Hello All,
Apologies in advance for a necessarily long story but I think it has implications for unsuspecting customers. Hope people start checking goods very carefully!!
I bought a new 64GB TPT with Keyboard Folio from a reputed online seller in UK on 19 January, paid full price and for next day delivery.
Parcel arrived promptly the next day in a big black plastic bag with carton inside. So I signed for it and opened the big plastic bag. Inside I found a large Thinkpad Carton which was a bit banged up and there was some rattling inside. I was now worried but having signed for it, I opened the outer carton and found a smaller Thinkpad Tablet box inside it, which looked undamaged.
However, on closer inspection, it was clear that this was NOT a sealed box, that someone had opened it and re-taped with narrower tape. I was getting quite worried now that I had been sent a customer return rather than Brand New.
Anyway, I open the smaller Thinkpad box, find the tablet inside but guess what, the red security seal was broken. I didn't even need to open the seal, it was poorly stuck back. I take the tablet out and see smudges and dust on the screen and scratches on the back!!
I decided enough is enough and phoned the dealer who promptly sent me an email requesting a photograph. I sent that after several attempts and they acknowledged receipt and that they had requested replacement from supplier.
I took further steps to make sure that I don't get lumbered with a used item. I checked the serial number on the despatch note and the boxes and compared it to the serial number on the tablet inside the flap cover of the SD/SIM slot. They were the same. I cleaned the screen, there were no scratches.
I thought to have a look at the tablet working anyway while waiting for exchange. It powered on and went into the home screen straight away, further confirmation that whoever had handled it before hadn't bothered to factory reset. The battery showed 3/4 charge so I went to "Settings" to have a look.
Much to my surprise, the internal storage showed up around 28GB (I had purchased the 64GB tablet) which I couldn't understand. Then the tablet shut down and stayed dead (SOD) despite every effort to put life into it. I emailed the seller anyway but they are closed on the weekend. I knew by now that not only had I been sent a USED and scratched customer return but also a defective and lower spec tablet. Weird enough but it gets worse.
I left it on charge for >24 hours and tried again today. Thankfully the tablet started without a hiccup, went into the home screen and I went straight to "Settings" and "About Tablet" to confirm internal storage. It still showed about 27.4GB plus 540MB used space. No question that they sent me 32GB tablet.
I then discovered the worst thing I could expect. I went into status and checked the Serial Number of the System Unit as recorded IN the tablet firmware itself. Guess what, the serial number embedded in the tablet is TOTALLY DIFFERENT from that in the pull down flap cover of SD slot and that on the cartons!
Until this point, I had assumed that some sleeper in the warehouse had mistakenly sent me a customer return. Now I question that assumption.
The shocking thing in this whole scenario is that the Outer carton, Inner carton and Despatch note all state the same serial number and this matches with the small print label inside the pull down flap SD slot cover. But the embedded System Unit Serial Number is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!
I would not have known at all if I hadn't become suspicious from the outset. Even then it was the internal storage size that caught my attention and induced me to check system unit serial.
There is no doubt whatsoever that a replacement cannot be refused by the dealer, I phoned them and emailed photos on the day of receipt. Why should the embedded system unit serial be different from that on the SD flap cover which is after all, part of the tablet itself?
However, I would ask other forum members if I am mistaken in thinking that system serial number as seen in Settings>About tablet>Status should be the same as on the SD flap label and the boxes. If they are different as I have now found out, what is the implication?
If I am correct in thinking that the serial numbers everywhere should be the same, how come the sticky label on the SD flap cover is same as on the cartons. Indeed, according to despatch note and boxes, the serial number on them should be the 64GB machine. Not mine though!
I would appreciate comments and advice. Once again, sincere apologies for the long post and a couple of repetitions (long winded as usual!).
Kind regards
Sounds like a pretty terrible thing to have to deal with, hope you eventually get what you paid to receive.
The S/N on the flap matches the System-unit serial number under About Tablet on my tablet
Thanks for confirming that, mine is different
MrKwatz said:
Sounds like a pretty terrible thing to have to deal with, hope you eventually get what you paid to receive.
The S/N on the flap matches the System-unit serial number under About Tablet on my tablet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My serial number in Settings>About tablet>Status = MP06xxP
On the label inside the SD flap cover on tablet, despatch note, both outer and inner cartons, the serial number reads = MP04xxX
So does this mean that whoever despatched it did a dodgy swap of the SD cover flap on my unit to show a different serial number "to match the purchased unit"?
If so, is this a fraudulent alteration of serial numbers to deceive the customer?
I take a dim view of it if this is what has happened and wonder if I should bring it to Trading Standards Office's attention.
I still can't believe someone would go so far as to alter serial numbers but surely he would know that the correct serial number would be embedded in the About Tablet!!
I certainly will compare serial numbers on all electronic items in their displays whenever possible as it looks like someone has been dodgy in this case!
I just didn't expect it from a very well known dealer although they said on the phone that it was despatched direct from their supplier, who now has several questions to answer. It is illegal to alter serials just as it is to alter car plates.
Thanks for your confirmation.
Kind regards
Update
Hello All,
I phoned the dealer this morning and he said they have forwarded my emails to the supplier and it will take 5 days for them to respond.
