MP3, video and camera phones: Newer cell phones can come equipped with technologies to play MP3s, record and playback video, and take pictures with built in cameras, perfect for the tech savvy buyer. Built in cameras can come in a variety of capabilities, including 1-2 and 3+ megapixels. Phones can also come equipped with other technologies such as e-mail, speakerphone, web browsing, calendar, text messaging capabilities, and even GPS navigation.
Smartphones: Different types of smartphones are popular with different buyers. Some, like the Palm Treo and Blackberry, are popular with buyers looking to stay connected to the office, while others, like the T-Mobile Sidekick 3, appeal to buyers who enjoy mobile messaging, and still others, like the Samsung Blackjack, Motorola Q, and Apple iPhone, give buyers ultimate multimedia mobility.
Performance enhancing accessories: Thousands of accessories in every make and model sell on eBay. Performance enhancing accessories, such as cell phone chargers, cell phone data cables, wireless keyboards, SIM cards, earbud cell phone headsets, hands-free car kits, and Bluetooth wireless headsets are popular for all cell phone models.
Stylish and protective accessories: Accessories can both personalize and protect cell phones and are a must-have for buyers of all ages. Popular items on eBay include cell phone pouches and cell phone holsters, cell phone straps, cell phone charms, and cell phone faceplates.
Poor: A cell phone or PDA in poor condition may no longer be working and has considerable signs of wear. However, poor equipment may have valuable parts or usable components. Make sure when you list a poor item that your description accurately describes the item and its condition.
Cover All Angles: Take pictures from multiple angles and distances, zooming in on important details. Take a picture of the front, back and sides of your Cell Phones. Make sure you photograph any scratches or flaws to give buyers a clear idea of what they are bidding on. If your selling more than one item in your listing (such as a cell phone with a charger, battery, instruction manual, and earbud headset), take photos of all the items together and individually.
Switching devices can often be an expensive habit, especially considering the best Android phones can cost upwards of $1,000. Mid-range options have got much more accessible these days, but another great way to score a good deal is by buying a used phone.
Regardless, even if you give the process of buying a used phone or tablet due diligence, things can still go wrong. There are many steps you can take to lower the likelihood of a nasty incident, and a backup plan never hurts in the event you run into trouble. The tips below should help you through the process of getting a solid used smartphone, and while written primarily with phones in mind, most of these steps should also apply to anything else.
Besides all the software and hardware features that one must consider when buying a smartphone, another consideration is whether to buy a locked or unlocked phone. This is something that you should give careful thought to before making a splurge.
Locked smartphones are those that include a software code that prevents you from using SIM cards from other wireless providers. For instance, if you buy a locked Galaxy S21 Ultra from T-Mobile, you can only use the device on T-Mobile's network. Your Galaxy S21 Ultra will not work on Verizon or other wireless careers. Carriers often sell locked phones to their network, but you can still find locked phones through third-party channels like Amazon and eBay.
In contrast, unlocked phones are those that have no network restrictions. You can virtually use whatever service provider and switch whenever you want. You have all the control. Just swap one carrier's SIM card for another, and you're good to go. Unlocked phones can either be those sold without network restrictions or those first locked then later unlocked.
The major downside of buying locked devices is the inability to switch carriers as you wish. And that is, in fact, the goal of carrier phones; to ensure you stick with them for an extended period. While you can request your carrier to unlock your device after you have finished paying for it, there are usually hurdles that you will have to navigate.
This can be a pain in the neck for you if your job involves traveling a lot. While you could still use your carrier abroad, roaming services are expensive. It's way cheaper to use a local wireless carrier in the country you visit. A locked phone can also be limiting if you travel to a location where your carrier has poor or patchy coverage.
Another setback is locked phones can hinder you from taking advantage of the best deals offered by a different carrier. And as you may have noticed already, carriers don't sell many smartphone models, leading to fewer choices to pick from. When you want to sell your locked device, the price is usually lower than unlocked devices of similar model and storage configuration.
Lastly, carrier-locked phones can be expensive despite the enticing promotions and discounts offered. While the flexible plans are convenient, it's cheaper to buy a phone elsewhere by paying for the full price. It's not uncommon to find a device on an online store cheaper than the retail price in a local carrier shop.
Freedom is one of the main reasons you should get an unlocked phone. It's why unlocked phones have grown in popularity in recent times. Unlocked phones allow you to switch carriers at any time. You also don't need to buy a new phone to do this. The process is simple; remove one carrier's SIM card and replace it with another.
Plus, if you're still on the hunt for the best mobile carrier, unlocked phones offer you the flexibility to try different carriers and make your judgment. If you travel often, you can use a local carrier than relying on expensive roaming services.
Unlocked phones also command relatively higher resale value than locked ones because of the freedom. It's also easier to sell an unlocked device than a locked one. If you go unlocked, you'll also have more models to choose from, as you'll not be limited to whatever is being sold by your wireless carrier.
The main disadvantage of buying an unlocked phone is that you'll have to do background checks to ensure the device supports radio bands used by local carriers. It's especially an issue if you're shipping a device from outside the US. Apart from the usual culprits (CDMA and GSM), you should consider network bands. The good news is modern smartphones have become more compatible than in the past. But still, you should do your research first.
Another downside is that unlocked phones aren't always available on payment plans. As a result, you're likely to pay the total price upfront, and with the ever-rising cost of smartphones, unlocked devices can be out of reach for many.
Overall, unlocked phones have more pros that outweigh their cons and even the pros of locked ones. But if you face the tough decision of choosing between the two, it boils down to a few factors. Buy unlocked if you're tech-savvy, have the money to buy the phone you want upfront, often travel internationally, and want the freedom of switching carriers as and when you want.
One of the key reasons to buy a locked device is if you don't have the money to pay for a device upfront or are reluctant to splurge. It could also be due to the customer support and comprehensive insurance provided by wireless carriers. In addition to that, buying a locked device can be attractive if you don't travel internationally often and you're okay with your wireless carrier and content with the limited smartphone models they stock.
There were 17 phones that successfully activated, but they contained personally identifying information. This could have been avoided had the users properly erased their phones and installed a factory restore of the operating system. Tap or click here to learn how to factory restore your phone.
On a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, go to Settings and then General Management. Then, select Reset. Select Factory data reset and then tap Reset device.
On a Google Pixel, open Settings followed by System. Then, select Advanced, then Reset options followed by Erase all data (factory reset). Then tap Reset phone.
On a Huawei phone, go to Settings followed by System and tap Reset. Then, select Factory data reset and tap Reset Phone.
Open your eBay Store on international eBay sites and get access to new audiences. Read this article to learn about the subscription fees and benefits on ebay.co.uk, ebay.fr, ebay.de, ebay.it, ebay.es, and ebay.com.au.
However, that may not always be the case. Most stores allow you to return products for at least a couple of weeks, and as a result, open-box items could have seen some use. They could show a little wear or cosmetic damage from their brief time in the original buyer's hands. This usually isn't a problem, but you should be aware that buying open-box means some items will be used, if only lightly.
38c6e68cf9