verify that the phone is not stolen. Request the IMEI number from the seller and call T-mobile up to check if the device was ever reported as stolen. I think there is also a website where you can check the IMEI # for its validity....not sure how accurate that is though
ozy944 said:
I agree with the poster...to a point. Ive been anebayer for years.
Ebay number? I googled it:
http://contact.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ShowCUPortal&guest=1
Its on the ebay website. Called it too . Current and valid. Long wait time though
I never trust the disputing system on ebay. Slow, almost like they dont care.
However ebay golden rule:
unless you Really truly know/trust the seller....
always pay with a credit card (not visa debit) and using paypal.
Paypal are very quick to deal with fraud/issues and very favorable to the buyer usually (I know, I sell and buy a lot ! ).
Paypal are good if you use a credit card because they are afraid of chargebacks.
Buy from sellers you trust. A good thing to do is simply ask the seller before you buy! They are human too....and if they seem legit (good reason for selling, give you an accurate description of the phone), by all means buy!
I've bought and sold on ebay (internationally):
* logitech mice
* Logitech Keyboards
* Three laptops
* Diamond 1
* Diamond 2
* N82
* N95
* Nexus One
* HTC Desire
* Samsung Captivate
I've had issues but theyve all been resolved on paypal/ebay.
Just my $0.02 and in no way an endorsement or bag-out of anyones comment or services
Oz
Click to expand...
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ummm that link you provided seems to be for australia.
could you possibly post the working number, so we can call and verify it works.
thanks
SamsungVibrant said:
ummm that link you provided seems to be for australia.
could you possibly post the working number, so we can call and verify it works.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure,
Maybe ebay has different policies for Australia...go figure...
If in Aus: 1800 088 741
If overseas: +61 2 8288 0199
Have you tried live help? It has an approx wait time of 15 mins, works only with internet explorer but it is a real live person on the chat line and theyre usually very helpful.
Didnt mean to sound like I was dissing you, I just havent had the same sort of experience that you have and I've been using ebay since I was a mid teen! (I'm in my early twenties now)
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-T-MOBILE-Sa...Cell_Phones&hash=item3cb0e36719#ht_500wt_1154
what do you guys think of this? he claims it's new but there's no box.
double post
gonintendo said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-T-MOBILE-Sa...Cell_Phones&hash=item3cb0e36719#ht_500wt_1154
what do you guys think of this? he claims it's new but there's no box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Home-made photo.
Definitely seems legit. I thought the vibrant only had 2gb built in and 16gb on card.....should clarify that.
The price is a bit steep for a used vibrant with no box. I'd watch it but keep looking around at the same time.
Check this one out , http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...68431&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_1286wt_916
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
thanks guys. i really appreciate it.
ozy944 said:
Home-made photo.
Definitely seems legit. I thought the vibrant only had 2gb built in and 16gb on card.....should clarify that.
The price is a bit steep for a used vibrant with no box. I'd watch it but keep looking around at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a microSD-to-SD adapter, and a 2GB microSD card -- provided more to bundle the movie Avatar than to supplement the 16GB that's already on board.
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Click to collapse
from engadget
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/...ew-shootout-captivate-for-atandt-and-vibrant/
I usually assume new w/o box is stolen or just a used phone they're trying to pass off as new.
Related
Why are there so many for sale - advertised new and going for about 70 euros.
Is there a problem with them.
Do they need to be unlocked.
I was going to buy one at that price as a spare/to try mods on.
Steve
I have one for sale if you are interested, it has been opened, but all items are still sealed and un used. £380 (Boxed & Mint condition) if you are interested, I live in Bedfordshire, the unit is unlocked and contract free.
Sound suspiciously 'Nigerian' no me.
If it's too good to be true & if it's on ebay.....
say no more, don't be a mug UNLESS YOU'RE 10,000% SURE!
Andy
PS
Put it this way, you won't get a BUST one for under 140 quid (and i'm NOT including the marked up postage costs). Without a box in good working condtion, £300. Boxed & Mint, >£400, so go figure at 70E.
I got mine Bust for £80 - dozy tosser mislisted it - ha my bargain. 1/2 hour later fixed the damn thing. Friggin mint condition t'boot.
BTW, I'll bet my bottom dorrar that the seller is Chinese....
And I'll place another bet, I bet the listing will won't last long....
hollytree said:
Why are there so many for sale - advertised new and going for about 70 euros.
