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Buying a phone from auction sites

M

mgr52

Newbie
Hey everyone,

I am looking on ebay to for my next phone and an upgrade from the intercept and am interested in a few however how do I make sure the phone will be fine?

Specifically the phones are said to be new in box which is what i want, but don't the phones have an activation code on the receipt that you must have? I don't want to buy an illegally obtained phone that I can't use.

what should I ask the sellers to make sure the phones are fine and I will be able to transfer my account to that phone?
 
Just make sure it has a clean ESN. A clean ESN would suggest that the phone has not been activated or reported stolen, Is not attached to an account and Is not associated with an account with an unpaid balance. A phone that does not have a clean ESN can not be activated.

I'm sure one can check the status of a phones ESN by obtaining it and checking with a relevant provider.

I've never purchased phones via auction portals so I can not shed much more light than I already have through research. If I ever were to purchase one through lets say Ebay, I'd just ask if it has a clean ESN, Is new in box, and finally make sure the seller has an outstanding sellers history/feedback.

Good Luck!
 
hey thanks for the reply!

I did end up buying a triumph but I figured Amazon has one for 219 and I can get it a little less since I have a gift card so why not get it new for the same price as used online.
 
One of the best ways is too check the sellers feedback. If they are a whole seller with a great feedback you will be fine
 
Be sure to get a paper receipt. Should you need to return the phone to be fixed, proof of purchase will be required in order to take advantage of the warranty.
 
NoNameFace said:
Be sure to get a paper receipt. Should you need to return the phone to be fixed, proof of purchase will be required in order to take advantage of the warranty.
Click to expand...

No it doesn't. You don't need anything to get a phone fixed/ replaced from VM... Well besides the phone.
 
marc12868 said:
No it doesn't. You don't need anything to get a phone fixed/ replaced from VM... Well besides the phone.
Click to expand...


The very first phone I had with VM (none-android) got stuck in an endless boot loop. When I called and spoke with a CSR I was told they would mail me a self addressed pre-paid envelope along with instructions on what to include. They wanted proof of purchase (receipt showing the date and business where purchased), a piece of paper with some of the numbers from the phone along with my own personal information (name, address etc), and of course the phone itself. I also had to push pretty darn hard to ensure I was not sent a refurb. I got a new phone.

They have no way of knowing if the phone is still under warranty without the receipt. This is just one of the many small ways businesses make money.. charging you to repair an item that is no longer under warranty.
 
I know plenty of people that have returned a phone to VM without having to provide a receipt. Especially on a phone that was released less than a year ago. But, they may ask for it as well, and have every right to do so. If you cannot provide one you may be out of luck. Better safe than sorry. :D
 
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