Anyone ever buy a cell phone off ebay

[tabbycat31]

My phone was the victim of the Mayan apocalypse on Friday and has barely worked since. In the short term I'm going to get my old phone reactivated, but that will not work in the long term.

I am thinking of buying a phone off ebay to use for the duration of the contract. Has anyone ever done this and have any tips?

[hlthe2b]

1. Lots of folks do... I sold one (never activated, however)

Not sure what tips to offer except look at seller ratings and make sure the phone they are selling you is compatible with your carrier and not currently locked into another.

[RevStPatrick]

2. My nephew was here for Christmas, and he just bought a phone on eBay...

He was explaining to a niece how it's done.
He says he buys a lot of new electronics on eBay, and has learned a few things.

Only buy from top rated sellers.
Meaning, buy from sellers with lots and lots of good feedback.
Don't buy from other countries.
Don't go looking only for the best deal.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
You'll find what you want at a good price, and as long as price isn't your only criteria, you'll be fine.

Something like that...

[pintobean]

3. Yes, I've bought a bunch over the years.

I've never had a problem. I've bought used phones from individuals who had upgraded, and I've bought new phones from from ebay dealers.

I never buy from anyone who has a feedback rating below 99 percent, and I always read feedback comments.