Is there a problem with them.
Do they need to be unlocked.
I was going to buy one at that price as a spare/to try mods on.
Steve
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Click to collapse
A new universal for 70 euros... mmmm i'll have ten units please; unlocked or not...
It is probably a scammer selling these 'items' under someone elses account.
I got mine on Ebay for 420 pounds. I'm in australia and you'd be lucky to get it for 600 pounds here. works like a charm. of course AFTER i upgraded with the JasJar ROM and burnt O2's software
I bought one on eBay for GBP 414, but the seller reneged -- he said he could not get the phone from his supplier. I quoted him eBay policy on selling items that are not already in possession of the seller. He was apologetic, and said this is the first time it's happened (his feedback shows previous Universal sales which were successful). He has a 99.7% feedback rating, with 358 positives and 1 negative from long ago. He said he's going to refund me, but has to wait for a bank transfer to clear PayPal, since he already transfered the money out of PayPal. Sounds suspicious. But I have PayPal buyer protection (for what it's worth), and I used my credit card. I will give him time, and if he still doesn't refund, I'll go through the non-selling seller process.
So I bought from a different seller for GBP 431, and I am waiting for it.
So many of these Universal auctions say "opened only to inspect" or "opened only to test", that it sounds suspicious.
Also, many of them say "unwanted upgrade", as if they were mailed a free phone and just want to get rid of it. Does O2 mail free Universals as upgrades?
Don't buy Universals on eBay unless the seller has 99+% feedback > 100, and the auction is covered under the "Free PayPal Buyer Protection". Look at their feedbacks, and what they bought/sold earlier. Pay with PayPal, and use a credit card as the funding source.
'free' at £75/month, min term 18months.
So if you consider £1400 free, then yes, they're 'free'.
Anyway, rules of ebay are:
1) It's a sellers market
2) Don't be greedy or you'll get a deserved bite in the ass
3) Supply & demand rules the roost.
4) research research research
5) READ FEEDBACKS & APPLY A BIT OF NOUNCE!!!
Hunt around for mislisted items - takes time but jeeeez the bargains I've scooped! Hence:
6) You put the effort in, you get the rewards out.
Andy
I had a look at those 70Euro Universals.
Seller from overseas? Check
Selling price way too low? Check
Seller doesn't take paypal? Check
1 day auction? Check
Seller's username appears randomly generated? Check
New seller account with feedback of around 10? Check
Feedback comments all left in a very short time interval? Check
Feedback comments brief and unlike genuine feedback? Check
Feedback left by 10 feedback, randomly generated usernames? Check
Initial bid from 10 feedback, randomly generated username? Check
So it rates 10/10 on the scammometer! But what the hell - bid on it anyway!
ROFL! :lol:
Yep, came across one of these & was about to flag it as a scam & as I was looking, it got removed!!!
Andy
spv-m5000 unlocked
gd day all i have them for you shippin via ems from israel to worldwide
spv-m5000 brand new unlocked
450 gbp + 15 gbp shipping
send me a private message if you want
Tried to sell mine on ebay a couple of times now , each time some idiot ruins the auction - so not sure who to trust now
I see these posting all the time for all sorts of high priced electronics. They are so easy to spot really if you follow the guidelines people posted above.
leek said:
So many of these Universal auctions say "opened only to inspect" or "opened only to test", that it sounds suspicious.
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Click to collapse
IMO neither of those are suspisious. It means i have a better chance of getting a working unit. And just because someone got a free upgrade and does not state it does not make the listing any more legit.
I sold a spare XDA Exec on ebay which i acttually got as a cheap upgrade but not free. My wife prefers her existing phone. I knew it had a good chance of going out of the UK so for me to not check it would be madness. I wanted to list it as Sim Free i could not do that without physically checking. Plus i could not list it as working if i did not know that fior sure.
leek said:
Also, many of them say "unwanted upgrade", as if they were mailed a free phone and just want to get rid of it. Does O2 mail free Universals as upgrades?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this does happen a lot. O2 want to keep your business so at the end of your contract you are eligble for an upgrade to tie you up again for 12 or 18 months. They look at your history and if you have spent a lot of money with them on calls you get lots of offers. The more you have spent the better the offers. A lot of people are happy with there existing phone but know they could make a lot of money selling the new one.
zoidster said:
Tried to sell mine on ebay a couple of times now , each time some idiot ruins the auction - so not sure who to trust now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is another bad problem with ebay. You have the option to remove bidders and to cancel the auction early to the highest bidder. You can only do this up until 12hrs before the auction ends. When i sold mine i waited to just before the 12hrs deadline and accepted the highest bidder i considered genuine based on their location and feedback that had an agreeable price for me. I was not out to make as much as i could get but just a fair price.
