EBAY: no service tag numbers?
Stephen J. Fromm
The thing I don't understand is that almost no sellers provide service tag numbers.
WHY?
TIA,
sjfromm
me (noah)
"Stephen J. Fromm" <stephe...@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:b4cc5e7c.02100...@posting.google.com...
S.Lewis
"Stephen J. Fromm" <stephe...@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:b4cc5e7c.02100...@posting.google.com...
E-mail them and ask for one. If you don't get a SUPER PROMPT reply, you
don't want to buy from them.
Reputable dealers *always* provide that information. Be especially careful
if the unit is a laptop, even verify with Dell that the service tag is valid
and that the unit is not stolen before you consider buying it.
I bought an XPS R desktop on ebay about a year ago. Seller was more than
willing to provide all information, and his responses were prompt.
Tread with care -
Stew
Curly
>>
>> The thing I don't understand is that almost no sellers provide service tag
>numbers.
>>
>> WHY?
Stay away from those sellers who are too lazy to take pictures of the actual
unit and have to steal pics from Dell or not answering your questions promptly.
Stephen J. Fromm
Thing of it is, they put all these tech specs up, but not the service
tag. You'd think that the effort involved in inserting fewer than 10
characters wouldn't be that much effort, given that all the other
stuff is probably a few kB. I don't have an exact count, but it looks
like 80-95% don't put up the s.t.
One guy did reply to my email. To my question, "Does it have a
service tag?" he replied, "Sure it does." Sigh.
OTOH, many who didn't respond had very positive Ebay ratings.
Best,
sjfromm
"S.Lewis" <stew...@mail.com> wrote in message news:<2Ujm9.17$OM4....@e3500-atl1.usenetserver.com>...
Austin Bike
the "bulk purchase" arena and are not provided with any service or warranty
that they even work. If a broker buys them and attempts to repair, they
could them sell them on eBay, but they would not have a tag.
No tag = beware.
S.Lewis
"Austin Bike" <pep...@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:xWrm9.53195$8o3.1...@twister.austin.rr.com...
While I can't factually say that this is incorrect, I can say that I know
that all of their machines <that I've seen> require and include service
tags.
These being present on a couple of stickers on the box exterior as well as
in the system BIOS and in what appear to be vestigal production/mfr files.
In any event, someone advertising a Dell system without fully revealing the
service tag is already worthy of suspicion.
Joan Hansen
Have you checked out Dell's refurbished systems. My last three were
refurbished, Dell treats them like a new system except you only have 14
days to return them instead of the new system 30 return. Mine were
clean looked brand new and I just love my 8200 P4 2.4.
Joan
Joshua Miller
have a Serial Number for insurance reasons. If they don't give you the
serial number, don't buy it.
"S.Lewis" <stew...@mail.com> wrote in message
news:5lsm9.2559$OM4.8...@e3500-atl1.usenetserver.com...
Stephen J. Fromm
> Reguardless of Service Tag #. Every computer is required by Federal Law to
> have a Serial Number for insurance reasons. If they don't give you the
> serial number, don't buy it.
Will the SN allow me to look at the tech specs for that particular
machine at Dell.com? Or are there other reasons for wanting it, e.g.
because if not it might be stolen property?
I found the auction strange: at the very end (last few minutes), two
parties bid the price up quite a bit. Now, that's a reasonable way to
approach the auction: don't waste time bidding until the last minute.
But I found it strange, because the winning bid was about 70% of the
price you could get the thing new from Dell (I checked). And the
winning party appeared to have sold lots of computers themselves.
So my conjecture (which I don't think likely but is possible) is that
there's a cabal of resellers which try to establish a price floor on
these computers, and who make sure no "nice" computer goes too
cheaply. That fits the fact that these "nice" Dells (e.g. P4, >=
1.8GHz) almost all go at >= 66% of retail, which I think is pretty
high.
*That* would be one reason they don't want to give out Service Tags or
S/Ns.
Best,
sjfromm
S.Lewis
"Stephen J. Fromm" <stephe...@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:b4cc5e7c.02100...@posting.google.com...
<snip>
Get the service tag number. Call Dell tech and you should be able to get a
history on the machine regarding ownership and any/all repairs if they
exist.
IMO, this thread is getting excessively complicated for a relatively simple
transaction.
I stand by my initial post. You are, however, welcome to do as you wish.
Stew
Stephen J. Fromm
[snip]
> In any event, someone advertising a Dell system without fully revealing the
> service tag is already worthy of suspicion.
That's certainly my thought on the matter.
I exchanged emails with one of these sellers, and he said that
revealing the service tag number would reveal private information and
warranty information, implying it would be some kind of security
breach (for whom? the previous owner? he didn't say). Is there any
merit to that argument, or is he full of beans?
