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Apple's recent price increase across India and several global markets has prompted many buyers to look for better deals through third-party retailers. While Apple's official website now reflects the revised pricing, several online and offline sellers are still listing some products at older prices. Although those lower prices may appear attractive, buyers should take a closer look before placing an order. Marketplace listings can vary depending on the seller, and checking product and seller details carefully can help avoid unpleasant surprises after delivery.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Apple's latest price hike has created a noticeable gap between its official pricing and some third-party marketplace listings.
• While many marketplace sellers are genuine, buyers should verify seller credentials before placing an order.
• Some buyers have reported receiving pre-activated, refurbished or opened-box devices despite ordering products listed as new.
• Checking the warranty status, recording the unboxing process and reviewing seller ratings can help reduce risks.
• Deals that appear significantly cheaper than official pricing deserve extra scrutiny before purchase.

Why lower prices deserve a closer look

Apple products listed on marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, Croma and Vijay Sales usually have multiple sellers. Though Apple has its own official store on such marketplaces, other sellers can also sell their products there. All of these sellers are legal businesses, but that does not necessarily imply that all listings will provide the same buying experience.

In light of the recent pricing policy of Apple, there are listings that still list old prices, making them considerably cheaper than the official store listing by Apple. This makes it look like for those intending to buy MacBook, iPhone, iPad and other Apple products, these listings represent a chance to make savings. But, it is not price that should be the decisive factor in making your decision. Before proceeding with the purchase, it is worth checking the seller, his ratings among his past customers and the details about the product in question.

A lower-priced product does not necessarily indicate a problem with it, but it is always better to know exactly what you are getting, especially if you see several sellers offering similar devices at varying prices.

How some marketplace purchases can go wrong

The other issue that has been brought up concerns the delivery of pre-activated devices to the customer, where a brand-new one was expected. In case the device is pre-activated, the warranty period on the device would have kicked in, thus limiting what the buyer will get from the warranty.

There have been instances where buyers have received refurbished products, opened boxes, replacements, and those without accessories, even after ordering a new device. These experiences may not necessarily be common among all sellers, but they justify the need to check the listing and details about the seller before purchasing any item.

The reason for doing so is due to the presence of many different sellers in a third-party marketplace, apart from authorised dealers of brands. Thus, checking beyond the price tag on the listing and looking at the seller's details will give insight into whether or not it is a branded listing.

Why seller verification matters before placing an order

The difference between the pricing of the product according to Apple and its price on the online marketplaces could render such discounted products even more appealing. But when one buys a device that turns out to be pre-activated, refurbished, or even opened at all, they may encounter additional problems once it has been bought.

A device that has been activated might have a smaller time left until the warranty expires. Moreover, sometimes it can become difficult to get warranty service for it, because of various difficulties and delays. Also, returning a product that does not live up to customer expectations may require some time, especially in cases when the issue about how it looked upon delivery arises.

It is important, therefore, to check the information of the seller before making a purchase. Sometimes, customer reviews may be very helpful in terms of learning about the previous buying experience of other consumers, including packaging, activation date, accessories, and the state of the product in general.

Simple checks that can help buyers stay safe

There are some preventive measures that the buyer can undertake before and after purchasing the product from an online marketplace. It could be a good idea to check if the seller is an authorised Apple dealer. Another preventive measure could be reviewing the product in recent reviews left by other buyers.

Once the product has been received, it will be good to check on its warranty status through its serial number. One can use the unboxing video of the product for any future conflict regarding the product's packaging or warranty status. In addition, one can review the product's packaging before installing it.

In addition, one should always be careful about attractive offers that are lower than the actual price of Apple's products. Competing prices are common during the sales period. However, if the offer looks too good to be true, it will be important to be cautious about the deal.

The re-pricing of Apple's products has led to many buyers turning to third-party retailers to purchase their Apple products. Nevertheless, spending a few extra minutes verifying the dealer and the product can guarantee the purchase to be a real bargain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are some Apple products more affordable on Amazon or Flipkart as compared to the official Apple site?

The sellers on the marketplaces could still have products listed at old prices after Apple changed their prices. There are multiple sellers in addition to the brand stores that sell the products.

2. What does pre-activated mean in Apple products?

It means that the products are activated before the buyer receives them. It means the warranty would start earlier than you expect.

3. How can I check if my Apple product is new?

Once you get your product, you should check whether it is under warranty by entering the serial number and analysing the condition of the packaging and accessories.

4. What should I look for before ordering an Apple product from an online marketplace?

The first thing is to look at the reputation of the store, including the rating, reviews, etc., especially the ones that mention packing, activation date, or accessories.

5. Should I do an unboxing video of my Apple product?

It is recommended as it will help if you want to make a claim regarding the conditions of the delivery or the lack of some accessories.