How safe is buying used mobiles?

megabyte2

Sometimes used smartphones have decent prices. I'm usually a big fan of used electronic hardware, but have always been hesitant with phones for a range of reasons. Assuming you take all the normal steps to protect yourself, how risky is it?

Currently I am looking at a few phones on eBay and I have;

• Checked the CheckMEND report to ensure it's not currently reported lost, stolen and is free from contract (how reliable is the contract check?)
• Ensured the seller has a high amount of positive feedback, checked date registered and recent activity
• Thoroughly checked the photos and description
• Sent a message on eBay to the seller with a few questions regarding condition, where it was bought and to verify the IEMI number who appears to have responded honestly
• I would pay with PayPal to a verified PayPal account

When taking these steps (and anymore you can recommend) is the risk of purchasing a used phone on eBay small? To me, everything seems fine but I always have this feeling that it could be blocked a few months down the line somehow.


Thank you for any thoughts and suggestions.

20aday

Aside from eBay you could look at companies like Music Magpie or Envirofone.

They have different grades i.e. A is the best/almost brand new etc-they'll have been tested and are likely from people who have sent their devices in to purchase a newer handset and so forth.

Like everything in life there is always a risk things will go wrong.

Look at it like this-if it's too good to be true more often than not it is.

eDicky

it could be likened to buying a used car, with different precautions to take of course, and less costly risk - but the same economical advantage over buying new if it works out...

prosaver

https://www.1pmobile.com/index.taf?affilaiteid=gaw&gclid=Cj0KEQjw6LXIBRCUqIjXmdKBxZUBEiQA_f50Ph1JYoP2BRnmsYgufQBYM8gmp1aWs7iNKVw8vukN2FQaAh1w8P8HAQ
and buy a unlock phone..
just seen this, cant get cheaper ..I mean a fiver a month..and a phone might get it myself , cheers mate, wouldnt of found this out if you didnt enquire..:beer:
https://!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/microsoft-lumia-535-refurbished-?tariffcode=NM001MAR172&giftcode=NA&sort=monthly_cost_asc
https://!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/
https://www.mobiles .co.uk

think u have to type the above in manually, no link. (must be a spam thing)

Frozen_up_north

There are risks with second hand phones, ignoring the possibly "dodgy seller" risk, don't forget that smartphones aren't made to last and in some cases the original purchaser has probably had the phone up to 2 years and sold it when "upgrading".

The iPhones and some other phones haven't a user changeable battery, Apple publish the cost of replacement batteries and it's currently £86.44 for all iPhones (ouch). Back street phone repair shops have been known to wreck phones and not want to compensate customers, swapping some batteries is quite tricky as phones are often glued together.

iPhone batteries are rated at 80% after 500 charges, which means daily charging is going to render a battery getting near needing replacement after 2 years. Funny how contracts which include a phone usually run for 2 years...

I guess you have to judge for yourself the potential savings vs risk. Some new smartphones are incredibly expensive, but drop down in screen size and the price is a lot less. If you don't need a huge phone (smaller = easier to put in your pocket/bag) the prices are much less.

We traded in our iPhones (iPhone 5) and bought the same size iPhone SE. Last May the trade in price of an excellent condition iPhone 5, at an Apple Store was £100. Obviously the price of a trade in is quite variable, but could be a factor to consider if buying new and selling while still in reasonable condition. Trade in with Apple is obviously safe compared to selling your phone via eBay etc. They take non Apple phones too and give you a voucher over the counter in an Apple Store, the details are linked below.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/iphone/repair/service/pricing

https://www.apple.com/uk/iphone/trade-up/

AndyPK

You are doing all the right things.

If the phone breaks within 12 months, do you have an old phone to go back to and can afford to buy a brand new replacement? If Yes, go for it!

Mister_G

If you are looking at secondhand, then an android phone with a removeable (user replaceable) battery could be a good idea.

They are becoming scarcer, but do still exist on the secondhand market. The replacement batteries are usually quite reasonably priced.

They are certainly better value than the vastly overpriced iphones.

willsmith11

Yes, it’s safe to buy old mobile phones, but from authorized dealers or sellers. Please read all the reviews about phone, check the guarantee given by manufacturers or seller and check the mobile condition. Buy only when Manufacturer’s warranty is there, otherwise don’t take any risk. Some cell phone models may be known to have specific mechanical problems or operating issues so you can check reviews before purchasing any device.