I decided this was total dung and phoned HM Govt Trading Standards Office and they said that as the contract is between dealer and me, supplier is irrelevant and that I am entitled to refund forthwith from the dealer as they did not supply the goods that I ordered.
There may be an issue of misconduct as well somewhere in the chain as I cannot imagine the Settings>About tablet>Serial number being different from box, invoice and sticky label on SD flap unless someone actually changed the sticky label or even the SD flap!
Amazing. I am waiting to hear from the dealer and taken plenty of photos to show mismatch, scratches etc. I have asked for a refund as there is no way I will trust this dealer again even if the fault is the supplier's. The dealer should deal with the supplier rather than asking me to wait 5 days for them to pontificate.
Thanks for your patience. I strongly recommend that people check the product serial number in its OS or display before accepting it as genuine. You never know these days, despite this dealer having a good reputation this happened.
Best wishes!
I guess I'm "lucky" that I ordered mine straight from Lenovo Direct and waited 2 months for them to deliver (3 months - Keyboard Folio).
I wish you the best, I would have blown my top if I got scammed like that.
All I can say is wow. Hopefully you will get what you purchased or a full refund.
wow
TS
I am still waiting though!
twospirits said:
All I can say is wow. Hopefully you will get what you purchased or a full refund.
wow
TS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The dealer has not yet responded to my request for refund. I decided I didn't want a replacement from his dodgy supplier and I have advised my credit card company of the issues.
Out of interest, I searched the internet for serial number fiddling and it turns out that this is very common with Sony PS3. Apparently, scammers repackage cleaned and used PS3's AND alter their serial numbers to resell at new price!
All I can say is that this is the first time I have come across years of online purchases in the UK and it is probably a new innovation that only scam artists can think of.
Check serial number is my new motto!
Kind regards
KF
Related
i'm 10 days passed my newegg return, so i'm stuck dealing with asus
during the last week, my TF just became completely incapable of sleeping with SODing. did everything i can to try and fix it. Did an nvflash reformat (i believe that should fully reset my device, correct?). even unrooted and reverted to 3.0.1 rom, and still SODs persist.
[ bit of a side note: my TF didn't used to have this problem, and now, even with multitudes of software wipes, i'm still getting them....i'm starting to wonder if this is really a hardware problem ]
anywho, this is the first time i'm RMAing anything by mail, so i'm wondering which shipping method i should pick. i want to pay as little as possible, although i want the shipment insured. speed isn't a priority, although obviously, the faster the better.
better yet, has anyone able to get Asus to refund the shipping? This SOD thing is definitely ASUS's problem, and I feel ripped having to pay a single cent on having it fixed.
also, this is what i declared as the reason i'm RMAing. They said i have to put a letter the enumerates the problems with my TF. Can I add in my light bleed problem and a single bright pixel in the screen?
I might as well get everything done in one swoop.
thanks
I'm in almost the same boat as you. One stuck pixel, massive light bleeding. I just sent it in Thursday and they're going to receive it Monday from which the two week period begins.
1. I was also forced to pay the return shipping. Unfair is an understatement for a unit that was defective straight out of box.
2. They can't guarantee a replacement, only a "repair". Whether that means they butcher it by breaking the bezel using a putty knife and the whole thing creaks after they slap it back together is unknown.
3. I would just throw every issue you have on it to a letter. What they should have sent you is an e-mail which comes with an attachment file which is a checklist and it requires a signature and the RMA number. Simply fill it out (I put the TF101 16GB on the "Other" section of the checklist).
You'll need that checklist above, the issues sheet which you have to type up and a copy of the invoice to prove warranty is still in effect. Staple the three documents together so your gripes/issues sheet is on top and implicitly it becomes the first thing they are likely to read. Throw some red ink in there too, either from red font or circle some passages using a red pen to catch their attention for important areas to read. Just don't overdo it.
4. Finally, they told me to include all of the stuff it came with including box, manuals, charger cables, etcetera. I put it all in there and I made the asshole CSR confirm that if they "repair" it they will return these back to me and I stated this on the issues sheet as well. If they replace the unit I wanted the whole thing replaced and they could keep my packaging. If you don't send the box you may save on shipping costs but the instructions quite clearly state that they're required to protect the unit during shipping.
Based on Murphy's Law and the generally ****ty quality of their CSR's I am assuming the box will become lost in a black hole and I'll receive a unit with no packaging to complement the $417.00 I paid for what is essentially a refurbished unit.
The cheapest and fastest way to send it IMO is the medium Priority Mail flat rate box coupled with Delivery Confirmation and Domestic Insurance for $400.00. Don't insure it for a penny more or you're paying another $1.05 or so. Insurance is a must, if you don't they'll blame it on you if it gets lost. The total comes out to around $17.00 where I am counting the postage, DC and Insurance. The medium PM flat rate box is sized perfectly to fit the unit and allow you to put padding on all six sides and will run you about $10.75 and it generally takes three days to get there, counting the day you mail it and the day they receive it. Be careful if that third day lands on a weekend like Saturday, although USPS delivers apparently Asus Service Center isn't open on Saturday's so the package is held until Monday.
