Selling New Laptop Still In Box - Add Serial #? Do’s & Dont’s needed.

[the_new_covenant]

I want to list a laptop still in the box sealed. It has a lot of stickers, including the serial number, PN #, CEC #s, Ship to & From #s & info, and so on.

What should be made readily available to the gp when listing the item, and what should NOT be made available? 

Also, the Ship to & From info (sticker on box), should I remove this entirely before selling, or should this too be left on for the person who purchases it? The ship from info is from HP, the ship too is not. 

Anything else I should do or NOT do while listing this?

Thank you in advance for ANY help or insight you may have on this and sharing it with a fellow eBayer/Seller.

I’ve never sold a laptop new in the box prior, and want to go about it safely, for my protection as well as the buyer’s protection should info be included one could take and use maliciously for their own gain by simply knowing this info. 

Again thank you for the help!! 

[mam98031]

I think it is great to have the serial number visible in the listing.  A picture of it, stated in your Item Specific Boxes and again in the description.  It may give those that are looking to take advantage of you some pause.  I'm not sure how much it helps if the buyer files a return and you get a different item back with Ebay.  I haven't read any threads that had this type of detail.  I just think it puts everything up front and the buyer on notice that Ebay too is seeing the serial number.

I would removed any info that says where you purchased the item, unless there is a transferrable warranty that goes with the Computer.  Then the buyer would need all the info on that too.

[brightlightbookseller]

To address your concern too, I don't think having the serial number would enable anyone online to do anything nefarious with any model/brand of computer that I'm aware of.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

Always expecting the worst, it might be possible that someone registers the warranty using the serial number in the listing. As is, there is a possibility the manufacturer will refuse to honor the warranty because you are not an authorized reseller and they consider you the first retail buyer.

Just another risk associated with selling big ticket electronics online.

IMO you are taking a risk which I find to be too high by selling this item, online.

[inhawaii]

Here's a tip.

Don't sell an expensive laptop on ebay.

Are you aware that ANY buyer can rip you off simply by making a false claim?

There's an old saying amongst (smart) ebay sellers.

"Don't sell anything on ebay you can't afford to lose."

[12345jamesstamps]

I can see a buyer with a Florida or Delaware address where item is going 'freight forward' to another country.

Even though you ship it only domestic another country using freight forward could buy it.

I would only let a buyer with some feedbacks and not a new eBay ID purchase it.

To that...I would only sell it to a friend, employee or family member....

[onlinecentral]

want to go about it safely, for my protection as well as the buyer’s protection

The buyer will get 99.9% of the protection and you, the seller, will get 0.1% percent

Buyer trying to scam me out of $3K
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/Buyer-trying-to-scam-me-out-of-3K/m-p/34823885#M2497399

[chapeau-noir]

My advice is to sell it locally for cash.

[the_new_covenant]

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@tobaccocardyahoo wrote:

“Always expecting the worst, it might be possible that someone registers the warranty using the serial number in the listing.”

***This is one of the reasons I was worried about adding the serial number. Then I realized there is a lot of other info elsewhere on the box too. I’ve also read there could be legal ramifications headed my way should something along these lines happen, my memory fails me right now as to what it was. However, this was one of the worries I had. 

Appreciate the input, very much. Thank you.

[the_new_covenant]

It’s not too expensive, I can afford to lose it. I’m always ready for the preverbal hammer to come down in regards to fraud. I know as well selling a laptop puts me at a higher risk of this happening, as it’s easier for said fraudster to turn around and fence. I sell niche items, items I’ve owned, things I like & buy for myself & grow tired of them. Relatives who have the same items and want to get rid of them. Etc. I don’t buy any type of inventory straight out unless it’s something “special” that is working for me & usually it’s still a niche item, limited, etc. 

However yes, always ready to lose out. Never count my chips when they’re on the table, or at least until feedback is left, or so much time has passed. I don’t consider it my money until I know with a degree of certainty it’s not heading back. 

My protection I guess would be an auto NAD which is also something anyone could do. I’d like to prevent negative feedback all around, prob my main concern but again… I know all too well how that works & works in the buyers favor should they feel the inkling to do so. I try to eliminate this by going above & beyond with communication, however you don’t know what their intentions are, or their temperament should a mistake be made.

I appreciate the insight very much. I’ve never heard that saying, been here since 2008, yet I’ll surely be using it like I’ve known it since then. Lol. 

Thank you again. Very helpful to me. 

[robbie31415]

Ultimately, adding SN pictures means nothing.

A buyer can return a rock.

I log the SN internally, and if what I get back isn't the same SN, then I deduct 50% from the refund and close the return.

[slippinjimmy]

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@the_new_covenant wrote:

Also, the Ship to & From info (sticker on box), should I remove this entirely before selling, or should this too be left on for the person who purchases it? The ship from info is from HP, the ship too is not. 

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Never ever ship a package that has old shipping labels or even parts of old shipping labels showing, especially the bar codes.

[gator08041971]

@the_new_covenant 

I sell computers often and here is my opinion:

I never share the serial number or the windows key (if there is one).

Those should only be available for the final buyer.  I do send them a picture of it when shipping the item through the ebay messaging system. These aren't cars.  And when someone posts the key for their Windows, its like giving the first person to see it a free Windows to use.  So never do this.

[brightlightbookseller]

Windows key, definitely not.  No one can do anything with a serial number except verify it matches the model of the computer in the listing, though.

[gator08041971]

@brightlightbookseller 

I still won't list them.  I have never had an issue with a buyer about it either, but I'm also very thorough with the descriptions. I run a computer shop, so its what I do.

Some serial numbers can be tracked down to where they were sold, stuff like that.  It is possible.  Just like cars.  But where with cars, its kinda important to be able to verify the VIN, its not that important to verify a SN on a laptop.  But I would never sell a laptop without one, unless its a parts only machine.