Best,
sjfromm
S.Lewis
"Stephen J. Fromm" <stephe...@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:b4cc5e7c.02100...@posting.google.com...
Run away, and run away fast while holding your wallet.
This is complete bolderdash.
Find another seller.
<seriously>
Stew
Jupiter Jones
I would give you screenshots of Dells web pages showing my
configuration with identifiers edited out.
I do not want a whole bunch of people with my tag number and I assume
the buyer wants it as private as possible.
If the buyer seemed serious and he had a significant positive
feedback, I would consider giving the buyer the service tag.
I will keep the tag private both for me and the future owners benefit.
If I lose a potential buyer-oh well.
--
Jupiter Jones
Check the following link for some great problem solving newsgroups.
http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx
Please respond to newsgroup only. Everyone can benefit from the
message.
"Stephen J. Fromm" <stephe...@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:b4cc5e7c.02100...@posting.google.com...
BeeP
idea and move on. Alot stuff on ebay is mystery meat. Personally I
would feel more comfortable buying a computer that I could see and
touch the keyboard. Commodity type components are different story and
I would probably be ok with it.
Bob
"Stephen J. Fromm" <stephe...@verizon.net> wrote in message
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Stephen J. Fromm
> If I was selling, you would not get a service tag from me.
> I would give you screenshots of Dells web pages showing my
> configuration with identifiers edited out.
> I do not want a whole bunch of people with my tag number and I assume
> the buyer wants it as private as possible.
> If the buyer seemed serious and he had a significant positive
> feedback, I would consider giving the buyer the service tag.
> I will keep the tag private both for me and the future owners benefit.
> If I lose a potential buyer-oh well.
I'm not saying your position is unreasonable, but what is the nature
of the information that could lead to a security breach?
One seller I corresponded with said that some of the sellers are small
businesses, and they might receive info from Dell (like bargain info)
via the STN.
Thing is, based on the little I know, someone could have *my* STN and
it wouldn't make a bit of difference.
Do you have knowledge to the contrary? (That's an inquiry, not a
challenge.)
Best wishes,
sjfromm
Stephen J. Fromm
> Stephan,
>
> Have you checked out Dell's refurbished systems. My last three were
> refurbished, Dell treats them like a new system except you only have 14
> days to return them instead of the new system 30 return. Mine were
> clean looked brand new and I just love my 8200 P4 2.4.
Alas, though I find Dell the best of all the large PC makers (in terms
of reliability and price), I decided I couldn't stomach Michael Dell's
politics. So I'm not going to buy any more Dells (ie, from Dell or
Dell Financial Services; used is OK though). (Not assuming you agree
with *my* politics; but if you do, you might want to consider not
buying from him. E.g. search for "Dell, Michael" at
www.opensecrets.org.)
Best,
sjfromm
Tom Almy
> If I was selling, you would not get a service tag from me.
And why not? The Service Tag indicates what was on the system when shipped
(good to determine if a "new" system has non-Dell components), the ship date and
length of warranty. It is also possible to find out if the system is stolen, or has
had problems necessatating warranty work.
All valuable information to the buyer, and not revealing of any personal information
of the seller (such as sellers name or address, or even the purchase price).
You cannot obtain the invoice from the service tag.
Jupiter Jones
If they have the Tag#, they are one big step closer to abusing your
warranty.
I have no specific knowledge of any particular issues, but I want to
keep it that way.
If it is already a 2nd hand computer out of warranty, they can have it
if they want it.
Obviously as a buyer the more information you get, the better but I
would not rule out a buy for a Service Tag as fast as some might.
There are valid points for both sides, and I am not sure anyone is
100% right.
You just have to get the information you can, make your decision and
live with it.
E-bay has risks.
I put more credibility in a buyer/seller ratings than anything else
when I use E-bay.
After all, if his ratings are high, he is probably honest with his
listings.
--
Jupiter Jones
Check the following link for some great problem solving newsgroups.
http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx
Please respond to newsgroup only. Everyone can benefit from the
message.
"Stephen J. Fromm" <stephe...@verizon.net> wrote in message
Jupiter Jones
Read my response I just posted to Stephen.
Among other things, I place more weight in the seller/buyer ratings.
If the ratings are high, seller is less likely to lie on his listing.
If I am a thief, I would lie like crazy, I could use a Service tag I
saw a while ago on a computer in a business.
Now you have lots of information for a system I do not even own, you
get it for a good price, send me the money, I cash the check and maybe
send you something??
If I lie, I can lie about everything.
However I would have lousy or no ratings.