This worked well for me.
Dingo said:
I see these posting all the time for all sorts of high priced electronics. They are so easy to spot really if you follow the guidelines people posted above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See what postings?
So many of these Universal auctions say "opened only to inspect" or "opened only to test", that it sounds suspicious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO neither of those are suspisious. It means i have a better chance of getting a working unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it could be being used to sell a unit as "new" while hiding that it was "used".
And just because someone got a free upgrade and does not state it does not make the listing any more legit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
???
(You probably meant "any less legit", but it still doesn't make sense. I said that they do state that they have an unwanted upgrade, something which sounds suspicious because it seems to be hiding something else. "Oh, I'm just selling this because it's an unwanted upgrade. I won't tell you anything else about it though.")
I sold a spare XDA Exec on ebay which i acttually got as a cheap upgrade but not free. My wife prefers her existing phone. I knew it had a good chance of going out of the UK so for me to not check it would be madness. I wanted to list it as Sim Free i could not do that without physically checking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Execs are unlocked AFAIK.
Plus i could not list it as working if i did not know that fior sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always offer refunds on DOA equipment. Be sure to write down the serial number and put it in the auction, or someone might trade their defective unit for yours.
zoidster said:
Tried to sell mine on ebay a couple of times now , each time some idiot ruins the auction - so not sure who to trust now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is another bad problem with ebay. You have the option to remove bidders and to cancel the auction early to the highest bidder. You can only do this up until 12hrs before the auction ends. When i sold mine i waited to just before the 12hrs deadline and accepted the highest bidder i considered genuine based on their location and feedback that had an agreeable price for me. I was not out to make as much as i could get but just a fair price.
This worked well for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing out on the sniper bids by ending early, but as you say, you weren't out to make as much as you can get.
leek said:
All Execs are unlocked AFAIK.
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Click to collapse
I believe the german market units are providor locked. But don't quote me...
Richard
Hi,
I got my Vodafone V1640 for 330 GBP on eBay.
The seller accepted PayPal but anyway I spent a few days worried about not getting the phone.
It took 4-5 days till I received it.
Unfortunately it is locked to Vodafone UK and I want to use it with Vodafone Portugal.
No luck till now for the unlock code...
Cheers
I have over 900 + feedback on ebay and I always buy from those who have Buyer protection if its over £100. Bought my exec back in dec/jan this year from a guy who had 2 for sale for £385. The first had a screen calibration problem as if it'd been dropped. Sent him an email and he promptly sent me his other one just as soon as I sent him the first back. Since then absolutely no problems.
Also I always mention when selling that any1 with less than 5 + feedback will have their bids removed. I make sure I'm logged in for the last minutes of the auction in case I get sum1 with less then 5 feedback messing around. And I sure have had to cancel a few bids in the last few minutes. HTH
Consider this
£378 will buy a XDA Exec direct from O2's site brand new.
This is £150 for the XDA & 12 * monthly cost of £19
(which includes 50 anytime mins per month.)
Puts some of the £400-£500 Buy it Now deals in perspective.
Well in the UK at least.
Summary:
List the questions you'd ask the seller in context of Unlocked Samsung Vibrant.
Details:
Greetings,
I'm looking to buy unlocked Samsung Vibrant for around $400, (I'm not in USA and got a freind coming from there, will save me $100 eyes-closed).
I haven't really done E-baying ever before . I'v read some guides and obviously going to see the feedback and points the sellers have. (I'm trying to get the phone preferably from someone with TOP-SELLER icon).
I would really appreciate if you can tell me some of the questions that I should ask the person before buying UNLOCKED Samsung Vibrant.
Many Thanks.
phrozenflame said:
Summary:
List the questions you'd ask the seller in context of Unlocked Samsung Vibrant.
Details:
Greetings,
I'm looking to buy unlocked Samsung Vibrant for around $400, (I'm not in USA and got a freind coming from there, will save me $100 eyes-closed).
I haven't really done E-baying ever before . I'v read some guides and obviously going to see the feedback and points the sellers have. (I'm trying to get the phone preferably from someone with TOP-SELLER icon).
