Ebay Due Diligence
Report for Marksmoddedpods
Why we think so
marksmoddedpods is an eBay store focused on custom and upgraded Apple iPods, including the listing for a custom modded Apple iPod Classic 5.5 Gen A1136. The seller appears active, with nearly 700 units sold on this listing and over 53 watchers. Their store features a handful of iPod and upgrade service listings. Feedback for the specific listing number (mandm_boys3245) is shown as 100 on eBay, but extensive online research highlights several concerns about fake reviews, review manipulation, and product authenticity issues tied to this seller across their broader product offerings—mainly vape pods, but also modded electronics. The iPod price is roughly market-matching for custom refurbishments and is not dramatically suspicious on its own. Notably, there have been multiple independent third-party analyses (Fakespot, ReviewMeta) and buyer reports flagging a high percentage of suspicious/fake reviews across marksmoddedpods’ listings, a pattern of review bursts, and periodic buyer complaints about inauthentic or faulty items—particularly in their vape category. These indicators suggest you should use caution: while many buyers do receive working products, authenticity, review credibility, and after-sale support cannot be fully trusted with this seller. Proceed only if you’re comfortable with these risks and compare with reputable alternatives such as Elite Obsolete Electronics, which has a track record in this niche.
Risk Insights
Suspicious review patterns
Product received vs. described
Competitive market pricing
Contradictory Signals
The large volume and high feedback for this item clash with the volume of external warnings about fake reviews and sketchy seller behavior, making genuine experiences harder to validate.
Signal A: 100 feedback for the iPod listing and nearly 700 units sold—suggesting many satisfied buyers.
Signal B: Third-party analysis and buyer forums indicate a large share of reviews are fake or manipulated, especially across the broader profile.
Lack of complaints on iPods is encouraging, but a poor track record on other high-risk products creates spillover distrust.
Signal A: Most modded iPod reviews are positive, with legit-looking photos.
Signal B: A pattern of counterfeit complaints in the seller’s vape inventory raises doubts about their standards and transparency across other product lines.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
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Fake and manipulated reviews widely observed in seller’s overall profile (33–50% suspicious per Fakespot/ReviewMeta).
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Counterfeit and quality complaints are persistent in the seller’s vape-related listings and at least a few modded electronics reviews cite failures.
🔎 Detailed Checks & Analysis
Seller identity and operational history
Seller identity and operational history
"Operations appear ongoing. Seller has around four products and provides standard eBay contact (through intermediated FAQ). However, no independent verification or strong, long-running brand presence outside eBay."
Reason: marksmoddedpods is an active eBay seller with a functioning storefront, basic contact link, and multiple live listings including the modded iPod.
Listing transparency and consistency
Listing transparency and consistency
"Product images show a real modded iPod and selection menu has explicit configuration variations. Seller is clear about cosmetic wear and used components."
Reason: The listing shows full product details, customizable options, and a clear photo set, matching what's expected for custom iPod builds.
Product authenticity and quality guarantee
Product authenticity and quality guarantee
"Even if not directly tied to iPod listings, consistent evidence shows risk of inauthentic/misrepresented items, and seller does not offer manufacturer warranty or returns."
Reason: Persistent buyer reports, third-party detector flags, and brand warnings about unauthorized selling and counterfeiting on this seller’s accounts (mainly for vapes—but concerning for all inventory).
Review and feedback authenticity
Review and feedback authenticity
"100 feedback for this specific listing may be accurate for shipped items, but at least a third of all seller feedback is believed to be manipulated."
Reason: Multiple analytics sites (Fakespot, ReviewMeta) find a large portion of feedback is likely fake—identical language, review bursts, and low-credibility account sources.
Market price comparison
Market price comparison
"Elite Obsolete Electronics, widely trusted for refurbished Apple gear, offers modded 5.5 Gens at $142.99–$272.99 with similar hardware and configuration options."
Reason: Prices align with legitimate modded and customizable iPod providers, neither undercutting nor overcharging standard market value.
Legal and platform compliance
Legal and platform compliance
"Not deplatformed despite periodic eBay buyer and brand disputes, but not verified as compliant for all inventory types."
Reason: While the store remains open and most sales are fulfilled, the seller is not on authorized reseller lists for modded Apple products. Repeated brand warnings and buyer complaints on their vape-related items put compliance at risk.
Your Next Steps
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1If you decide to buy, document your transaction and keep all communications on eBay.
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2Check the serial number and details of the product upon arrival; use Apple’s official guides to verify authenticity.
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3If you encounter issues (including counterfeits or misleading descriptions), immediately open a dispute with eBay and consider reporting to brands/manufacturers.
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4Consider contacting more established, niche retailers (e.g., Elite Obsolete Electronics) for modded iPods if authenticity and support are a priority.
Evidence & Citations
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marksmoddedpods on eBay – Custom iPod Product Data
Provides the specific listing info including seller, number sold, feedback for this listing, variants, and store link.
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marksmoddedpods: Third-Party Reviews & Counterfeit Complaints
Multiple review aggregators and Reddit threads show high rates of fake reviews and persistent risk of counterfeit/quality issues (especially in vape products).
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Elite Obsolete Electronics – Legitimate market pricing/examples
Helps verify that listed iPod prices are comparable to non-scam, specialist refurbishers.
🕵🏻 Keep investigating
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