AppleCare On eBay

[TennsDog]

First of all, I apologize if this isn't the right place for this. I just didn't really see a great place to post it.

I recently discovered for myself that it's possible to purchase AppleCare through eBay for significantly lower prices (about $60 in my case). I was just wondering what some other experiences are with it. From the few posts I've seen so far, it looks like it's a perfectly legitimate maneuver to protect your Mac and save some money at the same time. I just wanted to make sure that it is effectively identical to buying through Apple and see if there was anything to be aware of when doing this.

Also, one listing I'm looking at says that it's best to wait until your built-in AppleCare warranty is almost up because the extended plan starts from when you activate it, meaning if you activate a 3 year plan a year after you buy the Mac (just before the one year, actually), then you would effectively have a full 4 years of full coverage warranty (rather than 3 if you bought them at the same time). Is this also the case?

Thanks.

 

[Jaygray]

It's perfectly legit. Just buy from a seller with good feedback on other Applecare packages and you should be fine. They will email you the registration code. You go on the Apple site and enter it in and Apple emails your proof of registration.

As far as the duration of the plan, I believe it's 3 years from the date of the original Mac purchase, regardless of when the Applecare is registered. However, I would wait a year (or until you need it) before buying. What if your Mac is stolen 9 months after you bought it? You would have paid for Applecare on an item that you no longer possess.

But don't let it go one day past the first year before registering. I have a friend who missed out on buying Applecare by one day and Apple would not allow him to add it.

 

[chscag]

Apple Care extends your original coverage an additional two years. The total warranty period including Apple Care is three years. If you're going to buy Apple Care, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later.

Telephone support for your Mac is 90 days, however, if you have Apple Care you can call Apple support anytime during the three year coverage period. If that's important to you - buy it now.

Regards.