How to Sell an iPhone without Getting Robbed?

bulletproof on 14/07/2021 - 12:05
Last edited 14/07/2021 - 12:17 by 1 other user

Hi team, I am due to upgrade my iPhone.

In the past, I usually sell the old one via FB MP or Gumtree as they still hold pretty good salvage value ($500 - $600 for a iPhone XS 256gb). Have heard horror stories of people getting set up and robbed where people posed as interested buyers and arrange to exchange or 'see' the item.

Looking for some tips on how to safely sell a phone before I resort to putting it up on eBay and coping the fees. Obviously with the current situation in Sydney, this will of course take place once the restrictions ease! :D

Mobile

Comments

  • notdealbot on 14/07/2021 - 12:09
    +4

    Meet in public area and deal in Cash only.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2021 - 12:24
      +4

      snatch & run is a thing. Police, least VIC pol, wouldn't bother.

  • azm on 14/07/2021 - 12:10

    Like everyone suggested in many threads, meet up at the bank or other areas with CCTVs. Avoid meeting up at night or car park.

  • GregMarshall on 14/07/2021 - 12:14
    +7

    I've previously sold a few phones at a local police station/ in the police station car park.

    Any legit buyer will have no issues meeting at/near a police station. You can say it is to ensure the safety for both parties.

  • Fergy1987 on 14/07/2021 - 12:25
    +8

    Meet in a dark alley after 11pm and bring lots of cash and jewellery

  • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2021 - 12:25

    I usually just wait till no final fee promo comes out of ebay for high value items.

  • SF3 on 14/07/2021 - 12:27
    +2

    OP's username checks out.

    • Chandler on 14/07/2021 - 12:40
      +8

      Or doesn't… we'll find out after the sale!

  • raptormesh on 14/07/2021 - 12:58

    Meet in a fairly crowded shopping mall, in front of a shop or ideally next to a bank.

    • SnoozeAndLose on 14/07/2021 - 13:06

      Cant do this at least until 31/7

      • cuteseal on 14/07/2021 - 13:12

        Meet at Maccas? Bring a large, intimidating friend?

      • djones145 on 14/07/2021 - 19:26
        -1

        just head to Harvey Norman, Kmart or Westfield in Fairfield. it's all essential shops and heaps if cops around.

        remember to ask the buyer for a.covid test too

  • CyberMurning on 14/07/2021 - 13:05
    -1

    bikies

  • Hybroid on 14/07/2021 - 13:11
    +3

    $480 secured to a service like: https://mobilemonster.com.au/sell-your-phone/apple/iphone-xs…

    Some competitors will be higher or lower so definitely look around but pick reputable ones.

    Certainly will be less than a direct sell but much much much safer and no hassle. Worth it to me esp if you consider eBay fees.

    • Sum-Ting Wong on 14/07/2021 - 13:59

      Can confirm. Recently sold three old ipads and an iphone 8+ to mobile monster. Didn't get as much for them as if I had sold on Gumtree or ebay, but a lot less hassle.

  • ozwog05 on 14/07/2021 - 13:24

    Depending on how many FB friends you have, perhaps consider posting it on your feed first and see if you get any nibbles there.

  • rollin on 14/07/2021 - 13:30

    take a baseball bat and big joe.

  • haydoz on 14/07/2021 - 13:32
    -2

    Sell through eBay - although they will take a cut.

    • newjerseydamo on 14/07/2021 - 14:08
      +7

      And then the buyer will lodge a dispute, and keep phone and money.

      Absolute worst way to sell a phone.

      • rando88 on 25/12/2021 - 12:40

        put 30k through ebay in last three years, never had a bad experience once

  • newjerseydamo on 14/07/2021 - 14:09

    Gumtree/Facebook Marketplace.

    Pickup only, no post, cash only.

    Meet in public place, take a friend too, just to be safe, if you're worried about a snatch and run.

  • Puglife on 14/07/2021 - 14:10

    Bikies…

  • Platinumtelecom on 14/07/2021 - 14:46
    +3

    I don't even bother with selling phones online anymore, between the time wasters and the potential theft, I just sell to either Mazuma Mobile or Mobile Monster.
    It's easy, money gets paid as soon as they get it. Sold at least 3-4 devices, never had an issue.

  • Unorthodox on 14/07/2021 - 15:44

    Done this a few times, my favoured locations are:

    Public library - also allows you to have wifi to check IMEI

    Food court at shopping centre - good if it's not super peak time and there are ATMs nearby so they get the cash beforehand

  • outlander on 14/07/2021 - 15:47
    +6

    No no no no no, that's not how this forum works.

    You decide how to sell it, and then once it's crashed and burn you post here, and then we call you stupid for not considering the obvious-in-hindsight-but-not-obvious-when-you-were-planning-it factor.

    You're breaking the rules here.

  • kehuehue on 06/12/2021 - 01:03
    +1

    here is another almost horror story to ad:

    wanted to sell iphone 11 pro max about a year or two ago, high school kid (red flag one), asked me to come instead (red flag 2), changed locations when i got there (red flag 3)

    i got suspicious and asked my wife to record with her phone. when he came and saw my wife recording, he got nervous - at that point he wasnt sure he wanted to do the deed. anyway i held my phone tight he wanted to see start the phone to see the imei. i said i will do it, the dude was probably 6ft. he tried to grab it from me and run but luckily i was holding it tight immediately threw the phone in the car and yelled WTF at him

    since then, for expensive stuff (phones, graphics card, cpus etc) i always go where there is a working cam (kmart, police station, or a petrol station shop)

  • Initial D on 20/12/2021 - 15:33
    +1

    If selling on fb or gumtree and meet up later, make sure you pick a place with heaps of security cameras and people, like the iconic places, in front of parliament, bank, police station, hospital, state library etc. Never meet up at backstreet, local park or anywhere around your home though it’s convenient. Never meet up at night. Stick to Gumtree message or the Messenger app. Never give your phone number or any personal details to strangers. You might miss some sales because of these rules but trust me it worths it and those doesn’t really stop the serious buyers. Just explain to buyers it’s for mutual security. Always cash only and make sure the cash on your hand is not fake plastics paper.

    Most important: Always trust your first feeling. If you feel something or someone is doggy, YOU ARE RIGHT. Do not doubt yourself.

    If you want some peace of mind. eBay. But you need to raise selling price by 13% for the ridiculous fees.

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