If you do send it, good luck. Do post your experience and the results. We'll be like blood brothers, we'll see whether we get shafted and which one of us gets it harder.
Thanks for the response. I actually put off sending it until tommorow and was thinking of ups...but I guess usps is a good choice as well.
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk
The e-mail I got from them clearly states that packaging should be included but I took another look and it says if it's not included you can just package it securely.
To do it by USPS you need to have the unit packed in the box it came in or just bring the unit itself if you're not sending the packaging. Go to a post office and ask for or find the medium Priority Mail flat rate box. It's the only box that's about the same in terms of dimensions as the Asus Transformer box it's just a little bigger. Put the Transformer in that box and put padding all around the inside, peel off the adhesive strips and close up the box.
You'll have to bring your own padding whether it's crumpled paper or packing peanuts because the post office doesn't give you any from my experience.
Once it's all sealed up using the adhesive strips on the box, write the destination and return address on the place the box tells you to. You might also be able to find a label you can write it on and then stick the label on.
Then find the bright green DC form, fill it out, detach the barcode sticker portion from the form and peel the backing to apply the barcode label to the box. Do the same for the insurance form which is blue (make sure the insurance form is the blue one that says Domestic Over $200.00). If you get the wrong one (the black one), it's not possible to insure for anything over $200.00. On the insurance form only fill out the bottom stuff, the rectangle boxes above are printed on by the computer at the cashier.
Now before you make you way to cashier, make sure you have:
1. The medium PM flat rate box sealed with the Transformer inside.
2. DC has been applied (bright green label) and you must have the other stub with the address information on it.
3. Likewise insurance must also be applied (blue label) and you must have the other stub with the address information on it.
4. Go up to the counter, hand them your package and the two colored stubs for DC and insurance.
5. They'll ask how much you want to insure for, obviously you tell them $400.00, they stamp the stubs, print the insurance information on to the blue one, take your money, give you your receipt and the two stubs back and you're on your way. Don't lose the receipt or either of the two stubs. The receipt will have the numbers from the DC and insurance stub but you don't want to lose those anyway in case something happens.
6. You can use the numbers on the bright green DC stub to check the status of your package on the USPS website.
If you can do UPS it's a little better because the insurance is already implied I believe (don't quote me on this, make sure). They also have real time tracking but IMO UPS takes longer and is a bit more expensive. Priority Mail is almost always three days with the first being when you drop off and the third being when they receive it. This is even if you're doing this from NY to CA.
finalhit said:
Thanks for the response. I actually put off sending it until tommorow and was thinking of ups...but I guess usps is a good choice as well.
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i sent my tablet using UPS from S. Cal to Texas using 3 day ground for 11 bucks. I just sent in the tablet with the box. I kept the charger and usb cable. Monday 20th will be a week now since they receive it. hopefully I will get it back at the end of this week. my tablet backlight die after one month.
wow, thanks for the very detailed response tubular. i never really shipped anything before (except returning a package to amazon, but amazon made the that process painless, wish asus did the same)
so UPS is always insured? so dazz's 11 bux is insured? i may very well go that route if that were the case.
still a bit bitter of having to pay for shipping, as i'm very much convinced that SOD is a product defect, not a user-caused one...but for 11 bux, i'll save myself the stress, and let this one go.
Call them and ask. From what I know packages are insured by default and yo have to put a claim if it gets lost. Usually they go through a lengthy process of attempting to find the package.
The only downside to UPS is it may take longer. Especially if Asus wants you to send to Fremont, CA and you're on east coast. If you're not going by a 3-day service and you do UPS Ground you're easily looking at five or six business days.
The pros are that it appears cheaper based on what the other poster said. In addition it's easier. It's one label that you put on the box. USPS requires all of that mess I put up above, putting the destination/return address, filling out DC form and applying that label, filling out insurance form and applying that label.
If you've never done it before you might be better off just doing it by UPS and having UPS help you with the package at a UPS center because USPS doesn't help you with ****. There's already a line there and if you wait until it's your turn and ask your question it's going to be a waste of time. There's literally glass windows separating you from them. UPS centers allow workers to walk around the counters and actually assist you.
From my experience postal workers are agitated, annoyed and rude. Definitely won't be fun if you make a mistake.
finalhit said:
so UPS is always insured? so dazz's 11 bux is insured? i may very well go that route if that were the case.
still a bit bitter of having to pay for shipping, as i'm very much convinced that SOD is a product defect, not a user-caused one...but for 11 bux, i'll save myself the stress, and let this one go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt get it insured when I sent mine in, too pissed off that it was coming out of my pocket for a defective product. Also, my TF missed the delivery date by one day and I got a refund of 6 bucks back... So I ended up spending 5 bucks...
nowhere did i read they wanted a copy of the invoice or warranty card or anyting of that nature to show if it's still in warranty....since these things have only been available a couple months, i can't imagine ANY TF101's being out of warranty yet. I just mailed in the unit (no cables, no manual, no nothing but the TF101), factory reset, in original box with the 2 pieces of paper they requested....they also said nothing about getting a repair/refurb in return.
i can't imagine they have the time to physically repair the various units that come in and get them back out in a timely manner....though i'll know quickly if i get my old one back, mine has a nice chip/flek where the copper used to be.....they also didn't mention anything about me paying return postage (unless you meant you paying the postage to send it and them paying the postage to send you the fixed one).
Fedex ground and it should be there on wed....not sure who you people are talking to to get so much information, my letter said to ONLY send the stuff you want replaced, not all the cables and stuff.
Oh, and sent it to a Suite 200, what kind of Suite has a white room and able to repair broken computers, i thought these were all manufactured in Taiwan, doubt they have the ability to repair them in Texas.
$14 for ground Fedex, really the only shipper i trust for expensive items.
Please do not to include any accessories, including but not limited to as they will not be returned / replaced. Customers will be responsible for shipping fee if they are requesting items to be returned
Shipped it ups. Its indeed 11 bux for ground...3 days from socal. First $100 is insured, $2 additional for each $100. Didn't want to risk 400 to save 6 so paid for that as well.
Also didn't want to send my box in (dunno why, feel a bit secure having the barcodes and stuff) so paid additional 5 for them to pack it.
Came out 23 and change...shiuld get there in 3 days
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk
Tubular said:
If you can do UPS it's a little better because the insurance is already implied I believe (don't quote me on this, make sure). They also have real time tracking but IMO UPS takes longer and is a bit more expensive. Priority Mail is almost always three days with the first being when you drop off and the third being when they receive it. This is even if you're doing this from NY to CA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh? I've sent a package to California with UPS and it was sent there by three days.
I trust UPS more than USPS. It's far much better and stable.
Not sure what you're talking about UPS taking longer.
What are the return times like? I'm up in Canada and I sent my TF in for a problem with the bezel and it's been at the RMA place for 3 weeks now! I'm getting a little frustrated because my RMA number isn't working on the tracking site, but when I call support up they say they can see the status of it and keep telling me I have to wait "just a bit longer".
I love the TF, but I'm getting very frustrated by ASUS's tech support. The tablet has now been in an RMA center longer than it's been with me
It took 2 weeks here. Picked up from the Netherlands, shipped to Czech Republic (1 day), speaker + accelerometer repaired (12 days), shipped back to NL (1 day).
Not sure what you're talking about UPS taking longer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPS Ground takes five days at the minimum to reach CA from NY. If you haven't used UPS Ground before you have no idea what you're talking about.
UPS 3-day gets from CA to NY in 3-days, that's why it's called 3-day. UPS Ground however, does not.
Oh and the Grapevine, TX facility does have a clean room. Look up the address for the Grapevine, TX facility and you'll find the "ASUS Service Center" is actually "Wistron Infocomm". You'll also find a news article about how the facility was renovated last year to have better air filtration and upgraded clean room standards overall. It makes me a bit more confident but reading forum posts from people who sent in laptops and motherboards to various Asus contractors shakes my confidence. Some have received either no repair or their items were purposely damaged so that Asus wouldn't have to foot the bill for the repair. It's this kind of shady bull**** that makes me fear the worst.
I sent in everything because not only was my unit defective, so was the charger. I don't know where you got that above passage Krighton but it's clear on the e-mail:
6.Ship your unit and all accessories (if applicable) in the original packaging to ensure safe handling while in transit. In the event that you do not have the original packaging, please pack your unit safely. By shipping your unit to an ASUS service center you agree that ASUS cannot be held responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of third party courier service.
7.Do not ship any additional devices or peripheral accessories that were not included with your unit. ASUS cannot be held responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items that were not included with the original unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bubble 7 means don't put irrelevant **** in the box like a game boy or something. Everything that came with the unit is fair game. I better get all of it back since these pricks insist on repairing instead of replacing.
"By shipping your unit to an ASUS service center you agree that ASUS cannot be held responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of third party courier service."
I believe this is both immoral and possibly illegal. The item(s) should be insured by Asus with the courier they use. If the courier is handling the goods on Asus behalf then they should be responsible for any damage incurred during shipping and claim the money back from their courier!
I'd challenge any sensible small claims court not to agree with my thinking on this. But I do not practice law so if anyone wishes to chime in please do.
Hi,
My dock is no longer charging (constant red light) and I called ASUS to get it repaced. They need my serial number but I do not have it because the sticker fell off (why the hell is it on a sticker anyway?).
Is there anyway to extract the seiral number from the dock through software? I don't have the warranty card either, I'm pretty sure it was thrown away.
I contacted newegg to see if they keep a record of the serial number but I don't think it will lead to anything.
thanks.
I don't know of a way to get the serial number outside of looking at the sticker, but thanks for the reminder to write it down somewhere. Hopefully Asus will take care of you without the serial number...
If you still have the packaging, it's on the bottom of the box. The serial number shown in software for the tablet itself is totally different to that on the sticker / box, so I doubt that even if there's a serial number for the dock in software, that it'd be correct or of any use.
The serial number is also on the box.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Or on the first page of your warranty-booklet. S/N from the tablet and the dock seems to be de same, if you bought a bundle.
don't have the box either. i purchase it over a month ago.
If you have your receipt, that is all you should need. They should say thank you and appreciate that you send it in.
