New or Used?

[iceblue1999]

Well, found another very questionable Seller selling cell phones listed as "NEW"! This Seller happens to be a major seller in the cell phone community however, their listings are very questionable. By the way, this is the second seller I found doing this in just a few days so ALERT! Their listing are labeled "NEW" however they are actually refurbished and repackaged used phones with IMEI's that can't be registered because Samsung said the IMEI has "already been registered" so no manufacturer warranty! eBays is clear on what "NEW" is and refurbished and repackaged phones ARE NOT NEW! That in my opinion, is deceitful listings that are not clear what you are buying! My suggestion is TO ASK QUESTION PRIOR to your purchase so you know what you are buying! Feedback is not always completely truthful!!! 

[chevymontecarlo88]

I remember (back in the day) there typically was a difference between Brand New (store bought) vs. Like New (Used). Like New was considered used but basically in new cosmetic condition without any warranty or guarantees as some Brand New items came with. The term New Old Stock (NOS) was used and most would understand the difference.

These days Brand New encompasses many different definitions.  As a buyer, if you are not purchasing an item from a authorized dealer, expect it not to come with any perks like warranties or support. Personally i think there should be a distinct difference in listings that differentiate items that are eligible for manufacture warranties. Of course this is not as important on a Beanie Baby (low value item) but something of value that would be costly if it would Not be covered by a warranty, support or recall.

At the end of the day, buyers must research what they purchase and understand the difference when buying from a random seller on Ebay. If you are concerned about the legitimacy of an item, go straight to the source. (manufacture) Many companies will point you in the right direction (or will sell direct) to find a place that sells there items that would be covered. Typically there will be a price difference between the two and that will motivate buyers that want a deal. Just be prepared for the risk. IMHO

[kensgiftshop]

There's no way I would buy a cell phone on Ebay.

I'd rather spend a little more and buy from an authorized dealer.

[iceblue1999]

I agree that it is more complicated to know what eBay "really" considers new! Once upon a time, this behavior would not be tolerated by them. They would remove the item(s) and Seller if they abused the rules. Today, they can get away with it because "eBay greed" in wanting Sellers to sell whatever s they can so eBay can get a commission takes precedence. Trusting eBay is getting much harder to really discern what "new" really means!!!

Let's take it one step further. I have had some bad experiences with sellers ignoring messages to cancel an order when they have not shipped it hoping that once you get it - you'll keep it! It's getting to the point that it seems eBay is turning a blind eye to many things when not long ago, nothing irregular would get by them and you didn't get away with crap!!!

[fab_finds4u]

 Not all sellers let you know when they ship.   Not all sellers use eBay to ship where you can tell when it's been shipped.  Not seeing tracking doesn't  automatically mean they haven't shipped.

Some sellers use third party shipping where the order is shipped by a fulfillment center and they're unable to recall or halt the shipping process. 

I suggest that you wait until after the expected delivery date to to ask to cancel as it could be on the way and your seller is too busy shipping to answer messages.

Check their feedback carefully.

[kolaz8748]

I agree with you but I recently purchased a Samsung phone listed as NEW and unlocked but found out when I contacted Samsung with a phone problem 3 weeks after purchase that it was no longer under warranty .  I had registered the phone with Samsung the day I received it and it showed as locked to AT&T.  This was before I went to AT&T and set it up on their network. I sent a text to the seller who insisted it was unlocked. I sent them a screen shot of the Samsung site showing it as locked to AT&T and they did not respond. I didn't think anything about it until I started having problems pretty much immediately after it was set up on the AT&T network.  After AT&T tried to help on several occasions, I contacted Samsung for help and they ultimately concluded I would have to take it to a Samsung shop to get repaired. That is when they told me it was not under warranty because it was registered 2 years prior to my receiving it. This is probably why it was shown locked to the AT&T network and not unlocked as the seller insisted. I messaged the seller about 24 hours ago and haven't heard anything back yet. My reason for messaging you is to let you know that the phone can still be registered a second time under a different account.  Maybe that can happen if the original purchaser deletes the phone from their Samsung account.  I spent a good 30 minutes on the phone with Samsung so I have confidence they are correct but if I find something different I will message you again.

[mama4845]

Not buying anything anymore in here - found out there is zero guarantee on electricals beyond 30 days. UK consumer law says one year guarantee but it's not the case in here. I'm now getting my money back with help from my bank, reporting to Trading Standards over the weekend, and then any future purchases will be with Amazon.