Who needs the newest Smartphone? Sure, they are cool. But last season’s phone does the same thing, and you can pick it up for a much lower price. Plus, the new Smartphone of today will be the Smartphone of tomorrow in a month or two. You are wise for bypassing the “newest technology in the room” bragging rights and deciding to buy a used phone.
Here at Tim’s Trading Post & Pawn, we think you have many other, cooler qualities to brag about than “having the newest phone,” like being the smartest buyer. That’s why we compiled a list to help you buy your next used Smartphone.
Tip 1: Make sure the used Smartphone is not blacklisted.
As much as we would like to think everyone is honest, they’re not. That is why it is essential to ensure the used Smartphone you are interested in is not blacklisted.
Blacklisted phones are smartphones that were either reported lost or stolen. These phones are listed in a database and cannot be granted service by a carrier.
To find out if your new Smartphone has been blacklisted, first, you will need to find the IMEI. IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. To find your Smartphone’s IMEI, you can type #06# into the keypad. The IMEI numbers will show on the display. The IMEI number will be located on the back of some phones’ batteries. If your new phone is an iPhone, you can go to “Settings,” then “About,” then “IMEI/ESN.” There your iPhone’s IMEI number should be displayed.
Once you have retrieved your IMEI number, you can do a free search to see if your new Smartphone is blacklisted. There are websites that offer this service. https://www.imei.info/ is one website that will help you search the database to see if your phone is blacklisted.
Tip 2: Buy from a source that offers returns and/or exchanges.
If Your Smartphone isn’t blacklisted now, it is still possible that it may become blacklisted in the future. That is why buying your used Smartphone from a source that offers returns or exchanges is important. At Tim’s Trading Post & Pawn, we offer returns and exchanges on our items.
Tip 3: Inspect the overall appearance
This tip is a bit more common sense, but we’d figure we’d still mention it. Inspect your new Smartphone to make sure it physically looks like it is in good/fair condition. Turn it on and make sure it still works. If the phone has buttons, make sure they work. Examine the screen to ensure no cracks. Finally, make sure the phone charges when plugged in.
Nothing is worse than being surprised by a broken or blacklisted phone after you make an exciting purchase. Follow the tips above to make a wise decision when purchasing your next used Smartphone. And remember, if you have any questions, the team here at Tim’s Trading Post & Pawn will be happy to assist you. And if you are in the market for a new phone, stop in and check out our array of used smartphones.