Buying a Used Garmin inReach or other GPS Device
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General public service announcement here: I got duped a couple of weeks ago attempting to buy a used Garmin inReach Mini. Here are my learnings for other folks looking to try and save costs by purchasing devices that are out there in the world being neglected. Each Garmin device has an number associated with it that is unique to that individual unit called the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. If you have an opportunity to check out the device in person (or at least acquire and verify the legitimacy of the IMEI number from the seller), you can factory reset it (do some Googling here), and find the IMEI number upon rebooting the device. From here you should either: A. call Garmin and see if the device is still associated to another users account, or B. try to activate the device on your account at explore.garmin.com. If the device is still attached to someone else's account, it will either be "locked" (really bad, the device is VERY likely stolen) or "suspended" (may just need to be removed from the previous owners account, but could still be a lost or stolen device). Hoping others will learn from my mistake. In my circumstance, I was ultimately able to track down and verify the original owner and return it to them. |
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So is it still possible to sell these used? If you're still in need and want to roll the dice again (lol, jk) I have an Explorer+ I never use and probably should sell. I can provide you the IMEI number. |
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Good info, thanks! There's an equivalent process for 406 MHz based PLB devices as well, https://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/ will get you started. |
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Be careful buying used PLBs, their batteries are lithium primary cells which have a finite rated lifetime and a (approved) battery replacement usually costs 75% or more of a new unit. Most units will have a sticker on the back with a "best by" date (based on an assumed number of test-activations-per-year). |
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J B wrote: Yes, it is. The seller just needs to follow Garmin's instructions (do a factory reset and remove the device from their subscription). Details here: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=Mot3ht8UMb31d93oYWCni5. Pretty straightforward, but some legitimate sellers are unaware of this. As a buyer I'd either want to meet the seller in person and activate the device before paying, or use a service like PayPal purchase protection. |
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So, Spencer, just to be clear what happened to you: Someone sold you a stolen Inreach that was still locked to its real owner's account info, correct? This kind of situation is where things like PayPal Buyer protection really justify their cost. |
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Good news. I just called SPOT support and they will forward your phone number to the lost device owner, who they identify behind the scenes from the serial number you provide. |