Buyer protection

Aftermac stands behind every purchase made on the marketplace. This page summarises what you are covered for as a buyer, the inspection window you have on every order, and how to raise a dispute if something is wrong.

1. What's covered

Aftermac will refund the order in full when any of the following applies:

  • Not as described. The device's actual condition is materially worse than the grade and disclosures shown on the listing — for example, an A-graded device arrives with significant cosmetic damage, a faulty screen, or missing accessories that were promised.
  • Not delivered. The order was paid and the courier was unable to deliver the device within the agreed window, and the seller did not arrange a re-attempt or alternative delivery.
  • Counterfeit or stolen. The device fails authenticity checks (incorrect serial / IMEI / activation status) or is reported lost/stolen against Apple's GSX records.
  • DOA. The device does not power on or has a defect that prevents normal use within the inspection window.

2. Inspection window

Every delivered order enters a fixed inspection window during which you can confirm receipt or open a dispute. The remaining time on your window is shown on the order detail page in your buyer dashboard. If the window elapses without you confirming or disputing, the order auto-releases and the seller is paid.

We recommend testing the device thoroughly within the first 48 hours — power-on, battery health, display, speakers, cameras, ports, and Apple ID activation lock.

3. What's not covered

  • Buyer's remorse. "I changed my mind" is not covered. Decide before you commit; messaging the seller before submitting an offer is free.
  • Grade matches description. A device that arrives exactly as graded — including expected cosmetic wear for its grade — is not a dispute. Read the condition guide and the seller's photos carefully before purchase.
  • Damage caused after delivery. Any damage incurred after the courier has handed the device over is the buyer's responsibility.
  • Off-platform transactions. Any payment, communication, or shipping arranged outside Aftermac is not covered. Aftermac protection applies only to orders completed through the marketplace's checkout.

4. How to raise a dispute

Open the order detail page in your buyer dashboard and select Report an issue. You will be asked to:

  1. Choose the reason (one of the categories in §1).
  2. Upload photos / a short video showing the problem.
  3. Add a brief written description.

The seller has a fixed window to respond before Aftermac steps in. Most disputes resolve within a few business days. While a dispute is open the funds remain held — the seller is not paid until the matter is settled.

5. Refunds

Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method. Card refunds typically post within 5–10 business days depending on the issuing bank.

6. Authorised transactions only

To remain covered by Aftermac buyer protection, all communication, payment, and shipping must happen through the Aftermac platform. Sellers who attempt to take a transaction off-platform are violating our terms and forfeit their seller verification; buyers who go off-platform forfeit protection on that transaction.

If you have questions about a specific order, the fastest route is to use the support link on the order detail page. For general policy questions, see Contact.