I just looked at the dock I bought today... NO SERIAL NUMBER ON THE CHASSIS. Part of a serial number is the ability to recover the device if it's stolen. How the hell can law enforcement derive a serial number for... say a reclamation from theft? ASUS should instruct you on how to retrieve the serial number off the hardware. If they can't do that, they should accept what you have, without any question.
FYI: My RMA instructions from Asus state that the S/N has to be on the actual product shipped to them as well. They also state that the warranty is void if the S/N is missing.
syntrix said:
If you have your receipt, that is all you should need. They should say thank you and appreciate that you send it in.
I just looked at the dock I bought today... NO SERIAL NUMBER ON THE CHASSIS. Part of a serial number is the ability to recover the device if it's stolen. How the hell can law enforcement derive a serial number for... say a reclamation from theft? ASUS should instruct you on how to retrieve the serial number off the hardware. If they can't do that, they should accept what you have, without any question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, i have my receipt. I'm hoping that newegg can send the s/n to me.
Its really stupid that the number isnt printed anywhere on the product. I asked the rep how they would verify that the serial number matched my product and they said that they had ways to do that, but wouldnt tell me what they were.
jschmier said:
FYI: My RMA instructions from Asus state that the S/N has to be on the actual product shipped to them as well. They also state that the warranty is void if the S/N is missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly doubt that will be enforced, but if they attempt to, a quick mention that you'll be speaking to your state attorney general's office would be enough to put things back on track.
knoxploration said:
I highly doubt that will be enforced, but if they attempt to, a quick mention that you'll be speaking to your state attorney general's office would be enough to put things back on track.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worth a shot, I'd even type up the letter. However, do you really think the customer service rep really understands what the SAG is, and how they work?
edit: the product hasn't even been out long enough to be OUT OF WARRANTY. What kind of madness is this from asus?
jschmier said:
FYI: My RMA instructions from Asus state that the S/N has to be on the actual product shipped to them as well. They also state that the warranty is void if the S/N is missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was a canned response email, so I would hope that Asus is willing to work with you regardless.
Newegg should have it. That's how they make sure you don't box up another unit and send it back to them. They even state that all items sent back will be matched to what was sent to you to make sure you haven't "accidentally" sent back an incorrect item.
I know for a fact that TigerDirect stores them and also lists them on the invoice.
I don't know about the dock but last time I checked the unit the serial number was on a non-recessed portion and I can see that rubbing off if someone handles it slightly roughly. I don't understand how they can fault you for that if they haven't put it on a rectangular recess like most manufacturers do.
The INK on the sticker of both my dock and my tablet is slowly starting to fade. The stickers themselves are fine, just the ink >.>
I imagine within a few more months the serial numbers will no longer be legible.
The serial number stored in the firmware is not the sn on the sticker. I know asus probably wants the sn for statistical purposes and a way to keep record of the RMA process. It is still partly your fault for throwing away the packaging. I keep the packaging for everything I buy until it is out of warranty
Sent from my Transformer TF101
frosty5689 said:
The serial number stored in the firmware is not the sn on the sticker. I know asus probably wants the sn for statistical purposes and a way to keep record of the RMA process. It is still partly your fault for throwing away the packaging. I keep the packaging for everything I buy until it is out of warranty
Sent from my Transformer TF101
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I did that I'd have a garage full of boxes. I usually only keep it a few days and make sure the product works well, if it doesn't, I return it to the store, as they are the only ones that require the original packaging.
Anyways, Newegg gave me the s/n, hopefully ASUS will process the RMA even though there are no stickers on the unit.
thenameisgabe said:
If I did that I'd have a garage full of boxes. I usually only keep it a few days and make sure the product works well, if it doesn't, I return it to the store, as they are the only ones that require the original packaging.
Anyways, Newegg gave me the s/n, hopefully ASUS will process the RMA even though there are no stickers on the unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Suggestion for the future: cut the serial number label off the packaging and keep it. Even if you do this for every device you own, you can easily store them all in a box. Perhaps even in the box the Transformer itself shipped in. ;-)
So, i just received my 7.7 Galaxy Tab today. I purchased it off of E-Bay. The item description was "brand new". However, when it arrived, the little Samsung sticker on the box was already broken (FedEx guy was already gone when I opened it). I pulled it out, all the plastic wrap on the device is there and appears to have never been removed. When i turned it on, it was already set to english, so i did not have to do anything (i.e. i did not get the android quick start screen)
Just wondering if anyone knows what i should look for to see if there is something wrong, if it was already registered or anything else.
Try to ask the seller on why the seal was already broken, carefully check of any scuff marks or signs of usage.. if it all looks and even smells pristine then you should have nothing to worry about.
Sometimes the seller will turn on to make sure it works. I'll bet this is the case. You probably have a brand new one. Enjoy.
I did the smell test, have looked it over carefully and did not notice any signs of use. I e-mailed the seller to see why, but I think all appears to be ok.
TBarb169 said:
I did the smell test, have looked it over carefully and did not notice any signs of use. I e-mailed the seller to see why, but I think all appears to be ok.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really love doing the smell test on new devices! ( not kidding )
Maybe he just wanted to check it out and see if he shipped a fully working device. A lot of local samsung retailers in my place also break the seal the boxes especially if the first few batches of shipment, they test for basic functionality and check if everything is in place.
