vB Easy Archive - A real puzzler- phones going for more $ on ebay that the retail price?

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A real puzzler- phones going for more $ on ebay that the retail price?
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Posted by: cedricbosch

I am VERY CONFUSED by this concept.

I bought my iPhone from AT&T for $430 after tax and unlocked it. Then I go on eBay and find a TON of unlocked 8gb iPhones selling for almost $600!

Examples-
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-APPLE-iPHON...1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Apple-Iphon...1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/APPLE-iPHONE-8G...1QQcmdZViewItem

WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!?!?!? I really don't understand why they are going for more on eBay than in the retail stores.

Help me!

Posted by: jaysun

The only reason that I can think of is that the people buying the phones on eBay are not in countries where they can walk into a store and buy one. Ebay might be the only way they can buy an iPhone, so they are willing to pay a premium to get one.

Posted by: dsigma6

I don't get your point.

If they were selling on eBay LOCKED to ATT for more than retail, that'd be retarded (and probably because people think they can't buy them in store without a contract, ID, etc.).

Unlocked, you're providing a service for someone who equates the saved time/headaches into cash for some schlub who doesn't have a real job.

I don't really care about people buying a couple phones to unlock and resell, but the seller under your third link (the only functional one...) is out of control.

Posted by: BornInBremen

believe it or not, a lot of people on eBay don't comparison shop, and aren't real computer savvy. And lots of people still think unlocking the iPhone is very complicated and hard to do.

I once sold a set of car mirrors on eBay (I drive a sports car, and switched it from manual to electric mirrors.) You can buy them used in any junk yard for $50. The sold for $191!

I didn't complain, but still...

Posted by: Flyinace2000

Wow.....i think i am gonna go buy another iPhone to sell on ebay. Worst case senario i return it to Apple and eat $40 restocking fee.

Posted by: MacGeek15

As stated in Hofo Stickies, you're not to mention Ebay here or post anything related to Ebay as Hofo is a competitor of Ebay and in no way should you be promoting Ebay here.

Posted by: Flyinace2000

I think this post promotes Hofo way more than it promotes ebay. If anything it is saying that the ebay prices are way to high and you should shop in the BuySellTrade forum

Posted by: BornInBremen

I don't see how Howard Forums is a "competitor" of eBay (or vice-versa); eBay is an auction site, which this is not.

Posted by: campas21

two things.
1. $ sucks right now compared to both euro's, ukp, CAD- buying an unlocked at what seems like a premium, is still cheap to those not here.

2. unable to get in the country of purchase- not so much now, but uk ppl didn't have it availible til now...majority of europe still isn't availible. majority of people= buying via ebay is quickest solution since not everyone has contacts here.

Posted by: cedricbosch

Wow, interestingly enough, all three of the links I posted have been removed... thats kind of fishy. I wonder if it's even allowed to sell unlocked iPhones.

Posted by: BornInBremen

I've seen that happen before with eBay items that have ended, it's not unusual. As for being "allowed", the right of resale is with the owner, and Apple can't stop people from selling them.

Posted by: cedricbosch

Ok, got it. So as far as I see it, there is a very real profit to be made in selling unlocked iPhones in ebay, right?

Posted by: campas21

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedricbosch

Ok, got it. So as far as I see it, there is a very real profit to be made in selling unlocked iPhones in ebay, right?

1.if you're willing to take the risk of selling internationally
2.unknown what the demand is due to uk/german release...

Posted by: MacGeek15

Quote:

Originally Posted by BornInBremen

I don't see how Howard Forums is a "competitor" of eBay (or vice-versa); eBay is an auction site, which this is not.

BOTH SALES!

Read the guidelines!

Posted by: bruno6491

i am in the US but thought if i bought from an action site thats famous because i thought AT&T store or apple.com would check for a plan or make me add a data plan, but know i know you don't

Bruno

Posted by: Drakkhen

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacGeek15

BOTH SALES!

Read the guidelines!

I think it's a bit misleading (and very optimistic) to say that HoFo is a competitor to eBay, as there is no way on Earth you can compare the two give the sheer vastness and volume of product eBay pushes per day. To even put these two sites in the same sentence would be comparing your kitchen sink to the pacific ocean.

Having said that, I agree that guidlines should be followed.

L.