Buying a cell phone

[ArtsyMomma]

About a year ago DS used my cell phone as a bath toy. I really loved that particular phone. When I bought the replacement from the AT&T store, I was told they no longer make the phone I wanted. I was bummed, but on my way out of town and needed a phone that day. I got a cheap replacement. I finally thought to check ebay and I found the phone I love!! The ranges from $50-$100. When I originally got the phone the price was around $500 (x-mas gift from my dad). I've never purchased a phone from anywhere except my carriers store.

Would you buy a phone off of ebay?

[2cutiekitties]

I would. In fact, when I started reading your post, before I got to the end, I was thinking...ebay!

[LeahBoo]

I've gotten three from ebay. I can't have nice cell phones. I kill them. $5 can get me an unkillable basic nokia phone on ebay.

[Fuamami]

I just got a phone from Amazon, have you looked there? I was starting a new contract, though, so of course it was free.

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by 2cutiekitties

I would. In fact, when I started reading your post, before I got to the end, I was thinking...ebay!

[K1329]

You may want to verify that the model is still supported by your carrier... i.e. software updates, that sort of thing.

Personally, I would be wary of a used phone... but that's just me. I'm probably missing out on some great deals!

[xmysticprincessx]

I haven't bought cell phones on ebay, but I've bought some on Craigslist and garage sales. (I went through about 3 or 4 phones one summer.) You just have to be sure that the phone works and can be activated. (At least with Verizon, if a phone has been reported lost/stolen, even if its been found, it can't be activated.) At least with Ebay, if there's a problem with the phone, you can get your money back through Paypal.

Freecycle is also a good way to get a replacement cell phone. One of my friends broke his last month, we picked one up on freecycle, he popped his SIM card in, and was able to use it right away.

[Phantaja]

I'd buy a phone from just about anywhere. Just call in the isn, or whatever that number is on the back of the phone underneath the battery, and verify that it's not stolen.

[ArtsyMomma]

Originally Posted by K1329

You may want to verify that the model is still supported by your carrier... i.e. software updates, that sort of thing.

Personally, I would be wary of a used phone... but that's just me. I'm probably missing out on some great deals!

Most of the phones were brand new, and they are still supported by my carrier. I have a sim card - I know I can just stick it in any phone that accepts it, it just makes me nervous.

[ArtsyMomma]

Thanks everyone! I really love this particular model, I don't need a new phone immediately, but I'm glad I found an inexpensive option!