Did you buy an unlocked P6800? I don't know if all of these come factory unlocked of if the seller does it.
At any rate, there were a ton of defective 10.1s from the first shipment so maybe the seller had bad memories of that and wanted to be sure the units he's moving work.
No, it is the P6810 wifi only.
Hello everyone
I do have Samsung Galaxy Note N7000
And i was wondering how to tell if my galaxy note is refurbished or factory made
because i keep notice that my phone keep freeze a lot plus the Google maps and GPS totally kill the phone and so slow to use so please tell me if that normal thing to happen too or not ,
It might be the firmware.
Try Flashing XXLA6 Stock.
AFAIK, There is no way to tell whether a unit is brand new or Refurbished.
Dont know if this applys to notes. But for my galaxy s the different of a retail and a refurbished( the replacement phone samsung gave me) was the sticker on the back of the.phone showing serial imei and such. The retail onw is nice and good quality with samsung logo and made location. The refurb one is just one cheap sticker with some barcode and number
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
JazonX said:
It might be the firmware.
Try Flashing XXLA6 Stock.
AFAIK, There is no way to tell whether a unit is brand new or Refurbished.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means i shud flash my phone to European version ?
Is that ROM is the fastest ?
tg9413 said:
Dont know if this applys to notes. But for my galaxy s the different of a retail and a refurbished( the replacement phone samsung gave me) was the sticker on the back of the.phone showing serial imei and such. The retail onw is nice and good quality with samsung logo and made location. The refurb one is just one cheap sticker with some barcode and number
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant tell if my material good or not on the phone because i havent used any galaxy note's before except mine
So i was thinking that some guys says go to RTN number but idk how to do that
because they say i shud dial up some code which never work for me
any idea about that code ?
From where did you get it ?
Do not flash XXLA6
wipe your device and flash the latest Emirates rom (arabic rom)
it is fast and stable.
The ICS will be released soon.
M.Noury said:
From where did you get it ?
Do not flash XXLA6
wipe your device and flash the latest Emirates rom (arabic rom)
it is fast and stable.
The ICS will be released soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it from a guy who sells them on big hardware site in egypt
And i already have the emirates version on my phone
Just the thing is , how to tell if my phone is refurbished or not , whats the steps to know ?
there is no physical evidence new / user or phone from shop returns ...
i have your same version of the note, and it does the same with freezing, a friend has the same note but with v2.3.6 not 2.3.5 and it works a lot better.
so try updating to 2.3.6 (assuming that your device has no warranty) or wait for the ICS
Never ignore gut feelings!
I should have trusted my gut when I received my "NEW" SGN (N7000) -- a purchase I made on Amazon from a seller named "Goodios" -- when it arrived in a box with a broken factory seal. There was a sticker over the original seal but upon closer inspection it was obvious that the original factory seal had been broken. Unfortunately for me, due to the seller's high feedback rating I unconsciously began making excuses for them from the get go. I assumed they opened the box merely to add an aftermarket US power adapter despite common sense screaming out the fact that there would have been no practical reason to do such a thing. Any additional accessories could have simply been dropped into the shipping box -- there was after all plenty of room.
The last and biggest clue which would finally convince me that this was in fact NOT a new unit as described by the seller was the missing sticker that should have been covering the screw at the top left corner of the battery well. Removal of this sticker voids the factory warranty, and the fact that it was missing on mine told me that my unit was likely refurbished.
Unfortunately again for me I didn't figure out that last clue until after the 30-day window in which I could have returned the phone. I'm kicking myself now because that's something I would have otherwise thought to check had my suspicions not be quelled by the seller's feedback rating. A high positive feedback ratio often signifies an honorable seller, but it can also signify a crooked seller with ignorant customers like me. Another expensive lesson learned (sigh).
AjaxTheCleaner said:
I should have trusted my gut when I received my "NEW" SGN (N7000) -- a purchase I made on Amazon from a seller named "Goodios" -- when it arrived in a box with a broken factory seal. There was a sticker over the original seal but upon closer inspection it was obvious that the original factory seal had been broken. Unfortunately for me, due to the seller's high feedback rating I unconsciously began making excuses for them from the get go. I assumed they opened the box merely to add an aftermarket US power adapter despite common sense screaming out the fact that there would have been no practical reason to do such a thing. Any additional accessories could have simply been dropped into the shipping box -- there was after all plenty of room.
The last and biggest clue which would finally convince me that this was in fact NOT a new unit as described by the seller was the missing sticker that should have been covering the screw at the top left corner of the battery well. Removal of this sticker voids the factory warranty, and the fact that it was missing on mine told me that my unit was likely refurbished.
Unfortunately again for me I didn't figure out that last clue until after the 30-day window in which I could have returned the phone. I'm kicking myself now because that's something I would have otherwise thought to check had my suspicions not be quelled by the seller's feedback rating. A high positive feedback ratio often signifies an honorable seller, but it can also signify a crooked seller with ignorant customers like me. Another expensive lesson learned (sigh).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats really annoying when you can find people like these all over the internet trying to steal you with all ways possible . Sorry to hear that you fell in such a trap man .
Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note N7000 Using XDA Premium
AjaxTheCleaner said:
I should have trusted my gut when I received my "NEW" SGN (N7000) -- a purchase I made on Amazon from a seller named "Goodios" -- when it arrived in a box with a broken factory seal. There was a sticker over the original seal but upon closer inspection it was obvious that the original factory seal had been broken. Unfortunately for me, due to the seller's high feedback rating I unconsciously began making excuses for them from the get go. I assumed they opened the box merely to add an aftermarket US power adapter despite common sense screaming out the fact that there would have been no practical reason to do such a thing. Any additional accessories could have simply been dropped into the shipping box -- there was after all plenty of room.
The last and biggest clue which would finally convince me that this was in fact NOT a new unit as described by the seller was the missing sticker that should have been covering the screw at the top left corner of the battery well. Removal of this sticker voids the factory warranty, and the fact that it was missing on mine told me that my unit was likely refurbished.
Unfortunately again for me I didn't figure out that last clue until after the 30-day window in which I could have returned the phone. I'm kicking myself now because that's something I would have otherwise thought to check had my suspicions not be quelled by the seller's feedback rating. A high positive feedback ratio often signifies an honorable seller, but it can also signify a crooked seller with ignorant customers like me. Another expensive lesson learned (sigh).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I prefer to go out n buy stuff myself rather than ordering it from eBay or Amazon..if u yourself would have gone out to a Samsung store or any other store u wouldn't have gone through this..
Sent from my Galaxy Note with Blazing CM9
AjaxTheCleaner said:
I should have trusted my gut when I received my "NEW" SGN (N7000) -- a purchase I made on Amazon from a seller named "Goodios" -- when it arrived in a box with a broken factory seal. There was a sticker over the original seal but upon closer inspection it was obvious that the original factory seal had been broken. Unfortunately for me, due to the seller's high feedback rating I unconsciously began making excuses for them from the get go. I assumed they opened the box merely to add an aftermarket US power adapter despite common sense screaming out the fact that there would have been no practical reason to do such a thing. Any additi]onal accessories could have simply been dropped into the shipping box -- there was after all plenty of room.
The last and biggest clue which would finally convince me that this was in fact NOT a new unit as described by the seller was the missing sticker that should have been covering the screw at the top left corner of the battery well. Removal of this sticker voids the factory warranty, and the fact that it was missing on mine told me that my unit was likely refurbished.
Unfortunately again for me I didn't figure out that last clue until after the 30-day window in which I could have returned the phone. I'm kicking myself now because that's something I would have otherwise thought to check had my suspicions not be quelled by the seller's feedback rating. A high positive feedback ratio often signifies an honorable seller, but it can also signify a crooked seller with ignorant customers like me. Another expensive lesson learned (sigh).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please post a picture of a note with or without the sticker? I've looked everywhere but i can't find a picture. I fear i am like you and am missing the sticker but am still within the time period to return my note
AjaxTheCleaner said:
I should have trusted my gut when I received my "NEW" SGN (N7000) -- a purchase I made on Amazon from a seller named "Goodios" -- when it arrived in a box with a broken factory seal. There was a sticker over the original seal but upon closer inspection it was obvious that the original factory seal had been broken. Unfortunately for me, due to the seller's high feedback rating I unconsciously began making excuses for them from the get go. I assumed they opened the box merely to add an aftermarket US power adapter despite common sense screaming out the fact that there would have been no practical reason to do such a thing. Any additional accessories could have simply been dropped into the shipping box -- there was after all plenty of room.
The last and biggest clue which would finally convince me that this was in fact NOT a new unit as described by the seller was the missing sticker that should have been covering the screw at the top left corner of the battery well. Removal of this sticker voids the factory warranty, and the fact that it was missing on mine told me that my unit was likely refurbished.
Unfortunately again for me I didn't figure out that last clue until after the 30-day window in which I could have returned the phone. I'm kicking myself now because that's something I would have otherwise thought to check had my suspicions not be quelled by the seller's feedback rating. A high positive feedback ratio often signifies an honorable seller, but it can also signify a crooked seller with ignorant customers like me. Another expensive lesson learned (sigh).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it was fulfilled by Amazon then you might have hope. Let them know what you discovered and then tell them the item was not as described and that you demand a full refund. Amazon customer service phone number 1-866-216-1072
---------- Post added at 01:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:52 AM ----------
Techimplant said:
This is why I prefer to go out n buy stuff myself rather than ordering it from eBay or Amazon..if u yourself would have gone out to a Samsung store or any other store u wouldn't have gone through this..
Sent from my Galaxy Note with Blazing CM9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point but hard to find a "brick and mortar" store in the USA that sells this international unlocked phone therefore Amazon and ebay. I didn't even know Samsung had their own stores. If they have them in the USA it must be major cities like NYC, Chicago, LA, etc.
I have an opportunity to buy a Nexus4 16gb locally on craigslist for $400 which is the same price as my Google order that won't come in for another 5 weeks. The seller appears to be legit after getting his name and googling his name. The phone is in the original box with the Google seal stickers on untouched. I asked if I could open and put my SIM card to make a test call but, he stated no since it would devalue the phone if I decided not to buy, which I understood. I asked for his receipt but, he said all I needed for warranty issues was the imei number on the phone.
