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Is eBay A Safe Place To Purchase???

Discussion in 'GENERAL Wireless Discussion' started by ShellDawg, Aug 8, 2006.

  1. ShellDawg

    ShellDawg New Member

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    Location:
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    Wireless Provider(s):
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    Hey guys.....I'm new here, so "Hello!" from the Deep South. About a thousand degrees here today, so I'm in the air conditioning trying to figure out if it is really safe to buy a phone from eBay?

    My phone (Motorola V180e) is dying a quick death and I need a good price but don't want to be out in the cold if the phone has a problem. As my service is part of my BIL's business plan, and is free to me, there will be no upgrading of service or free phones in my future. I simply need a phone that I can plug my SIM card into and keep on rollin'....

    I have read numerous posts here and have about decided that for my Cingular Service, for a fairly basic phone, I could get the V551/557, 600 or 635. Don't want to spend a fortune, just need something reliable, with a camera, that gets good reception, has bluetooth and is generally the most phone you can get for the money...there seems to be almost a consensus on these models in these forums!

    I do of course know that I need to look for the highest feedback ratings, use someone who deals primarily in phones/accessories, and has some kind of return policy (although most seem to be limited to 7 days...) Anyone have any sage advice or past experiences to share? :cool:
     
    #1 ShellDawg, Aug 8, 2006
  2. noahm

    noahm Junior Member
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    I have bought 4 phones on eBay in the Past. All worked well and were a pretty good deal, one just had a battery that was on its way out so we replaced it. Just make sure the seller has a high feedback rating and you will be fine!
     
    #2 noahm, Aug 8, 2006
  3. RJB

    RJB Gold Senior Member
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    I would say for the most part Ebay is safe. You have your good apples and your bad apples.
     
    #3 RJB, Aug 8, 2006
  4. walkguru

    walkguru Wireless Guru
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    Location:
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    My Phone:
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    cingular,family plan w/4 lines
    i would say no way, its full of scammers.:eek:
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
    #4 walkguru, Aug 8, 2006
  5. Telekom

    Telekom Bronze Senior Member
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    I have bought all my phones except two through eBay. You have to use some common sense and pay attention to the auction and look at the seller's feeback comments. If their comments are good it's usually safe to buy from them. Be cautious of any auction that will not let you use PayPal.
     
    #5 Telekom, Aug 8, 2006
  6. scottb

    scottb Bronze Senior Member
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    Different people have different experiences... I have pruchased many things on eBay, ranging from cell phones to golf clubs, with good results.
     
    #6 scottb, Aug 9, 2006
  7. rwsrichard

    rwsrichard Guest

    I have ordered a lot of stuff from ebay, also. I have not had any problems so far.
     
    #7 rwsrichard, Aug 9, 2006
  8. QLR

    QLR RIP Note!
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    I only bought a couple of items from Ebay and so far so good. I usually stay away because bidding can often get out of hand.
     
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    #8 QLR, Aug 9, 2006
  9. Fire14

    Fire14 Easy,Cheap & Sleazy
    Senior Member

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    I have bought about 5 phones thru Ebay and as Telekom said, pay attention to the sellers feedback comments & stay with someone that has at least a 98% positive feedback. I usually only go with 99% or higher feedback.

    And yes being able to use Paypal is important, because if there is a problem they will help you get your money back. (I did have 1 person that didn't send me a phone & got my money back thru Paypal)

    Also be patient on a phone you want, most of the time being patient has helped me get what I wanted at a cheaper price.
     
    #9 Fire14, Aug 10, 2006
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