| Smart shoppers that want to save money on | | | | If you're currently locked in to a contract with |
| their next cell phone purchase while still getting the | | | | your cellular provider and don't have the freedom |
| phone that they want know that shopping for a | | | | to pick a phone before picking your network, |
| used or refurbished cell phone is the way to go. | | | | you'll have to focus your shopping efforts on |
| However, shopping for used cell phones isn't as | | | | phones that will work on your network. You'll also |
| easy as heading down to the local store for your | | | | quickly realize that the great deals that your |
| service provider as they never carry used | | | | provider is offering on new phones only apply to |
| phones. There are literally thousands of used | | | | new contract agreements, meaning you're out of |
| phones on the market to choose from, and it can | | | | luck and are on your own to find the best deal on |
| be tough narrow your options down to the one | | | | your replacement phone. Not to worry, though. |
| that you want or that serves your purposes the | | | | There are plenty of phones available that will |
| best. So what is the best way to shop for a used | | | | work on your carrier, but be aware that you |
| phone? Basically, you have three options, each of | | | | won't find them at your local Verizon store, for |
| which has it's own advantages and disadvantages. | | | | example. Instead, you'll have to shop from a third |
| The choices are to search for a phone by | | | | party vendor that specializes in used and |
| manufacturer/model, searching for a phone that is | | | | refurbished cell phones. Most of them have |
| compatible on your network, or searching for a | | | | sections on their website for the major carriers, |
| used cell phone that is unlocked. | | | | so simply look at the selection for your carrier |
| If you know what brand and/or model of phone | | | | and see if anything grabs your attention. |
| that you want, then searching by manufacturer is | | | | The final option is to shop for unlocked cell |
| probably your best bet, especially if you have | | | | phones, and is generally the most effective way |
| some flexibility in choosing which network you'll be | | | | to go about things. An unlocked phone is one that |
| using (i.e. you're not currently locked in to a | | | | is capable of being activated on one of many |
| contract with a cellular company). Searching by | | | | networks, so you don't have to worry as much |
| manufacturer/model is probably the easiest way | | | | about finding a phone specifically designed for |
| to shop because you already know what you | | | | your network. These phones also give you the |
| want, it's just a matter of finding it. A quick | | | | freedom to change networks without having to |
| search in a search engine should give you plenty | | | | buy a new phone, such as at the end of a |
| of quality options. | | | | contract. |