Hi so I've been debating on whether to buy a phone off of Craigslist. I'm upgrading from the Dinc to the Thunderbolt but I don't want to buy the Thunderbolt at retail price; that's $579.99! And I don't want to cancel my line to get a new Thunderbolt at the price of $149.99 cause I'll lose my unlimited internet. So I decided to turn to Craigslist! I checked out a few ad's and they DO seem legit. I've contacted a few through text/email. But I'm still not 100% convinced. I don't even know if this is the right place to start this thread, but seeing as I'm getting the Thunderbolt I figured why not, right? So, what I'm trying to get at it, what should I look for when buying a phone off of Craigslist? I'm planning to meet these people in person and check out the phone itself. They're mentioning something ESN numbers be "clean". So I'm just asking everyone out here, what should I do? What are some precautions I should take? What are some questions I should be asking? ANY help would be great! I have a few offers for a rooted Thunderbolt for $200-$250. Is that sketchy to you too?
-
After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.
Root Buying phones from Craigslist
- Thread starter mkhang
- Start date
-
- Tags
- htc thunderbolt
rexdog1888
Android Enthusiast
I would wait for the Vigor/Prime/Razr, but if you really want a tbolt the only advice i can give you is to be very careful. When you are buying it look over the device(check for damage, etc) I would also try turning it on to make sure everything is fine. Other than that...good luck.
jackdubl
Android Expert
This.
Ibrick
Android Expert
If you purchase your phone outright, you would be able to keep your unlimited data plan. The discounted price would mean a new contract which would negate your unlimited data plan.
Unless that's what you meant?
jackdubl
Android Expert
Negative. I was told outright that you can get the upgraded price and keep unlimited. They explained to me that renewing your contract does not involve changing your service, and the only way to lose unlimited is to actually cancel your service for 14 days or more.
jackdubl is correct. If you have an unlimited data plan you will be grandfathered into the plan when you upgrade. I too was worried about it when they introduced the tiered data back in July but was told my numerous VZW reps that as long as you keep the same plan then you will keep the unlimited data for now at least, knowing what they have done in the past they will introduce phones that are not compatible with the unlimited data plan and if you wish to use one of those phones you will need to relinquish the plan but as of now if you are on a smartphone and have an unlimited data plan you can upgrade once eligible and keep your current plan.
scotty85
Extreme Android User
if youre unable(or the seller is unwilling 
) to meet at a verizon storre,next best thing is get them to send you a pic of the MEID under the battery. this weeds out alot of unsavory characters. if they send it,contact verizon and tell them youre going to purchase,and ask if it can be activated.
i was recently inquiring about an inc 2 about an hour drive away,and all comunications stopped when i asked for the pic
a couple repeat emails and the seller is still not responding,but the add is still up.
that said,ive personally bought alot of phones off of craiglist. good way boardom of you have phone ADD like i do
) to meet at a verizon storre,next best thing is get them to send you a pic of the MEID under the battery. this weeds out alot of unsavory characters. if they send it,contact verizon and tell them youre going to purchase,and ask if it can be activated.i was recently inquiring about an inc 2 about an hour drive away,and all comunications stopped when i asked for the pic
a couple repeat emails and the seller is still not responding,but the add is still up. that said,ive personally bought alot of phones off of craiglist. good way boardom of you have phone ADD like i do