subject: Used Cell Phones From Cellular Providers by:Danny Chapman [print this page] For the past several years, individuals looking to get a good deal on a cell phone have turned to the refurbished and used cell phone market. Until recently, mobile cell phone vendors were not in the mix. However, it appears that they've begun to identify the gap in the market and are starting to offer refurbished cell phones. Carriers likely began to catch on the the numerous customers that were purchasing used cell phones from third parties and activating them on their networks. Quickly realizing that they can make those profits, they are not in the used phone market. Carriers get their used phones from a number of sources:
Returns
Most cell phone companies offer a 30 day, no questions asked, return policy. If a customer decides that the phone they bought isn't right for them, the can bring it back without having to pay a penalty and choose a phone that is a better fit. Most of these phones have been used minimally and are easy to refurbish - generally just requiring a quick cleanup and a software reinstall. Those refurbished cell phones are then sold at a discount to customers.
Updates
When customers upgrade their current phone to a newer model, they are often given the opportunity to "recycle" their old phone via the carrier. Phones are "recycled" by manufacturers in that they are returned to the manufacturer that fixes any physical problems, reinstalls the most updated compatible software, and generally cleans them up. Once refurbished, the phones are sold back to carriers and third parties who offer them as used cell phones.
Manufacturer Returns
Often, cell phones are returned directly to manufacturers, for whatever reason. These phones are frequently refurbished and resold to carriers, in perfect working order, who then sell them at a discount to customers who sign new contracts.
Buying from Carriers
There are two main sources for used cell phones - carriers themselves and third party vendors. Carriers provided the benefits of offering warranties (although most third parties do as well), and are often more readily available in smaller towns that don't have a large enough population to support a third party cell phone vendor.
On the other hand, most cell phones that are purchased directly from a cellular service provider are locked to that particular network, meaning those phones cannot be activated on any other networks. Unlocked a phone is often a simple process, but does take time and effort on your part. The alternative is to purchase an unlocked cell phone directly from a third party vendor.
Finally, some stores (carriers and third parties) will offer bundle packs with the goal of getting customers to purchase phones from them. These might include hands free headsets, car chargers, or something similar. With the right amount of shopping around in the used cell phone market, you can find a like new phone, with over $100 of free accessories, for 60% of the retail price that the same phone costs in brand new condition. Not a bad deal, right?
About the author
Danny Chapman specializes in writing articles about the used cell phone market. He writes a blog where he encourages people to buy used cell phones that you can visit for more information about purchasing used cell phones
