| If you have plenty of extra money in your pocket, | | | | condition. |
| you can buy anything you like. However, it’s | | | | Test the keypad. Press all the buttons many times. |
| wise to know that so many brand new cell phones | | | | Phones should be able to withstand multiple presses |
| or hardly used phones are cheaply threw or stolen | | | | without giving away. |
| and resold to second hand store. Sometimes you | | | | Do a detailed check of the functions. After you are |
| should know that buying a second hand cell phone will | | | | done with the exterior, it is time to check the phone |
| save you a lot of money. Needless to say, there are | | | | itself. Try every function that the phone has. A |
| some seemingly authentic dealers who turn out to be | | | | laptop or another phone will come in handy at this |
| quite dishonest both about the age, the origin and | | | | time. |
| the condition of the phone. Just to help everyone, | | | | Is there scratches on the display? Check the LCD |
| here is a handy list of items to check when buying a | | | | display. Dead pixels are rare in phones unlike LCD |
| second hand phone | | | | monitors. But for phones, try to see if there are |
| Firstly, check IMEI.The IMEI is a code that identifies | | | | scratches on the screen. Scratches are expensive to |
| each phone. No two phones have the same number | | | | repair and most people should buy a lcd screen |
| and manufacturers use this number to verify stolen | | | | protector to ensure the high resale value of their |
| phones and the amount of warranty that your phone | | | | phone. |
| has. Check that the IMEI number on the phone | | | | Check moving parts.Some phones have sliders, |
| corresponds to the number on the box and receipts. | | | | flippers. Try them to test if they are flimsy. Moving |
| If the numbers differ, there could be several reasons. | | | | parts tend to be easily damaged by drops and |
| The first is that the phone is a stolen one or the | | | | frequent use. |
| phone had been sent for servicing and had the main | | | | How long is battery life? Batteries drop in |
| board replaced. Both situations are warning signs of a | | | | performance as they age. However even a second |
| problematic phone. | | | | hand phone should not use more than 10% of its |
| Secondly, examine the original receipt.Get a receipt | | | | battery in the time you are testing. This point is hard |
| from the seller. If it comes from a reputable retail | | | | to check and the best solution is to get a personal |
| outlet, then you do not have to worry much. The | | | | warranty from the seller so that you can test the |
| receipt will be able to tell you when the phone is | | | | battery life later. |
| bought and how much warranty is left. Phones usually | | | | One last thing... Is there a Warranty? Get the |
| have only 1 year warranty. However if you see a | | | | warranty card. See if it has been sent in. Some |
| receipt that is of dubious origin, be very wary. The | | | | manufacturers will not honor their warranty if the |
| receipt might be faked to make the phone look | | | | card has not been sent in within a few days of |
| younger than it actually is. It might even be from a | | | | purchase. Some brands will also have their users |
| second hand dealer trying to sell off the phone again. | | | | register their warranty online. Prior to meeting the |
| Closely inspect the exterior.This step is rather simple | | | | seller, get the IMEI number and do a warranty check |
| and should give you an idea of how old the phone is. | | | | online. Also ask the seller for a 7 days personal |
| Wear and tear will occur. Usually this means the | | | | warranty so that you have time to interact and |
| buttons' paint will peel off. For PDA phones, the paint | | | | ensure that the phone is in working condition. |
| near the Stylus slot will also peel off. Ensure that the | | | | This is unlikely to be an exhaustive list of what to |
| condition is what you expect to pay for. Ratings by | | | | check when buying a second hand phone. However, |
| sellers are very subjective therefore when no photos | | | | you stick to the tips above, it is difficult to get ripped |
| are uploaded, buy only when satisfied of the | | | | off. |