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monetizing discounted iphone

U

unnamedny

Android Expert
Original source of the thread: monetizing discounted iphone upgrades

Let's say that I have, for example, a Verizon iphone that is eligible for upgrade with a new 2-year contract. Assume I do not want a new phone but I intend to stay on Verizon service indefinitely. Can I buy a new Verizon iphone for the discounted price (eg 199 for a 5s), and then sell that handset and continue using my existing phone? Looks like they are selling on eBay for $700-800. Over 2 years that could be worth 20 to 25 a month (if I don't need to buy a new phone in the interim). Am I throwing away $20 every month I am eligible to upgrade but do not upgrade?
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- Pay $200 + tax/activation for an iPhone as a secondary family line
- Get new SIM for AT&T (few bucks on eBay), call them and tell them you want to change SIM on your line
- Put that SIM into old non-smartphone ($5 on eBay)
- Call AT&T and remove data plan, since you don't have a smartphone anymore
- Sell iPhone for $600 without even opening it. Pocket $300+
- Pay AT&T 24 months * $10 + tax
- Likely end up with money left in your pocket
- Repeat
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Let's not get into Apple suck discussion here. Why am I posting this? You can flip the iphone and buy Nexus 5 at discounted price.
 
Whether you can do it or not, thousands of people do it every month. Check Craig's List for "brand new X phone - still in sealed box".
 
Isn't the phone you're trying to sell locked to the carrier and contract? And attempted unlocking is unlawful, which means a felony offence thus risking $250,000 fine plus ten years in prison? ...DMCA I believe.
 
mikedt said:
Isn't the phone you're trying to sell locked to the carrier and contract? And attempted unlocking is unlawful, which means a felony offence thus risking $250,000 fine plus ten years in prison? ...DMCA I believe.
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That's none of your problem. You are just selling phone, whoever bought that device is responsible for it.
 
kate said:
I doubt they would let you cancel your data plan while in a 2 year contract with an iPhone, or any smartphone for that matter.
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Not sure if it's possible or not, but carrier sees what kind of phone you are using, If you let's say lost your Iphone, I don't think it means you get to stick with data for the rest of 2 years. Again, not sure, that needs clarification.
 
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