Safe places to buy phones from

Shrimply

Hi guys,

I've been looking for a new mobile, preferably buying it outright and have around £300 to play with I think. Actually deciding on a phone is going terribly.

What I wondered though if there is any good guidelines are to when it's safe to purchase a phone and what to look out for.

I'm really wary of buying on ebay or from marketplace sellers on amazon in case something goes wrong... It's a lot of money but there are obviously savings to be made if you know where to look. I'd rather it was new and not refurbished. I'd guess the main thing is making sure you get a UK model with UK warranty. But tips or good places to look are very welcome.

Thanks

d123

I've never had a problem on eBay, stick to sellers with high feedback, paypal now gives 6 months protection.

Amazon Marketplace is only viable if it's from a company that is fulfilled by Amazon.

Shrimply

Hi, thanks for the information.

So I used to think it wasn't an issue to buy from amazon marketplace is it was "Fulfilled by Amazon". However, I read somewhere recently that in this case all Amazon does is handle the stock. So if the seller is handing over stock to Amazon and Amazon is mindlessly dispatching it, is this any safer than buying for any other market place seller?

d123

Shrimply wrote: »

Hi, thanks for the information.

So I used to think it wasn't an issue to buy from amazon marketplace is it was "Fulfilled by Amazon". However, I read somewhere recently that in this case all Amazon does is handle the stock. So if the seller is handing over stock to Amazon and Amazon is mindlessly dispatching it, is this any safer than buying for any other market place seller?

Yes, anyone can be a marketplace seller, so a 15 year old can become a marketplace seller from his bedroom. To be 'fulfilled by Amazon' they need to be approved and vetted by Amazon and also agree to keep a certain amount of stock in the Amazon facility.

It isn't failsafe, but it does indicate it's a company or at least an individual with resources and a track record of selling.

You can never be totally risk free, but by being sensible you do minimise the risks.

ballyblack

I bought from Amazon(fulfilled Amazon) a Cat Smart rugged phone which was a bit of a dog. After 6 months it failed to recognise the SIm as one of the pins was bent(probably my fault as i was using a SIM adapter).

When I complained they refunded my money in full because that model was discontinued.

So a happy customer

gfplux

My son bought a THL T6 pro from Amazon 6 months ago.
No problems and he is delighted with the phone.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00Q2B078G?colid=SUIFZT48W1FS&coliid=I30TSINLB7Z9MV&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl

eagle

Amazon have a great returns policy, especially if you buy from them that is sold buy them. You can return items (including phones) via Collect+ (which is sometimes good; not always) and your refund comes through as soon as the item tracks with Collect+ (as oposed to when it is returned/delivered to Amazon).

albionrovers

Try the Oneplus website.
Amazon stock them too.
Great bit of Android kit.
If it's an Apple you're after, no idea but I'm guessing not by your budget.