I would really appreciate if you can tell me some of the questions that I should ask the person before buying UNLOCKED Samsung Vibrant.
Many Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, I've had a horrible experience buying something expensive from ebay. It's a risk. Ask yourself, is it really worth $100? Ebay can be great but I stay away from it when it comes to electronics.
Agreed with the above poster. Ebay is great for many things, such as cheap stuff, but I would NEVER buy an expensive piece of electronics off of it. There are far too many ways to get screwed over. It's not worth it.
I've bought lots of expensive items from eBay, link a credit card to your PayPal account that way if you don't get any help from them you can always do a chargeback if you get a dud and the sellers a ****. Check their feedback if you see reds forget it.
Don't blame me, blame my keyboard's autocorrection algorithm.
Did you check on the xda for sale forums. Some guy was selling one for $300 with a ffc already installed. I too would not go through ebay, I have way better luck on Craig's list.
I've bought countless phones off of ebay (Dash 3g, Hd2, Vibrant, Hd7, G2, .....) and Ive never had a problem. You just have to know how to find the right listing froma seller with good feedback. And make sure you read the listing description at least THREE times before buying...to help you out...heres some vibrant I would consider bidding on if I were you:
http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-SEALE...ell_Phones&hash=item35adc3f1b2#ht_3539wt_1139
http://cgi.ebay.com/Samsung-SGH-Vib...Cell_Phones&hash=item2a0bca6b8d#ht_500wt_1156
http://cgi.ebay.com/Samsung-SGH-Vib...Cell_Phones&hash=item27b66018dd#ht_500wt_1156
I bought my vibrant from Ebay back in september for only 376. This included shipping and everything. and the phone was brand new in box...so my experiences with ebay have been good. Hope yours are the same...just be careful for ppl selling stuff with less than a feedback score of 5
demize! said:
I've bought lots of expensive items from eBay, link a credit card to your PayPal account that way if you don't get any help from them you can always do a chargeback if you get a dud and the sellers a ****. Check their feedback if you see reds forget it.
Don't blame me, blame my keyboard's autocorrection algorithm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doing a chargeback is not easy unless fraud is involved. If u authorized the charge and get screwed the bank will not charge it back.
Also, the bank will make you call PayPal.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
as I seller I have problems with scamming buyers. Actually got scammed out of a HD2. lost the phone and money
I have had a few issues with ebay. Specifically after they changed some of there rules regarding paypal and buyer complaints. That said, if you trust your friend get him some money and have him try craigslist in his area. My .02
my .02cents on this topic... Craigslist is a great place. In my area there are 20+ vibrant many for $250 range.
The benefit (and drawback) is you get to inspect the phone before you hand over cash.
As a seller and buyer I've gotten beat a couple of times. You live and learn what the signs are that someone isn't trustworthy. I've sold items in the thousands to Indonesia and Thailand with no problems, I've bought stuff in the hundreds domestically and gotten a defective item with no recourse. Bought a Sony 850I that concked out on me me, couldn't get no warranty love cause it was grey market.
Don't blame me, blame my keyboard's autocorrection algorithm.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SanDisk-Mob...roSDXC-micro-SDXC-micro-SD-Card-/190707919764
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-32G...HC-TF-Flash-Memory-Card-Class10-/200798591681
I am not for sure if the cards are real but, for these prices, you can pull the plug easily. If they turn out to be fake you can always file a claim or contact the seller.
Sent from my SGH-T999
Wow! That looks like a good deal. I'm so tempted. But last time I bought something that looked too good to be true from eBay I got scammed...
Did OP or anyone buy this?
"The shipment will take 7-14 WORKING DAYS
And we will process orders within 24-48 hours
All returned items MUST BE in the original packaging and you MUST PROVIDE us with the shipping tracking
number ,your eBay ID ,and specific reason for return
Returned items must be in its original condition and packaging with all components and accessories included
Return shipping and insurance charge are to be paid by the buyer
We do not guarantee the compatible issues "
**** that, you have to pay return shipping with insurance to China if there's an issue.
I've been burnt every time that I bought a memory card at a dirt cheap price on ebay. Not risking it again.
silversonic1 said:
I've been burnt every time that I bought a memory card at a dirt cheap price on ebay. Not risking it again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
especially when it is shipping from china too
raviluke said:
especially when it is shipping from china too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, nothing like waiting 3 weeks to get scammed,
If I am going to bend over, I'd rather not wait 3 weeks to do it...
Yeah. It looks too good to be true but what if it is?:0
Sent from my SGH-T999
I agree. Last time I ordered a card on ebay that I thought was a 32GB class 10 kingston I later learned it was a fake when the writing came off from me touching. The worst thing is I didn't even save that much just so I just ordered a sandisk off newegg for $10 dollars more and Im happy.
That seller's feedback is near perfect though. And wow that 64GB card is so tempting.
Feedback
Feedback doesn't mean as much as you think. I recently saw something similarly attractive, a 32gb usb flash drive for like $14, and the guys feedback was like 99.2 or something, but when I got the card which also was shipping from China the actualy memory chip had been cut out. I looked the seller up on Google and got a load of scam complaints. I truly wonder though, how they have such great feedback...
lets all pitch in and buy one
am i the only one that got a little bit pissed with many threads in this section with obvious knock-off SD cards?
obvious fake SD cards are obvious there's no GREAT DEAL with something like that, the prices will NEVER get that low like it or not its FAKE
I am cautious when buying stuff like that from eBay.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
This seller hasn't only got near perfect feedback he is also a top rated seller though but the price does look too good to be true.
I think a lot of times there are those that purchase items like this and don't even realize that they have been scammed and thus the good feedback. I mean I know a lot of people who just buy the products based on price and are not aware of how the product should function. for example it doesn't matter (because they don't know the difference) if it's a class 10 or a class 4 as long as their pictures are on it, to them it works as advertised and then give good feedback. Many may not even check or even know how to see if the card actually has as much memory as it should. the only thing that matters is that the price is right and that they received it ahead of the estimated delivery date (I once heard my daughter express surprise that she received a phone case way ahead of said date and would give a good feedback based on this)
Scam!!!!!!!
Thread needs to be closed before people jump in
Galaxy Note @ mobile
it's a scam. there were deals like this back on February. Me and my friend spent like almost $100. i lost my money. my friend got his money back from paypal.
They sent us no memory card, instead usb card readers. Please be careful!!! I learned my lesson
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
I bit the bullet and bought + paid for this. Not counting on it to be 64gb of course. However, while I've been burned by China before, I've also received the occasional unexpected gift.
I remember that I used to have a tool that could A) write a whole USB drive's memory, and report back it's true capacity, and B) modify the capacity declaration to more accurately reflect the drive's actual size.
I'll take a look and see if I can track this software down again, and I'll report back with my findings.
aalupatti said:
Scam!!!!!!!
Thread needs to be closed before people jump in
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I think the XDA member demographics probably trend toward being a pretty astute tech-buying crowd. I doubt anyone will misinterpret the OP as an endorsement of that particular eBay auction.
If you're a frequent ebayer, and stay on top of timelines, then it's pretty low-risk to order stuff like this. The eBay and Paypal dispute systems work fairly well for buyers. Truthfully, most Chinese sellers will settle a complaint before it even gets to that stage. They seem to be very intent on avoid negative feedback, and preventing Paypal claims. In my experience, most Chinese sellers don't want to go through any kind of formal return process. I think their mentality is just to move on, push more product, and sell-sell-sell. They'll generally offer some sort of compensation for a product that doesn't work, or even just outright refund your purchase if you agree not to leave a negative feedback. Even if that isn't the case, eBay and Paypal are good about handling disputes over fraudulent items, and I doubt that you would ever be made to pay for tracked shipping back to China.
Where most people run into trouble, is that they let more than the 45 day dispute window elapse, or the wait beyond the point where negative feedback can be issued (at which point, most Chinese sellers on eBay don't care about your complaints). =
Instead of closing the thread, maybe the OP could more explicitly warn everyone about the likely fakeness?
SanDisk 64 gb for $16.99, if it sound too good to be true, IT IS. Goddamn when will you M.F. learn. I've bought so much stuff from china, cheap and expensive never been burned. you need to know whats real and whats not(how do you know: if it sound too good to be true, IT IS) . If it was priced around 40 or 30 dollars (20 to40% cheaper compared to global prices I would believe it. but nearly 70% cheaper....
If you know anything about electronics you should know that the margins on memory chips are extremely low at the moment.. could be theft... well if you like that buy it, karma is a *****. Do some research, before buying any thing: example in china a 1ghz dual core cortex a9 always means 2x 500mhz cores. a 256GB USB stick (are expensive and hard to get) on ebay @30 dollars: means a usbstick put on infinite loop copying. meaning you need to be glad if it turn out a 256mb file fits.
I expect more from people visiting these kinds of sites (i'm often disappointed), leave this threat open as a warning to the wannabe's -hackers-, and the really gullible folk.
if it sound too good to be true, it is.
ps even with proper research and guys with great ebay scores (witch means absolutely nothing, thank baby jezus for paypal) you can get burned, but you reduce the changes of getting burned significantly.
I have an opportunity to buy a Nexus4 16gb locally on craigslist for $400 which is the same price as my Google order that won't come in for another 5 weeks. The seller appears to be legit after getting his name and googling his name. The phone is in the original box with the Google seal stickers on untouched. I asked if I could open and put my SIM card to make a test call but, he stated no since it would devalue the phone if I decided not to buy, which I understood. I asked for his receipt but, he said all I needed for warranty issues was the imei number on the phone.
Please point out anything else I need to be looking/asking for as I will be picking it up tomorrow at 7pm cst based on feedback from all the awesome members in this forum.
Tia,
Ian B
Mr Ian B said:
I have an opportunity to buy a Nexus4 16gb locally on craigslist for $400 which is the same price as my Google order that won't come in for another 5 weeks. The seller appears to be legit after getting his name and googling his name. The phone is in the original box with the Google seal stickers on untouched. I asked if I could open and put my SIM card to make a test call but, he stated no since it would devalue the phone if I decided not to buy, which I understood. I asked for his receipt but, he said all I needed for warranty issues was the imei number on the phone.
Please point out anything else I need to be looking/asking for as I will be picking it up tomorrow at 7pm cst based on feedback from all the awesome members in this forum.
Tia,
Ian B
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1. Great price, but I would be suspicious on his reasoning on selling it for $400, not much profit to gain (if at all).
2. Googling his name? What does this have to do with anything? Does he own a company or something? This part makes no sense to me.
3. Google seal stickers... very easy to reseal it with black tape.
4. There wouldn't be any devaluing if you were to test the device with a SIM card. This is bs IMO. The only devalue would be if it was truly sealed and then which I can believe him.
5. I'm not sure about the receipt and warranty but depending on when he bought it. Google Play gives you 12 days for a RMA with them before you take it to the manufacturer. I would take the receipt though, as he can easily just report the IMEI and then you get screwed in the end or something.
zephiK said:
1. Great price, but I would be suspicious on his reasoning on selling it for $400, not much profit to gain (if at all). Not sure on this but he had a 8gb that was also selling for $380. Sounds like buyers remorse or needs money now since they have been listed in craigslist for almost a month.
2. Googling his name? What does this have to do with anything? Does he own a company or something? This part makes no sense to me. He is a starter company advisor locally and well known locally.
3. Google seal stickers... very easy to reseal it with black tape. I will have to inspect case and stickers when I go to buy it. If looks suspicious, will pass.
4. There wouldn't be any devaluing if you were to test the device with a SIM card. This is bs IMO. The only devalue would be if it was truly sealed and then which I can believe him. That is what he told me, the phone box is sealed and unopened. Will inspect before buying.
5. I'm not sure about the receipt and warranty but depending on when he bought it. Google Play gives you 12 days for a RMA with them before you take it to the manufacturer. I would take the receipt though, as he can easily just report the IMEI and then you get screwed in the end or something.
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. Will ask for receipt for your reason mentioned.
See my answers above. Thanks for your input.
You can make a deal like, Open it and I will test a call and if works I take it otherwise wont. So opening it and not taking it is not an option
Yeah if he won't let you test it **** it. You can't find the phone anywhere opening the box will hardly devalue it at all, if even. Also you should try and get the receipt because AFAIK you need more than just an IMEI for the warranty.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I would not even consider buying it if you cannot test the phone. The phone might not even be in there for all you know.
THANKS to everyone who responded to my inquiry. Got back a little while ago with the new Nexus4. It is Beauty and the Beast. Already put the case on it and now downloading my apps. The seller was on the up and up, was able to test by making a call, go over the entire phone specially the front and back glass.
Now I get to sit and play with the new toy this weekend. Got to cancel my Dec 8th order and help someone else get theirs quicker.
Ian B
Mr Ian B said:
THANKS to everyone who responded to my inquiry. Got back a little while ago with the new Nexus4. It is Beauty and the Beast. Already put the case on it and now downloading my apps. The seller was on the up and up, was able to test by making a call, go over the entire phone specially the front and back glass.
Now I get to sit and play with the new toy this weekend. Got to cancel my Dec 8th order and help someone else get theirs quicker.
Ian B
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Congrats. Glad it all worked out and nothing suspicious happened. Happy to hear that the seller changed his mind and let you test it.
I would research the S/N from the box with Google to see if it is stolen. Also if you buy it be sure to get a receipt from the seller to show you bought it and how much you paid.
I bought one from kijjiji $550.00 BNIB 16 Gb Didn't even put a sim in. Broke the seal looked at it that's it.. But I also got a receipt First thing called google had the warranty changed into my name they checked the imei and it was legit :good:
I suggest you get a receipt it has his name on it..
BTW he ordered nov 27 got it on the 29 I bought it dec 16..
Only problem is that only the original buyer can return the device to Google for an exchange if a problem occurs. And they do keep track of who bought them so without the original receipt your only option for the warranty is through LG. What LG does is have you send the phone back to them for repairs which can take a couple weeks and in teh meantime you have no phone. This has been discussed a number of times in several threads already as a few unlucky craigslist buyers found out when they wanted to do an exchange for a defective device.
kzoodroid said:
Only problem is that only the original buyer can return the device to Google for an exchange if a problem occurs. And they do keep track of who bought them so without the original receipt your only option for the warranty is through LG. What LG does is have you send the phone back to them for repairs which can take a couple weeks and in teh meantime you have no phone. This has been discussed a number of times in several threads already as a few unlucky craigslist buyers found out when they wanted to do an exchange for a defective device.
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No worries, I have his original receipt and google all is well with the imei and receipt for any warranty issues. Love this Beauty and the Beast phone.
Ian B
I recently purchased 3 S7 edge G375U from ebay seller "cellitems" and my experience is far from acceptable.
Only 1 out of 3 looked new. 2 out of 3 were scratched up especially on the flash and sensor lens on the back. All 3 came with the box seals broken. When I contacted them they assured me they were new and only opened for unlocking. I was thinking what? These are factory unlocked to begin with!
I started looking more closely to these phones and it turned out all them are Sprint version G375P with G375U ROM installed. Although it works fine but I surely don't like being lied to.
If admin see this, please move this thread to the discussion. Posted here by mistake
"Although it works fine but I surely don't like being lied to."
For the principal, I'd go for a refund, or more assertive resolution that failing... and look elsewhere
Asking for a refund on 2. Keeping one for personal reason. I think ebay should have a better system in place to punish these sellers. It's said that most customer didn't know they got tricked. 1 star feedback will be given. I wish ebay can notify other buyers of this scam.
e20140 said:
I recently purchased 3 S7 edge G375U from ebay seller "cellitems" and my experience is far from acceptable.
Only 1 out of 3 looked new. 2 out of 3 were scratched up especially on the flash and sensor lens on the back. All 3 came with the box seals broken. When I contacted them they assured me they were new and only opened for unlocking. I was thinking what? These are factory unlocked to begin with!
I started looking more closely to these phones and it turned out all them are Sprint version G375P with G375U ROM installed. Although it works fine but I surely don't like being lied to.
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You must be new to eBay...
90% of everything on eBay is fake
*Detection* said:
You must be new to eBay...
90% of everything on eBay is fake
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That's not true. Im buying 3 phones in the past and not one was a fake.
I think the buyer should be more careful and reading the ratings for example. Not reading the positive ratings.. Read the negativ ratings. I didnt say its his fault... I dont like it too and hate them sellers.
To the op :
Did you Pay via Paypal? So u can Open an issue on Paypal. Until its not solved the seller didnt get his money
lladwein said:
That's not true. Im buying 3 phones in the past and not one was a fake.
I think the buyer should be more careful and reading the ratings for example. Not reading the positive ratings.. Read the negativ ratings. I didnt say its his fault... I dont like it too and hate them sellers.
