buying an "honest" (not stolen) used cell phone

[homein2007]

Hi,

I got my smartphone wet, and I need to get a cheap backup phone until I can afford to replace it. I just want something basic that will work with my Verizon account, but I don't want to buy from someone who is fencing stolen phones. Any ideas on how to find an honest vendor?

Thanks
Ben

[disneysteve]

First thing I'd try is asking my friends and family if anyone has a spare phone lying around. I know that I have several old phones at home that still work. We upgraded for various reasons but if the need arose, one of us could use one of them until we got a new one. Try posting a request on your Facebook page or ask around at work.

Otherwise, ebay and craigslist are probably good sources.

[baconexplosion]

First thing I'd try is asking my friends and family if anyone has a spare phone lying around. I know that I have several old phones at home that still work. We upgraded for various reasons but if the need arose, one of us could use one of them until we got a new one. Try posting a request on your Facebook page or ask around at work.

Otherwise, ebay and craigslist are probably good sources.

Definitely best to ask around with people you know personally first. Also, ebay can be a good source for buying a phone, but make sure the seller has lots of good feedback and everything is clearly stated about the phone. The more detailed the better.

Good luck!

[bjl584]

Hi,

I got my smartphone wet, and I need to get a cheap backup phone until I can afford to replace it. I just want something basic that will work with my Verizon account, but I don't want to buy from someone who is fencing stolen phones. Any ideas on how to find an honest vendor?

Thanks
Ben

Honestly, cell phones are dirt cheap anymore if you just want a basic phone. You can buy a prepaid Verizon phone and add it to your plan. You can probably pick up a brand new phone for $20 or less.

[greenskeeper]

just ask for the ESM code on the phone, then call your carrier and ask if the ESM is clear and then you can add it to your plan.

I haven't had a contract in years and my plan is only $60/month for the wife and I.

[dontgopoor]

Get the ESN (or MEID or IMEI) for the phone (Google what that is and how to find it) and then check with the carrier to see of the ESN is clear.

For Craigslist, do the work before you meet and then just confirm that number matches the phone when you pick it up.

For Ebay, buy from a seller with a good rating, do the homework ahead of time, and then check the ESN again when you have the phone in your hand. With ebay you can often very easily return the phone - take advantage of buyer protection.

I've had good luck with both craigslist and ebay on used phones for various reasons. THe bigger issue is to buy a phone that's not too beat up or has features that don't work (camera, some keys, etc.)

Good luck. Lots of good phones available.

[Blessed]

I have bought and sold cell phones on Ebay. I have never had any problems.

[siggy_freud]

I bought a 1st gen Iphone from my roommate in college. It was broken, but I managed to fix it following some online tutorials. I didn't have AT&T or Tmobile, and at the time it was limited to those carrier types. I sold it on Craigslist dirt cheap ($50 at a time when used they were $200+), saying the on button had been broke, but I fixed it, but no guarantees long term. The guy I sold it to then turned around and hucked it for more money, but used my name and number instead of his. A few months later when the on button got stuck again, the owner called me angry. I was sympathetic, but took some time to convince him I didn't sell him the phone. I offered to help fix it, but never heard back.

Moral of the story, Craigslist can be great, but be careful, even when you are the one doing the selling.