Hi there.

I get a few private mails ("PMs"), emails and texts from time to time asking about ESN numbers for Telecom NZ 027 phones that people are looking at buying on trademe or privately, and want to make sure it is not stolen or lost etc.

Please PM me with the following:

The full esn number in 'hex' (8 letters and numbers) OR 'decimal' (11 numbers, no letters).
The URL of the auction you are interested in.
Your email address.

(having all of the above will increase your chances of a speedy reply - its quicker for me to email you, than to log into Geekzone, find your PM again, and hit reply.)

I can check and report on these phones in the same manner that the TNZ helpdesks would (but you dont have to stay on hold for me, just wait 24 hours and get an email back).

I provide no guarantees other than the info i provide is accurate at the time i collect it. Just because TNZ dont flag a phone as stolen, doesnt mean it isnt. "Let the buyer beware" and I take no responsibility for any problems (At all. Ever.)

Advice:
Dont buy an 027 phone if it seems too cheap - most 027 phones on TM fetch 'reasonable' prices. If they dont, its because the trader is new/suspect or the handset is of questionable quality/condition. - You can get a good deal on TM, but be sure the trader is trusted, and ask them if its in 100% full working order.

Dont buy an 027 phone from a 'new' trader. Its likely to be a bogus listing, with no product to back it up.

Do ask the trader for the 'ESN' number. Its common for legit traders to ask 'Why do you want the serial number?' - just explain you want to check with Telecom that its not stolen. If they wont respond - dont buy it.

There are some traders listing high end phones (7400s, 6255s, 5600s) for up to $150 less than RRP. These are most often legit if the trader has lots of good feedback already, They are just making very low margins on the handset, or onselling contract phones legitimately. This is generally okay, just remember that warranty service could be harder to get without a proof of purchase (POP), and a local dealer wont offer the same level of support for a phone they didnt sell. (seeing as they made exactly $zero selling you a phone).

If you are unsure about a potential purchase, feel free to ask in our forums (or reply to this post if it hasnt been auto-locked after a while)