To the op :
Did you Pay via Paypal? So u can Open an issue on Paypal. Until its not solved the seller didnt get his money
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Naive
Ratings and feedback mean nothing, I bought a PS3 controller from a guy with thousands of 100% positive feedback, controller was a fake
Bought iPad charger from someone with very high 100% positive feedback, also fake
You want to know how they keep their 100% positive feedback? The same way they tried to get me to reverse my negative rating by refunding me under the agreement that I could keep the item as long as I changed my feedback from negative to positive (I did not change my feedback)
eBay ratings = Nothing
You got lucky
*Detection* said:
Naive
Ratings and feedback mean nothing, I bought a PS3 controller from a guy with thousands of 100% positive feedback, controller was a fake
Bought iPad charger from someone with very high 100% positive feedback, also fake
You want to know how they keep their 100% positive feedback? The same way they tried to get me to reverse my negative rating by refunding me under the agreement that I could keep the item as long as I changed my feedback from negative to positive (I did not change my feedback)
eBay ratings = Nothing
You got lucky
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Kind of luck is always needed.
But Ive learned that there's always a trusted Shop where you can buy.
lladwein said:
Kind of luck is always needed.
But Ive learned that there's always a trusted Shop where you can buy.
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Yep, you can find hidden honest gems shops, but like I say, you have to sift through the 90% of fakes to find that 10% pot of gold
I'd rather pay the extra to buy from a real online shop than use eBay these days
e20140 said:
I recently purchased 3 S7 edge G375U from ebay seller "cellitems" and my experience is far from acceptable.
Only 1 out of 3 looked new. 2 out of 3 were scratched up especially on the flash and sensor lens on the back. All 3 came with the box seals broken. When I contacted them they assured me they were new and only opened for unlocking. I was thinking what? These are factory unlocked to begin with!
I started looking more closely to these phones and it turned out all them are Sprint version G375P with G375U ROM installed. Although it works fine but I surely don't like being lied to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally I would leave this be but this is a legitimate discussion Im goin to move this thread so more can see and read
Thread moved to general and discussion
*Detection* said:
Yep, you can find hidden honest gems shops, but like I say, you have to sift through the 90% of fakes to find that 10% pot of gold
I'd rather pay the extra to buy from a real online shop than use eBay these days
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For my personal use, I ended up buying it from Bestbuy. Even Items directly from China operated store was good. Got one of those Lenovo's fastest tablet for cheap!
Recent experience of buying new phone on eBay (all local USA sellers) is horrible. Aside from S7 edge, I bought a LG G5 in the summer and ended up returning them all, 5 times total. Again, the phone was installed with unofficial ROMs.
I would like to add, buying from individual ebay sellers (not one with a store) is mostly safe.
I would like to add never buy parts from FixEZ on ebay as they claim oem quality And most def is not...
I bought a lcd and frame assembly from them and its made of reg glass not gorilla and there cust service rep cussed me out when I sent the screen shots of the website as he told me they never claimed oem.
Which they most def did...
The screen cracked in my pocket when i sat down just from the pressure in a front pocket of fairly baggy pants might i add
This was for a LG G4
There is one advantage to there being so many fakes on eBay, so long as the seller advertises them as genuine, and they are not, you can usually get a full refund along with them letting you keep the item if you complain they are breaking eBays Ts&Cs by false advertising
They'll usually try to get you to accept 50% refund & keep the item, but if you push them and tell them you want them to send you a pre-pay box to return the item for full refund & will contact eBay about their false advert, 90% of the time they refund in full and you get an automated message from eBay saying you do not need to do anything else nor return the item
And tbh, I feel no sorrow for them losing any money considering they know they're scamming so many people with fakes
*Detection* said:
Yep, you can find hidden honest gems shops, but like I say, you have to sift through the 90% of fakes to find that 10% pot of gold
I'd rather pay the extra to buy from a real online shop than use eBay these days
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Does factory sealed mean anything when buying on ebay ? Or is there a workaround for that too ? like fake seals or stickers
boydsc331 said:
Does factory sealed mean anything when buying on ebay ? Or is there a workaround for that too ? like fake seals or stickers
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Everything is possible on eBay, easy enough to buy shrink-wrap and claim it is factory sealed
Stickers have often been faked
Firmware on the phone has been faked
Model number on the back of the actual phone has been faked
Model number on the box has been faked / wrong box used
Buy new if you want 100% guarantee it is what you are buying, or make sure you have a good and sure way of being refunded if you still go the eBay route
ok so I went the ebay route. I found an individual seller, not one of those cell phone stores. I got 2 of the 930FD for $460 each. Not a great price but not too bad I thought. They were factory sealed and brand new. Thankyou all for the tips and suggestions.