Please point out anything else I need to be looking/asking for as I will be picking it up tomorrow at 7pm cst based on feedback from all the awesome members in this forum.
Tia,
Ian B
Mr Ian B said:
I have an opportunity to buy a Nexus4 16gb locally on craigslist for $400 which is the same price as my Google order that won't come in for another 5 weeks. The seller appears to be legit after getting his name and googling his name. The phone is in the original box with the Google seal stickers on untouched. I asked if I could open and put my SIM card to make a test call but, he stated no since it would devalue the phone if I decided not to buy, which I understood. I asked for his receipt but, he said all I needed for warranty issues was the imei number on the phone.
Please point out anything else I need to be looking/asking for as I will be picking it up tomorrow at 7pm cst based on feedback from all the awesome members in this forum.
Tia,
Ian B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Great price, but I would be suspicious on his reasoning on selling it for $400, not much profit to gain (if at all).
2. Googling his name? What does this have to do with anything? Does he own a company or something? This part makes no sense to me.
3. Google seal stickers... very easy to reseal it with black tape.
4. There wouldn't be any devaluing if you were to test the device with a SIM card. This is bs IMO. The only devalue would be if it was truly sealed and then which I can believe him.
5. I'm not sure about the receipt and warranty but depending on when he bought it. Google Play gives you 12 days for a RMA with them before you take it to the manufacturer. I would take the receipt though, as he can easily just report the IMEI and then you get screwed in the end or something.
zephiK said:
1. Great price, but I would be suspicious on his reasoning on selling it for $400, not much profit to gain (if at all). Not sure on this but he had a 8gb that was also selling for $380. Sounds like buyers remorse or needs money now since they have been listed in craigslist for almost a month.
2. Googling his name? What does this have to do with anything? Does he own a company or something? This part makes no sense to me. He is a starter company advisor locally and well known locally.
3. Google seal stickers... very easy to reseal it with black tape. I will have to inspect case and stickers when I go to buy it. If looks suspicious, will pass.
4. There wouldn't be any devaluing if you were to test the device with a SIM card. This is bs IMO. The only devalue would be if it was truly sealed and then which I can believe him. That is what he told me, the phone box is sealed and unopened. Will inspect before buying.
5. I'm not sure about the receipt and warranty but depending on when he bought it. Google Play gives you 12 days for a RMA with them before you take it to the manufacturer. I would take the receipt though, as he can easily just report the IMEI and then you get screwed in the end or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
. Will ask for receipt for your reason mentioned.
See my answers above. Thanks for your input.
You can make a deal like, Open it and I will test a call and if works I take it otherwise wont. So opening it and not taking it is not an option
Yeah if he won't let you test it **** it. You can't find the phone anywhere opening the box will hardly devalue it at all, if even. Also you should try and get the receipt because AFAIK you need more than just an IMEI for the warranty.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I would not even consider buying it if you cannot test the phone. The phone might not even be in there for all you know.
THANKS to everyone who responded to my inquiry. Got back a little while ago with the new Nexus4. It is Beauty and the Beast. Already put the case on it and now downloading my apps. The seller was on the up and up, was able to test by making a call, go over the entire phone specially the front and back glass.
Now I get to sit and play with the new toy this weekend. Got to cancel my Dec 8th order and help someone else get theirs quicker.
Ian B
Mr Ian B said:
THANKS to everyone who responded to my inquiry. Got back a little while ago with the new Nexus4. It is Beauty and the Beast. Already put the case on it and now downloading my apps. The seller was on the up and up, was able to test by making a call, go over the entire phone specially the front and back glass.
Now I get to sit and play with the new toy this weekend. Got to cancel my Dec 8th order and help someone else get theirs quicker.
Ian B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats. Glad it all worked out and nothing suspicious happened. Happy to hear that the seller changed his mind and let you test it.
I would research the S/N from the box with Google to see if it is stolen. Also if you buy it be sure to get a receipt from the seller to show you bought it and how much you paid.
I bought one from kijjiji $550.00 BNIB 16 Gb Didn't even put a sim in. Broke the seal looked at it that's it.. But I also got a receipt First thing called google had the warranty changed into my name they checked the imei and it was legit :good:
I suggest you get a receipt it has his name on it..
BTW he ordered nov 27 got it on the 29 I bought it dec 16..
Only problem is that only the original buyer can return the device to Google for an exchange if a problem occurs. And they do keep track of who bought them so without the original receipt your only option for the warranty is through LG. What LG does is have you send the phone back to them for repairs which can take a couple weeks and in teh meantime you have no phone. This has been discussed a number of times in several threads already as a few unlucky craigslist buyers found out when they wanted to do an exchange for a defective device.
kzoodroid said:
Only problem is that only the original buyer can return the device to Google for an exchange if a problem occurs. And they do keep track of who bought them so without the original receipt your only option for the warranty is through LG. What LG does is have you send the phone back to them for repairs which can take a couple weeks and in teh meantime you have no phone. This has been discussed a number of times in several threads already as a few unlucky craigslist buyers found out when they wanted to do an exchange for a defective device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, I have his original receipt and google all is well with the imei and receipt for any warranty issues. Love this Beauty and the Beast phone.
Ian B