Buying service and phone on eBay -- bad idea for DC resident?

[moppet]

Hello all. This is a great website and forum, I'm so glad I came across it. I live in Washington D.C., work in Manassas Virginia, and I'm not happy with my Sprint service. So after some research, I decided I'd like to switch to Verizon and its National SingleRate program (I really hated the random roaming thing Sprint it would do sometimes -- like inside my apartment, or on the Prince William Parkway.) The problems could probably be fixed with a new Sprint phone but, I've had the same phone and service for 4 years, it's time for a change.

I went to the local Verizon store in Manassas, and at this time they're out of the phone I want (Kyocera 2235.) I started idly browsing through eBay, and I came across a guy who is selling the phone I want, PLUS activation in my area, for less than how much I'd pay at a brick and mortar store (the phone would be $19.99 vs. $79.99.) His feedback is good. He appears to be affiliated with The Wireless Zone, which is a real company. He appears to be (judging from the forms and whatnot that he sent me) a Verizon authorized retailer. He says he can sell phones cheaply because 1. he has less overhead and 2. that phone is soon to be phased out for a more feature-laden update. (I don't need many features, or many minutes, really. I probably use 60-90 minutes a month, but I don't want to fool around with roaming when I do.)

So, my questions are, is it a bad idea to consider this option as a way to purchase? Does it leave me out of luck if soemthing goes wrong with the phone? (assuming this gentleman is legit, the phone is new-in-box, so my thought is that it would be under warranty, but I don't know.). I'm just not really sure how to protect myself here, or if I'm even considering all the things that could go wrong.

My second question/request is if folk would give their impressions of Verizon's National SingleRate program. Again, I really just hate the roaming. I consdiered ATT, but their similar plan is a lot more expensive. (I'm paying $29.99 a month for 180 anytime minutes on Sprint -- the probably don't even have the plan anymore.)

Thanks SO much for any help you can lend me...

[KevinJames]

Get the ESN from the seller and then check to ensure it is not "hot." If it is, you will not be able to activate it. I have read a number of negative posts here about buying wireless phones from ebay including:

1. phone turned out to be stolen and carrier would not activate it.
2. phone turned out to be only for Canadian service.
3. Carrier would not or could not activate because. A) flat refusal, B) needed unlock code.

In short, "cheap" is not always a good bargain.

[moppet]

I don't know what "ESN" means. But I think, after further thought, the money savings here isn't enough to make up for all the many things that could go wrong. I'll just get my service through the Verizon website.

[Jack]

I would go into a store and get the service

Jack

[ComicalMoodyDan]

Good idea moppet I usually don't recommend eBay unless you really know what you are doing and can trust the seller.

If the seller has good Ebay feedback (READ the feedback don't just look at the number), and you pay with your credit card through PayPal, I think you have very good protection.

[scottb]

I have purchased several phones on eBay with good results, however, I have never purchased service on eBay. As TNDan21
mentioned, you really need to know what you are looking for to purhcase a phone this way.

Scott

Moppet,

FYI- I have had cellular/digital service in the DC area for at least 15 years. The only one I haven't tried is Verizon. I currently have AT&T which I can highly recommend. I think Verizon would be very good also based on people I have talked to and more importantly on the recent tests done by Washington Consumers' Checkbook magazine (www.checkbook.org). They rated Verizon and AT&T the two best in this market. Stay away from Cingular and Sprint in this area. From what you are describing, I think a local plan would work fine for you. Check out the AT&T website and look at the map area for their "AT&T Digital Advantage" plans. It covers the whole DC/MD/VA area and then some. As long as you are in this geographic area (the part called the "Home Calling Area") you won't get charged anything extra (no matter if your phone says "extended area")(ask the rep). I'm sure Verizon has the same sort of thing.

Dave.