Do you sell third party chargers for consumer electronics on eBay? If so, and if you sell Apple chargers, there may be some trouble coming down the line.
Following the death last month of a Chinese lady who was electrocuted whilst making a call on her iPhone 5 while it was charging, Apple have announced a world wide charger buy back program.
They say that customer safety is a top priority at Apple so from the 16th of August, if you have concerns about any of your USB power adapters, you can drop them off at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider for disposal in an environmentally friendly way.
Until the 18th of October you can purchase a genuine Apple USB power adapter at a special price of $10 (about £6.50, Apple normally retail power adaptors at £15.00). To qualify, you must turn in at least one USB power adapter and bring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to an Apple Retail Store or participating Apple Authorized Service Provider for serial number validation.
Apple say that “Due to the complexity of testing required to detect an unsafe or counterfeit adapter, Apple Retail and Apple Authorized Service Providers cannot advise you on the authenticity or safety of your adapter”. However the chances are high that having offered replacement genuine power adaptors, Apple may decide to crack down on sales of third party products.
We’ve already heard from one frustrated seller last month who’s been prevented from selling iPhone parts on eBay by Apple. Make sure that any stock you have is fully tested, carry a genuine CE Mark and that it doesn’t infringe Apple’s IP, or you could be left at best with unsaleable stock and at worst dangerous power supplies for which you are liable.
One Response
Scary fact, 95% of the apple USB cables (lightning or 30 pin) on eBay clearly listed as “genuine” or “original” or both (INCLUDING from Top Rated Sellers) are actually fake 3rd party cables. We know because we have knocked our heads in trying to buy spares. The difference is not easy to spot without a genuine cable for comparison but quality and certainly safety wise there is a big gulf. This has been reported to eBay several times, but unfortunately these cables generate easy fees for eBay and most people do not notice therefore eBay do what they do best with the old blind eye.