Best Places to Buy Used Cell Phones on a Budget

Having trouble finding the best place to buy a used cell phone? From flagship smartphones that keep your entire social life in your pocket, to a basic smartphone you can use for work, there are endless options available. The good news is that a second hand phone is a great option for savvy shoppers who are searching for a bargain.Here are some of the top places to buy cell phones on a budget:

#1: Swappa

Swappa is an online buying and selling service that provides customers with a platform for locating various devices, including cell phones.With Swappa, all payments are done through PayPal, a safe, convenient and reputable choice for many customers. Keep in mind that inspections of devices are not done physically by Swappa, but the company does take added measures to ensure the buyer gets what he or she pays for.For instance, Swappa team members check the phone’s data, including its IMEI validation and other activations to ensure the phone is clean and not stolen. What’s more is that the prices in Swappa are quite lower when compared to other curated sites.

#2: Gazelle

Gazelle is an e-commerce platform that makes it easy to buy and sell used cell phones.With Gazelle, a 30-point inspection is done on the phone when the buyer decides to make a purchase. This ensures the phone is in good working condition.The company also checks that a SIM card has been inserted into the device and that the phone’s network connectivity is intact.By passing this inspection, the buyer can have confidence that the phone is a good purchasing order. A 30-day return policy means no worries!

#3: eBay

eBay, a top contender in the e-commerce sphere, is a service with many great advantages when it comes to buying a used cell phone.With the option of both purchasing via an online auction or buying a phone directly from a seller, eBay provides a strong infrastructure that allows customers to search and purchase what they want with ease.Even though most used cell phones are bought through auctions, all that is required of buyers is to select the best listing to suit your budget! This can be done through easy filtering by price.eBay also offers a great money back guarantee, so you know your purchase is protected. Furthermore, the platform allows you to filter for trusted sellers, so you’re buying from proven vendors with great feedback.

#4: Amazon

If you’re buying a cell phone online, Amazon by far has one of the largest and most trustworthy services around.Through Amazon, used phones can be purchased directly from the manufacturer themselves or through other third-party sellers like individuals. Big players in the phone industry, including Apple, Motorola, LG, and Samsung, all sell their refurbished phones through the site. This means that phones have been professionally checked, tested and fixed where needed prior to listing them.One great benefit that sets Amazon apart is that sellers on Amazon are rated and reviewed by real buyers. Additionally, all phones are unlocked, which makes purchasing easy for buyers who won’t need to take additional steps to get their phones activated.

Other Important Considerations

Do keep in mind that you should always do your due diligence before purchasing a used cell phone. There is always a certain level of risk when purchasing an item that you cannot see or test in person first. Protect yourself by doing your research!When it comes to the best mobile solutions to meet your needs, consider the following:

• Check the Electronic Serial Number (ESN). When purchasing a used cell phone check for a clean ESN (also known as the IMEI). Taking this important step can confirm that the phone has not been stolen from someone else and is properly registered. Do so by removing the phone’s battery and then calling the carrier directly to ask them if the number is clear prior to purchasing.
• Check for compatibility. The next thing to check is whether or not the phone is compatible with your required network or carrier. Ask the seller what networks the phone works with if this is not provided in the listing.
• Does it come with a warranty? Ask the seller if there is a warranty available on the phone. This may come in handy later if a major issue were to arise.
• Is there any water damage? If you’re buying a refurbished or pre-owned phone, be sure to inquire with the seller as to if the phone has had any water damage. Water damage can nullify manufacturer’s warranties and significantly drop the value of the phone, so avoid buying water-damaged devices where possible.
• Is it certified by a third party? Third-party certification through a service like PhoneCheck ensures that the phone’s been checked from top to bottom for defects and counterfeiting. Ask your seller if they’ve certified their product!

All in all, there are many options available when it comes to purchasing a used phone to fit your budget. The key is to find a trusted site with legitimate sellers. Simply try any of the aforementioned options and purchase the phone you’ve been searching for today.