Why would a seller in the UK only sell outside UK?

vicx

I'm looking at buying a mobile phone on eBay and found one reasonably priced but the listing stated for sale outside the UK only. The seller was based in the UK so I don't understand it? Does it sound dodgy?

I'm a bit wary when buying mobile phones on eBay espeically ones that are top of the market since the seller could make an insurance claim and then the phone would be blacklisted. I am searching high and low for this particular mobile from a seller with around 300+ 100% feedback.

scheming_gypsy

Because the IMEI locks don't work outside the UK. I 'think' it has to be shipped before the lock is activated, so if you nick a phone you can sell it to none UK buyers, send it out and there shouldn't be any comeback.

that's as far as i'm aware...

vicx

Learn something new every day

I've noticed a lot of phones advertised as not working in UK but will make/receive calls and texts outside UK. So these phones have been blocked due to being reported lost/stolen. Possibly for insurance claims. I don't know if it will be a good idea to buy a phone on eBay. I have in the past but there seems to be a lot of scammers lately.

terra_ferma

you learn something every day...
anyway legitimate reasons I've heard of, or come across are:
- trademark/copyright/distribution rights
- zone/plug/whatever doesn't work in the UK
- higher prices (although this would only apply if listing abroad, if this seller is listing in the UK and only selling abroad they are not the sharpest knife...)

Sounds like you got your answer already, but these may apply to other cases.