Buying a "new" phone on eBay can be a great way to save money, but it requires a more cautious approach than buying from a traditional retailer. Since eBay is a marketplace, "new" can range from a sealed box from a reputable dealer to a "new-other" item from a private seller.
: While common for high-volume sellers, if a private seller only uses generic stock photos for a "new" item, ask for a photo of the actual sealed box.
: If a brand-new iPhone or Samsung is hundreds of dollars cheaper than the market rate, it may be a misrepresented listing or a scam.
: Carefully check if the item is listed as New (sealed and unopened) or New-Other (likely an open-box or floor model). True "New" items should come in original retail packaging with all original accessories.