Considering purchasing a (new) phone through Ebay- what are the risks?

EdwardTeach

EdwardTeach

EdwardTeach

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I am thinking of buying a new LG G4 or LG v10 through ebay, and switching to BT mobiles really cheap £8/month contract.

This would be the first time I would have bought a phone other than via a network. I want to understand if there are any additional risks.

What happens if the phone is not working on arrival?

Will I have any warranty? are LG's warranties worldwide?

I am assuming paying through paypal will give me some protection?

Any particular seller that anyone would reccomend?

Am I still protected by distance selling regulations?
 
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I'd be careful. EBay seem to be collecting it's fair share of rogues. If it's really cheap then ask yourself why and if it isn't then buy from a reputable company and avoid the potential hassle. Just my opinion - others experience may vary.
 
The classic scam is that after the claim period has ended, they report it stolen, you get a bricked phone and they claim on the insurance, I'd personally avoid ebay like the plague unless its a well know and recognised company that is selling them?

Lots of nice phones on the cheap today for Black Friday, is a new price out of range?
 
I'd personally look elsewhere, never used it for phones myself, but have had a few friends get stung by scammers, lots have been fine, but its REALLY not worth the risk imo
 
ive had loads off ebay but I tend to only buy from powersellers, I won't buy ones that are upgrades etc.
 
I am not talking about buying from an individual seller, I mean from a power seller with lots of sales and rep ie someone who is importing and selling phones as a business. But my earlier questions still apply.
 
I believe you should be fine, but I've been told that some of these phones are imported from China/Hong Kong hence the price. The manuals will most likely be in a different language and you may experience problems if you wish to claim on warranty.

That's what I've read when I was looking to buy a new Samsung as a gift for my sister.
At the end I just bought one from Very
 
When I get them off ebay I only buy ones that are genuine UK models, I won't buy any that are imported.
 
People worry about buying on Ebay way too much.

Check feedback and If recent purchases are postiive and people have bought the same phone then you should good to go.
 
Purchased a Galaxy S6 Edge 64gb black, UK Spec so with fast charger, Brand new sealed from a Business seller so Contract free and I have checked it. This was in the black Friday deals for £299 , phone came today using the phone now its spot on.

They had over 6k of positive feedback, I always check feedback before buying things. Nectar had a deal on with points as well so this saved me £20, £279 for a S6 Edge is a bargain.
 
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Jabbs said:
Purchased a Galaxy S6 Edge 64gb black, UK Spec so with fast charger, Brand new sealed from a Business seller so Contract free and I have checked it. This was in the black Friday deals for £299 , phone came today using the phone now its spot on.

They had over 6k of positive feedback, I always check feedback before buying things. Nectar had a deal on with points as well so this saved me £20, £279 for a S6 Edge is a bargain.
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Great deal especially because its the edge and is 64GB!
 
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Main thing to look out for is non UK spec, it's very common for sellers to flog grey imports from Europe/Asia which are unlikely to come with a UK charger in the box and iffy manufacturer warranty. I always think, is it really worth the uncertainty? Considering you can spend £50 odd more on the rainforest and have a guaranteed warranty.
 
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The only phone i've bought over ebay was an HTC desire. It was in poor condition with a nasty scratch on the glass and the guy hasn't even wiped it. He'd even taken pictures of his debit cards and left them on the internal memory :rolleyes:

Still, it did the job and got me out of a hole
 
RanxZy said:
Main thing to look out for is non UK spec, it's very common for sellers to flog grey imports from Europe/Asia which are unlikely to come with a UK charger in the box and iffy manufacturer warranty. I always think, is it really worth the uncertainty? Considering you can spend £50 odd more on the rainforest and have a guaranteed warranty.
Click to expand...

This is what you have to look for really, If I could have got one for £50 more of the rainforest place I would have but no hope getting a edge 64gb for that.
 
Jabbs said:
Purchased a Galaxy S6 Edge 64gb black, UK Spec so with fast charger, Brand new sealed from a Business seller so Contract free and I have checked it. This was in the black Friday deals for £299 , phone came today using the phone now its spot on.

They had over 6k of positive feedback, I always check feedback before buying things. Nectar had a deal on with points as well so this saved me £20, £279 for a S6 Edge is a bargain.
Click to expand...

Do they still have any for sale?

I recently bought an S6, but I'd definitely go for this and then stick mine on eBay in a few weeks time!
 
ive bought a few phones off eBay and never had a problem. as said already look at the sellers feedback. this can give you a headsup..

I must admit though if its someone that's not a power seller selling loads of phones I tend to avoid them
 
OP. You can pickup a G4 from online uk shops for £299, do a search on hotukdeals and you find them. ( can't link due to being a competitor)
 
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