If you’re looking to buy a good condition iPhone or any other type of smartphone for half the price, buying a used device may be the answer for you.
But before you go off finding a cheap iPhone on Craigslist or eBay, there are a few things you should keep in mind to protect yourself from being ripped off.
If it’s too good to be true, it probably is – There are many issues a cell phone can have that may not be quickly recognizable. If a phone is priced extremely low, be aware that it may have some issues with that the seller may not be telling you. Make sure you check as many functions as possible before buying the device. When buying online, make sure the seller has positive feedback from their past transactions.
Watch out for stolen phones! – Stolen phones are on the rise and are almost always sold through such avenues such as Craigslist or Kijiji. If a phone is stolen and reported, there is a very good chance it will soon be “network blocked”. A blocked phone means the phone will not be able to be used with any network in the country. It will also not pick up signal or make calls if it is blocked. It may take weeks or even months before the network blocked the phone, so take this into account when buying a used cell phone. There is no way to 100% protect you from this, so buying from such sites as craigslist require you taking a risk. It’s best to go with your gut instinct when deciding to buy. If you get a feeling something is not right (such as they want to sell the phone quick or hide their identify) the phone may be stolen.
Make sure the phone will work with your network- Before buying, make sure the phone will work with the network you wish to use it with. Do not buy a used phone under the impression it can be unlocked. Some phones, like iPhones, can be very pricy to unlock.
Get the phone wiped- Make sure you get the phone cleared of all its data before you buy or sell it. For iPhones, make sure you get the last person who used it to remove their iCloud account. If the iCloud account is not removed, you will not be able to access the phone or use it at all.
Make sure you can take it back – You may realize that when you get home a function of the phone is not working. Make sure you get a contact number or meet the seller at their home. This will allow you a way to possibly get your money back if there is an issue with the device you just purchased. If buying from a used cell phone store, make sure you get a warranty with the phone so you can return it.
To avoid any of these issues we recommend coming into Cell Clinic Vancouver, Cell Clinic Surrey , or any other store that provides second hand phones at a discounted price. By doing this, you pass the risk onto the store, and get a guaranteed working cellphone or smartphone for a fraction of the cost.
