Should You Hide Serial Numbers On eBay? – Complete Answer

Should You Hide Serial Numbers On eBay? Several eBay sellers have been stuck with the decision to reveal serial numbers of their items to buyers. Many buyers are currently in this dilemma, revealing your item’s serial number might sound like a good idea. Just before you decide to show it, read through this article to learn the dangers of showing your item’s serial number while listing.

In their bid to verify the authenticity of items they intend to purchase, some buyers like requesting for serial numbers of listings. While this sounds alright, it may not be entirely safe to reveal the serial number of your listing.

It is possible for unscrupulous sellers to search through the platform look for product serial numbers to copy. Wondering what they’ll probably use it for? We’ll reveal this later on this article, keep reading. Also learn How To Organize Ebay Inventory

What Is An Item Serial Number eBay?

An item serial number is a set of unique numbers (sometimes include letters) sequentially or incrementally assigned to an item. Serial numbers act as unique identifies for items.

The fact that its called a serial number doesn’t mean it has to be only numbers, it may consist of character string or typographical symbols.
One general fact about serial numbers is that they are unique for each product.

Functions Of A Serial Number

A product serial number help both the seller and buyer to identify the product and ensure it is the purchase item that was delivered.

In case of returned item, the seller will be sure that the correct and particular item was returned by confirming the serial number. In summary, a serial number helps in product version and warranty control. Also learn How To Sell Video Games On eBay

Showing Serial Number On eBay

It is considered best practice for anyone selling items that have serial numbers to reveal show them while listing.
Showing your product serial number gives an assurance to the buyer that the product is authentic.

The idea of showing a product serial number on eBay isn’t supposed to be scary. However, with the increasing activities of fraudulent person on marketplaces like eBay, it depends a little carefulness on the part of the sellers.

Should You Show Serial Numbers On eBay?

If you are listing an item that has a serial number, you should show the item’s serial number. The best way to do this is include a snapped picture of the product with the serial numbers visible.

This will help you if your buyer decides to return the item, you’ll be sure that buyer returned the right item. Without a serial number displayed, the buyer many return something with a different serial number, you’ll face a serious hurdle if you take the case to eBay.

eBay Buyer Asking For Serial Number

• To check the authenticity of the item. Some items, such as electronics and designer goods, are often counterfeited. Buyers may ask for the serial number to check the authenticity of the item with the manufacturer.
• To check the warranty status of the item. Some items, such as electronics and appliances, come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Buyers may ask for the serial number to check the warranty status of the item and make sure that it is still covered under warranty.
• To register the item with the manufacturer. Some items, such as electronics and appliances, need to be registered with the manufacturer in order to receive warranty coverage or other benefits. Buyers may ask for the serial number to register the item with the manufacturer.

If an eBay buyer asks you for the serial number of an item, it is generally safe to provide it. However, do not provide the serial number of any item that contains sensitive personal information, such as a computer or smartphone.

Also, do not provide the serial number of any item that you are not comfortable selling, and if you are unsure about whether or not to provide the serial number, you can always contact eBay support for assistance. Also learn How To Sell Vinyl Records On eBay

Should You Hide Serial Numbers On eBay?

It depends on your individual circumstances and risk tolerance as an eBay seller. If you are selling a high-value item or an item that is commonly stolen, you may want to consider hiding the serial number to protect yourself.

However, if you are concerned about any of the potential drawbacks, such as losing the trust of buyers or making it more difficult to resolve disputes, you may want to avoid hiding serial numbers altogether.

While it is recommended that you show serial numbers of items on eBay, phone serial numbers shouldn’t be revealed. If you are selling a phone on eBay, it is not advisable to reveal the serial number while listing or even send to a buyer.

According to a seller on eBay, it is possible for a buyer to use the serial number and lock the phone. Once the phone has been received, he or she will file a claim saying the phone isn’t usable. They will now return another item or return nothing.

How Should I Show Serial Number On eBay?

There are two main ways to show the serial number of an item on eBay:

1. Include it in the item description. This is the simplest way to show the serial number, and it is also the most visible to potential buyers. To do this, simply type the serial number into the item description box when you are creating your listing.
2. Include a photo of the serial number in the listing. This is a good option if the serial number is difficult to read or if you want to avoid potential copyright infringement issues (e.g., if the serial number is on a product label with a trademarked logo). To do this, take a clear photo of the serial number and upload it to your listing.

If you are selling an item that is frequently counterfeited, such as a designer handbag or a luxury watch, it is generally a good idea to include both the serial number and a photo of the serial number in your listing. This will help buyers to verify the authenticity of the item and will also deter scammers.

Should I Hide Serial Number?

Hiding your serial number may prevent the product from being deactivated remotely by the manufacturer even if it’s not among VeRo items. This happens if the manufacturer only want their products to be sold through their authorized resellers or them. This is according to what an affected seller reported.

Another reason you may want to hide your serial number is that some unscrupulous sellers like going through listings on eBay to create fake serial numbers for products that were marked ‘not for sold’ and to be destroyed after being used by companies for rigorous testings or damaged.

These fraudulent sellers copy these serial numbers from listings and use them to create fake serial numbers for these products, this is why several sellers hide their serial numbers.

What Is The Best Way To Hide My Serial Number On eBay?

If you feel it is unsafe to show your item’s serial number, simply show a part of the serial number, maybe the first few numbers. This may be very helpful if the product eventually gets returned. Although, this isn’t a guarantee that you’ll win a dispute, it might help you to know if the buyer returned the exact item you sent or a different one. Below are the various ways you can hide your product’s serial number on eBay:

There are a few ways to hide your serial number on eBay:

• Cover it with a piece of tape or paper. This is the simplest and most effective way to hide your serial number. Just make sure to use something that will not damage the product.
• Blur it out in photos. If you are taking photos of the product to post on eBay, you can blur out the serial number using a photo editing program.
• Use a watermark. You can create a watermark with your name or logo and place it over the serial number in your photos.
• Remove the serial number. If possible, you can remove the serial number from the product altogether. This is a more permanent solution, but it may not be possible for all products.

Sharing Serial Number On eBay

It is generally not recommended to share serial numbers on eBay. Serial numbers are unique identifiers that can be used to track ownership of products. If you share your serial number on eBay, it could be used by someone else to fraudulently return a product, or to file a false police report.

There are a few cases where it might be necessary to share your serial number with a potential buyer on eBay. For example, if you are selling a high-value item, such as a laptop or smartphone, the buyer may want to check the serial number to make sure that the product is not stolen. In this case, you can share your serial number with the buyer privately, through a secure messaging platform.

However, in most cases, it is best to avoid sharing your serial number on eBay. If a buyer needs to verify the authenticity of a product, they can ask you for other information, such as photos of the product from different angles, or a copy of the original receipt.

Is It Safe To Share iPhone Serial Number?

Truth be told, it is unsafe to share the serial number of your iPhone. However, no much damage can be done with just the serial number. The iPhone’s IMEI is needed before the warrant status, as well as the phone’s age can be checked.