How to Buy Used Cell Phones and Accessories

Many savvy customers buying used cell phones and accessories in order to save money and recycle. Depending on your cell phone carrier, activating a used cell phone for your account can be as simple as changing the SIM card. Other phones require that you call your provider with the ESN (electronic serial number) to have the phone activated with your cell phone number. Here's how to buy used cell phones and accessories.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Shop only for cell phones in your network or an unlocked cell phone that can be used for your carrier. The specifications vary from carrier to carrier, so make sure you know what to look for. For example, Sprint cell phones have a serial number that must be registered with the carrier, and only these phones can be used by those with Sprint contracts. However, AT&T phones have SIM cards which, when interchanged, allow users to switch cell phones without notifying their cell phone service provider.

2. 

   Check out online web sites dedicated to selling used cell phones and accessories. Replace Your Cell and Cellular Country are two such sites, and there are many more. Make sure the website offers a money-back guarantee if the phone you buy doesn't work or can't be activated.

3. Browse auction sites to find used cell phones and accessories with the features you need. Check out the sellers' reputation and be cautious about buying from new sellers. Make sure you pay with PayPal so you're protected in case of a bad sale. If the seller doesn't accept PayPal or credit cards, don't buy for them as you'll have a difficult time getting your money back.

4. Check out local classifieds, such as Craig's List and newspaper penny pincher ads, for a deal on cheap used cell phones. I actually got a used AT&T camera phone for free on my local Freecycle forum and didn't have to spend any money replacing my broken phone.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for used cell phone accessories from the same retailer to save on shipping costs.
• Avoid Verizon cell phones in these models: LG VX1, VX10, and Kyocera 7135. They are not E911 compatible and will not be activated by the carrier.

Resources

• Cell phone bargains on Amazon.com