Buying a mobile phone on ebay....

[1066familyman]

Anyone ever done it ?

Did you get a bargain, and how could you be certain it was genuine and not a Chinese copy or stolen?

 

[Bold Seagull]

Anyone ever done it ?

Did you get a bargain, and how could you be certain it was genuine and not a Chinese copy or stolen?

As with anything on ebay, reading the feedback, especially any negative ones is essential. Ask the seller to send any additional pics of authenticity certificates / paperwork, and of the phone itself. I always make a point of asking even a mundane question to see if the seller responds. If they can't even be bothered to get back to me I steer clear.

Personally, on a lot of things, especially electrical i.e. phones / ipods / cameras, ebay is more expensive than you can get at some internet retailers. Shop around.

 

[Garage_Doors]

Bought a few off ebay, check the sellers history is the best idea.

 

[brunswick]

bought and sold lots of phones on ebay......no problemo......and laptops too.

 

[Timbo]

Sold a couple of phones on ebay at the end of a contract and got ridiculous money for them, sold a 2 year old N95 which was completely broken in half for over a hundred quid.

 

[1066familyman]

Thanks for feedback so far.
I always check the sellers feedback and try to get a feel for the seller by seeing what they've previously sold too. It's just that when it comes to a mobile phone I'm a bit worried about being caught out with a fake, an 'unlocked to any network' phone that won't work with 3, or worst of all, something that ends up locked because it's stolen. Was wondering more than anything what other peoples experiences have been. The phone I'm after I need to buy for a good price in hardly used condition, as with the sim only contract I've currently negotiated with 3 it makes no sense to buy new from other retailers at the price they want.

 

[ForeverAGull]

done this about 4 times great deals and no problems!

 

[Dominoid]

As long as you pay with Paypal you will be fine. If it does turn out to be a fake then you'll get your money back through the buyer protection scheme.

 

[1066familyman]

As long as you pay with Paypal you will be fine. If it does turn out to be a fake then you'll get your money back through the buyer protection scheme.

I didn't know that. Thanks

 

[Max Paper]

Kiddie I work with just spent 200 green queens on a second hand iPhone, was in fantastic condition but he couldn't get a signal. He took it to apple who said they couldnt touch it as the screen had been replaced by a third party. He has a case open against the seller and in my opinion will get his refund as the item had been tampered with and not listed as being so. I will let you know the outcome, he paid via paypal which is the best way for things like this!