We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site feedback for updates.
Buying a mobile phone on Ebay - advice please?

Hezzawithkids
Posts: 3,018 Forumite
My DD's mobile phone has finally given up the ghost. I need to get her a new one but cant spend more than about £30. I know there are lots of good deals with the networks at the moment but the sub-£30 PAYG phones with any kind of decent spec are all out of stock (surprise surprise). She's on T-Mobile pay as you go and has had the same number for years so would be reluctant to switch networks and dont want the faff of having to unlock.
I am considering buying one off Ebay - has anyone done this? If so was it successful? I've looked at the listings and there are some potential good deals. My biggest concern is people selling lost or stolen phones that have been blocked. Is it in order to ask the seller for the EIN of the handset so that I can check with the network before bidding that it's not been blocked ? I don't see any other potential buyers doing this and the info isn't volunteered anywhere.
Any advice you can offer will be welcomed.
I am considering buying one off Ebay - has anyone done this? If so was it successful? I've looked at the listings and there are some potential good deals. My biggest concern is people selling lost or stolen phones that have been blocked. Is it in order to ask the seller for the EIN of the handset so that I can check with the network before bidding that it's not been blocked ? I don't see any other potential buyers doing this and the info isn't volunteered anywhere.
Any advice you can offer will be welcomed.
£2 Savers Club 2016 #21 £14/£250
£2 Savers Club 2015 #8 £250£200 :j
Proud to be an OU graduate :j :j
Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain
£2 Savers Club 2015 #8 £250£200 :j
Proud to be an OU graduate :j :j
Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain
0
Comments
-
One warning, Dont buy from e_cell!
I would just search for a seller that has a good feedback rating, but make sure you scrolle through a few pages of feedback to make sure its all good.This is my signature. There are many like it, but this one is mine.0 -
I have bought two phones from ebay in the past and had no problems. Both were purchased from private sellers selling their old phones, rather than an ebay shop, which is the way I'd go, however you may have to expect a certain amount of wear and tear. I would look for listings with large photos, esp ones of the phone working, and obv check feedback. I would also go for phones which are offered with thwe box and original accessories as I think its a sign thay may have taken better care of the phone. You are right to be aware of phones which are unlocked, if you want the minimum of fuss then definitiely buy a phone that was originally purchased on the network you want, as when I have bought unlocked phones, they have been unlocked but not debranded, which means that none of the internet and mms etc features will work with your new network and its a lot of hassle trying to find them out to input.
Also be aware that paypal is generally on the buyer's side now so if the phone arrives and isn't significantly as they described, you should be able to get a refund, but always return by trackable (special delivery) means!
Also its important to check a lot of retailers before buying from ebay as I've seen people pay more for second hand handsets than they are new in the shops, crazy!
And finally be aware that phone batteries don't last forever when buying a second hand phone, hope this helps, thanks xxStarted Comping 25th September 2013.
October wins :j : Chapstick Goodie Bag, Mixed Case of Kumala Wine, £10 Two Seasons Gift Voucher, Elizabeth Shaw Chocolate bar, Schwarzkopf Colour Mask, Eco Soap Sample Bundle.
November wins: Cheerios 6 pack, MUA Primer0 -
-
If your partner cant wait, our local Tesco had T-Mobile phones for £9.99. Sorry, not sure what manufacturer - but they weren't 'bricklike' phones.0
-
If your partner cant wait, our local Tesco had T-Mobile phones for £9.99. Sorry, not sure what manufacturer - but they weren't 'bricklike' phones.
I noticed this morning that superdrug were selling mobiles for £9.99 too."Love you Dave Brooker! x"
"i sent a letter headded sales of god act 1979"0 -
Thanks for all the replies, all very sensible. Will def look at Ebay feedback first, though one quick scan today at private sellers on there showed most had very low (i.e. <10) feedback so not going to buy from them. Will also check Tesco & Superdrug.
Cheers peeps!!£2 Savers Club 2016 #21 £14/£250
£2 Savers Club 2015 #8 £250£200 :j
Proud to be an OU graduate :j :j
Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain0 -
I just bought a BB Storm from ebay.
Ebay is ok if you know how to avoid the scammers, so some tips.
Check the sellers history and stars, read the negatives if they have any. IF they have anything like, did not send item, item did not work, wont refund money - walk away.
Ask the seller if you can collect, test it and pay cash, if they say no they are normally hiding something.
Avoid sellers that copy and paste pics and descriptions, normally genuine sellers will provide there own pics and descriptions.
And remember electrical goods on ebay are a gamble as its hard to return them etc
Good luck.0 -
I have bought several mobile phones on eBay over the years and had no problems at all.
Like the other say - check feedback, don't take the risk if there is any doubtful feedback. Be sure to ask if you're not sure of anything at all.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 348.3K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.4K Spending & Discounts
- 240.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 617.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 175.7K Life & Family
- 254.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards