| Most of us are probably locked in to a normal | | | | great to be able to switch when you move |
| contract with our cellular service provider - | | | | without having to pay a big early-cancellation fee? |
| typically a two year deal. Companies get | | | | Refurbished cell phones are available from both |
| customers to agree to these contracts by | | | | cellular service providers and third party vendors. |
| offering them good deals on new phones. The cell | | | | If you buy a refurbished phone, check for the |
| phone company then keeps the old phones that | | | | following from your vendor: |
| customers turn in and refubishes them to like | | | | 1. That the phone has been completely |
| new condition. These refurbished cell phones are | | | | reconditioned to original factory settings/standards |
| then sold again back to customers at discounted | | | | 2. That the phone has been fully tested for |
| prices through a number of sources. However, | | | | functionality |
| refurbished cell phonesare not always older | | | | 3. A warranty on the phone. These warranties will |
| models - any phone that is returned to a dealer - | | | | not be as long as a warranty on a new phone, |
| even one that is 2 days old, cannot be resold as | | | | but generally 30-90 days should be expected and |
| "new" so they are resold as "refubished" models. | | | | will be plenty of time to learn if the phone has |
| This means that most of us can always find the | | | | problems resulting from previous abuse or |
| phone that we want for much cheaper without | | | | improper refurbishing. |
| having to agree to a 2 year contract. | | | | Be aware that there are some potential |
| Refurbished cell phones have many advantages | | | | downsides to purchasing a refurbished cell phone. |
| over brand new (full retail price) phones. Here are | | | | When you buy a refurbished phone directly from |
| a few: | | | | a cellular carrier, that phone will be locked to their |
| 1. Price - purchasing a used cell phone that has | | | | network, which often makes it preferable to look |
| been refurbished is almost always cheaper than | | | | for an unlocked cell phone when you are shopping |
| buying the same phone brand new. You can get | | | | around. A phone that is locked to a network will |
| current technology without paying the high prices | | | | not be able to work on another network if/when |
| - why not? | | | | you switch without first getting the phone |
| 2. Environment - Each time a cell phone is put | | | | unlocked. Finally, keep in mind that you are buying |
| back in circulation by being resold as used or | | | | a used product, which does have some inherent |
| refurbished, that becomes one less phone that | | | | risks. |
| enters landfills. With the big recent focus on "going | | | | In conclusion, no matter if you use it for a prepaid |
| green," why not do so with your cell phone as | | | | account of an affordable way to upgrade your |
| well? | | | | existing phone without renewing your contract, |
| 3. No contracts - Not having to sign a contract is | | | | refurbished cell phones are great options. Be an |
| a huge benefit. In the next 2 years, you could | | | | informed customers and you'll get a great deal on |
| have to move - perhaps to an area where you | | | | a great phone. |
| current provider has poor service. Wouldn't it be | | | | |