Channels compared
Dubizzle / Facebook — cheapest but high risk. Verify in person, never wire money.
General electronics shops — risk of grey-market or refurbished labelled "used".
Specialist resellers like MacUAE — IMEI verified, ASD tested, 90-day warranty.
Red flags
- No serial number shared before payment
- "Activation lock" still on
- Battery cycle count refused
- Asking for full payment before viewing
Buy safely
Verify on checkcoverage.apple.com, demand 7+ day return, get a written warranty.