--
Jupiter Jones
Check the following link for some great problem solving newsgroups.
http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx
Please respond to newsgroup only. Everyone can benefit from the
message.
"Tom Almy" <tom...@aracnet.com> wrote in message
news:anfc6...@enews2.newsguy.com...
Tom Almy
> The buyer can get all that information from the seller.
> Read my response I just posted to Stephen.
> Among other things, I place more weight in the seller/buyer ratings.
> If the ratings are high, seller is less likely to lie on his listing.
> If I am a thief, I would lie like crazy, I could use a Service tag I
> saw a while ago on a computer in a business.
> Now you have lots of information for a system I do not even own, you
> get it for a good price, send me the money, I cash the check and maybe
> send you something??
> If I lie, I can lie about everything.
> However I would have lousy or no ratings.
All true. But every little bit of information helps. Personally, I wouldn't
buy unless everything reasonable was disclosed in advance (including the STN),
and even then I'd use an escrow service.
Knowing an STN isn't going let someone abuse the warranty since the caller must
also be registered with Dell. (Witness the problems legitimate owners of used
systems have when they can't contact the original owners about transfer of warranty.)
Hank Oredson
How could they "abuse your warranty"?
Which "they" could do this?
--
... Hank
Hank: http://horedson.home.att.net
W0RLI: http://w0rli.home.att.net
"Jupiter Jones" <jones_...@hotnomail.com> wrote in message
news:uXGm9.28079$qB3.1...@news0.telusplanet.net...
Hank Oredson
Certainly keeps you from buying anything branded "HP", "Compaq"
and pretty much all the other major brands, is it not so?
Stephen J. Fromm
[snip]
> > Alas, though I find Dell the best of all the large PC makers (in terms
> > of reliability and price), I decided I couldn't stomach Michael Dell's
> > politics. So I'm not going to buy any more Dells (ie, from Dell or
> > Dell Financial Services; used is OK though). (Not assuming you agree
> > with *my* politics; but if you do, you might want to consider not
> > buying from him. E.g. search for "Dell, Michael" at
> > www.opensecrets.org.)
>
>
> Certainly keeps you from buying anything branded "HP", "Compaq"
> and pretty much all the other major brands, is it not so?
It's true that my logic, taken to extremes, would result in one
boycotting practically all economic activity.
However, Dell is a personal friend of Bush and has himself personally
given $$ to Republican campaigns. (If memory serves, he gave
Hutchinson in Arkansas $1000 in this year's Senate campaign there.)
While many corporate CEOs are not leftists or liberals, Dell stands
out as a reactionary.
Best,
sjfromm
Hank Oredson
"Stephen J. Fromm" <stephe...@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:b4cc5e7c.02100...@posting.google.com...
Did you check the facts about execs at HP and Compaq?
Appears you have a bit of a problem with Dell, but no problem
with others? Why does the word "vendetta" come into my mind?
Mike Berger
that the service tag number is significant or useful.
Mike Berger
Joan Hansen
that much or more to each party or a representative. My goodness how
cheap can Mr. Dell get. I'm a registered Democrat, but I always vote
for who I feel is the best person, whether Democrat or Republican.
Joan
Stephen J. Fromm
> Oh my, Stephan he gave $500.00. :-)
Huh?
2002 election cycle---if you look at 2000 election cycle, you'll see
that he's probably not done giving for this cycle:
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMP./CEO 5/21/2002 $1,000 Carter, John Rice
DELL, MICHAEL MR
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION/CHAIRMAN 12/14/2001 $5,000
Dell Computer
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION 7/23/2001 $10,000 National
Republican Senatorial Cmte
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER/CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD 6/26/2002 $1,000
Edwards, Chet
DELL, MICHAEL S
ROUND ROCK, TX 78682 7/23/2001 $27,500 NRSC/Non-Federal
DELL, MICHAEL S MR
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORP. 12/31/2001 $5,000
NRCC/Non-Federal 2
DELL, MICHAEL S MR
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORP. 12/31/2001 $20,000
NRCC/Non-Federal 2
DELL, MICHAEL S MR
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION/CHAIRMAN 4/11/2002 $5,000
Dell Computer
2000 election cycle:
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 12/21/1999 $7,500 NRSC/Non-Federal
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 9/29/2000 $500 Majority Leader's Fund
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 11/6/2000 $1,000 Ashcroft, John
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 11/7/2000 $1,000 Grams, Rod
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER 3/20/2000 $1,000 Abraham, Spencer
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER 9/20/2000 $1,000 Frist, Bill
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER 11/7/2000 $500 Brady, Kevin
