Ebay adds Apple-certified refurb section to its website
updated 07:00 pm EST, Mon November 19, 2012
Currently features iPad, MacBook and iPod products
EBay has launched a new section on its website offering Apple-certified refurbished Mac, iPad and iPod products. The refurbished products available carry the same one-year warranty as refurbished sales directly from Apple. All products are returned to a like-new condition, including a new battery for iOS products. In addition, the original OS is reinstalled and the unit receives complete "burn in" testing.
Although the refurbished products are repackaged with all manuals and cables, the company notes that "final quality inspection" is provided by Apple, suggesting that eBay uses a third-party for the refurbishment process. Still, the quality of the refurbished products should be identical to those purchased directly from Apple's own refurb store.
Currently the eBay refurbished store carries a selection of iPads, iPod touch models, MacBook Airs, and MacBook Pros. The refurbished section is separate from, and not to be confused with, eBay's stock-in-trade auctions and sales from private sellers.
Currently, eBay's refurbished store has 22 different product offers, including third-generation white 64 GB iPads selling for $150 less than retail ($679). Previous-generation MacBook Pros are offered at $200 off the retail price for the 13-inch size, $300 off the 15-inch size, and $400 off for the quad-core, Intel core i7 17-inch MacBook Pro. A pair of 4th-generation iPod touch models are being offered at $70 to $100 off, while last-gen 13-inch MacBook Airs can be found for between $190 and $240 off their normal price.
