The computer market is very broad and if we focus on Apple’s we can see that they also have a high price. If you are considering the possibility of buying a second-hand Mac, regardless of the model, you must take into account a number of things to avoid scams and the like. In this article we give you a series of tips before you go into this buying process.
If you buy it from a specialized store
There are many stores, both physical and online, that offer second-hand Macs. The vast majority of them are not specialized in this equipment and also sell other electronic devices and even other kinds such as books and the like. It is understandable that many of these stores do not have enough knowledge to satisfy your doubts, so you should check several aspects for yourself.
Something important to keep in mind is the warranty that is given to the device, as well as the return period in case you are not satisfied with the purchase after a few days. Being able to see the physical state of the product is important so as not to be scared later if you find scratches or other marks of use. Obviously you will also have to check that it is fully functional and is not blocked, although this is something that the store should have already checked.
Always try to be reliable stores and adhere to commercial laws, since in any other case you could run into problems if you want to claim after the purchase.
Choice of app to buy from another individual
This point is somewhat complex, since there are many applications for buying and selling between individuals that work very well, but these are not usually responsible for these processes in many cases, so everything will run on your own. You should try to act with common sense and always distrust beforehand, even more so if there is a particularly suspicious point such as an excessively low price for what is assumed. Wallapop, Vibbo and many others will be very useful, being the most popular for it. In any case, they are not exempt from possible deception. In the following sections we give you more advice in this regard.
Request original invoice from the seller
Some of the products found for sale online are actually stolen products, either from individuals or companies. There are also counterfeit ones, this being an obvious problem too. One way to check the originality of the products is by asking the seller for his purchase invoice, from which he can cover his personal data if he considers it so. It will not be necessary to change the invoice in your name or physically give it to you, but at least it will serve as a guarantee of authenticity.
Serial number can be key
The serial number of the Mac appears precisely on the invoice, which must match the device’s. You can also request a screenshot of this on the device (can be seen in Apple menu> About this Mac). What else can this do for you? To know if it is blocked . This is verified by entering it on the Apple website as if you were to request a repair, since a message appears alerting you on blocked models. It may also be the company itself by telephone who will clarify it for you.
Check the device in person
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and the best picture you can get is by seeing it in person. This way you can see if the device complies with what the seller promised. Among the most important aspects to verify in this equipment is the following:
- Screen to check that it looks good, the colors are adjusted and it has no scratches.
- Keyboard and trackpad in the case of MacBook, verifying that they are functional.
- Keyboard and mouse in the case of iMac for the same check above.
- Speakers and microphone , and you can even try to make a voice recording yourself to check that both are working correctly.
- Charging cycles to check if the battery level is suitable for its price or if, on the contrary, it is worn out.
- Other accessories such as the charging cable or the power adapter. Precisely checking if it loads well is essential for MacBook.
Beware of transfer payments
Give top priority to in-person transactions where you can hand deliver the money. If a seller makes a lot of trouble to try other payment methods that are not secure, you should be suspicious. Wire transfers are one of the favorite methods of scammers, so it will be rare if they only accept this. Other methods such as PayPal may be valid for being able to claim them.
Please try to pay after receiving it
Precisely around this is the fact that you are asked to pay in advance. Perhaps paying a small down payment can serve both to keep the seller calm and for you as a certainty that you will receive it. Again we insist on the option of buying it in person, but if you have no choice, try not to pay the entire amount until you have received it and verified that it works correctly.
Make sure it is not a very old Mac
This is something that already comes out of all the above and is not to avoid scams or the like, but to guarantee a good user experience for yourself. If this is the first time you enter the Mac world, it may not be necessary to start with the best computer to date, but it is not advisable to go to one that does not even update its software to the most recent versions of macOS. Therefore, as a final advice, we recommend that you have a middle ground in your purchase choice.