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORP 8/3/2000 $500 Tauzin, W J "Billy"
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORP 11/6/2000 $500 Oxley, Michael G
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION 5/15/2000 $500 Sessions,
Pete
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER/CHAIRMAN & CEO 11/6/2000 $1,000 Smith,
Lamar
DELL, MICHAEL
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTERS 11/6/2000 $500 Dunn, Jennifer
DELL, MICHAEL MRS
AUSTIN, TX 78746 9/29/2000 $500 Majority Leader's Fund
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER 6/12/2000 $1,000 Republican Majority
Fund
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER 11/6/2000 $500 Roth, William V Jr
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORP 10/18/2000 $1,000 Santorum, Rick
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORP 10/20/2000 $500 Granger, Kay
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORP 10/24/2000 $1,000 American Renewal
PAC
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORP 11/7/2000 $1,000 Bryant, Ed
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION 3/31/1999 $1,000 Bush,
George W
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION 7/27/2000 $50,000 RNC/Repub
National State Elections Cmte
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION 9/21/2000 $200,000
RNC/Repub National State Elections Cmte
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION 10/20/2000 $1,000
Hutchison, Kay Bailey
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION 11/8/2000 $1,000 New
Republican Majority Fund
DELL, MICHAEL S
AUSTIN, TX 78748 DELL COMPUTER 5/17/2000 $1,000 Americans for a
Republican Majority
DELL, MICHAEL S MR
AUSTIN, TX 78746 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION/CHIEF EXE 5/31/2000 $1,000
Bush, George W
> Most organizations end up giving
> that much or more to each party or a representative.
See above.
Best,
sjfromm
Stephen J. Fromm
> People who aren't familiar with Dell and their policies may not be aware
> that the service tag number is significant or useful.
True, but very doubtful that that's relevant here. The people I'm
talking about are Ebay power sellers and seem pretty steeped in the
computer reseller business.
Best,
sjfromm
Stephen J. Fromm
I'm not sure why it would, as I would never buy a Compaq/HP.
As to checking facts, I'm doing what most humans---who have limited
time and means at their disposal---do, namely "satisficing" (I think
Herbert Simon came up with the term). Here's my logic:
(1) Michael Dell (MD) founded Dell and most likely has a much larger
ownership stake than the execs at HP/Compaq. (Tried to find this info
on Yahoo!Finance, but couldn't.)
(2) Most corporate execs, while hardly flaming liberals, are not
reactionaries. Thus while not impossible that Dell isn't a standout,
it's very unlikely.
(3) Dell's politics have received relatively extensive press coverage.
That doesn't mean that he's more reactionary or even more activist
than the others, but again it leads to a high likelihood. (I'm quite
sure that his ties to Bush must be stronger.)
If you look at my original post, you'll note that I'm somewhat remiss
about the situation and my decision, because Dells are cheaper and
more reliable than the competition among large makers. You'll also
note that I haven't accused anyone with my political views who buys
Dells as a turncoat or whore (etc etc etc); rather, I'm airing a view
which I think is reasonable if not overwhelmingly convincing.
Best,
sjfromm
Tom Almy
> (1) Michael Dell (MD) founded Dell and most likely has a much larger
> ownership stake than the execs at HP/Compaq. (Tried to find this info
> on Yahoo!Finance, but couldn't.)
According to info at Forbes, he owns roughly 13%.
Stephen J. Fromm
Thanks for the info. It's about what I suspected.
Best,
sjfromm
Don Enderton
machine; serial numbers are.
Don Enderton
I doubt it indicates the length of warranty.
Tom Scales
expiration date.
Not sure where you go your information, but you're wrong.
Assuming you have a dell, go to support.dell.com and key in your service
tag. Click on warranty. You'll see.
Tom
"Don Enderton" <Ende...@nosuchaddress.duh> wrote in message
news:3DA7A10F...@nosuchaddress.duh...
Tom Almy
> Service tag numbers are not unique identifiers of one
> machine; serial numbers are.
and
Don Enderton wrote:
> I don't think the service tag indicates the shipping date.
> I doubt it indicates the length of warranty.
Yes they do. Sign up at premiersupport.dell.com to get access to this
information, which is indexed by service tag.
The service tag is also stored as a bios setting (apparently) because
the BIOS will report it back. It is as good as a serial number.
Don Enderton
tag. If you disable cookies in your browser, delete the
browser's history, and empty the cache, you won't even get
to that screen.
The Dr
some "social engineering". First hand experience, keep those numbers private
unless necessary. What information can be had is mind-boggling. (order
numbers, ship dates, warranty status; history, shipping and billing
addresses...)news:aoa0q...@enews1.newsguy.com...