process to buy phone from eBay

Let me give it a try here: Since you are with Alltel, you need to buy a phone compatible with their network. Alltel uses CDMA technology, but so does Sprint and Verizon. I would recommend staying away from a Verizon or Sprint phone (too many hassles trying to get them to work with Alltel).

The biggest thing you need to know is Alltel uses ESN (Electronic Serial Numbers) to identify phones on their network. If you are going to buy from an average joe seller, ask for this ESN number so you can check with Alltel to make sure the ESN is not in collections, stolen, or any other negative state. Though doing this is not an absolute guarantee the phone will work, it's at least a preventive step in helping you avoid buying a useless phone.

Also, if a seller won't give you the ESN number (to verify with Alltel), don't even think of doing business with them. If they're (somewhat) legit, they'll give the ESN number to you, but again, this is NO guarantee that everything is above board with the phone.

Lastly, you might want to give Alltel a try and see what they can do for you. Accidents happen.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

 

You get an eBay ID and make a bid. That's all there is to it.

 

Very often CDMA carriers will not activate a unit unless it's one that they sell or have sold or is within their range of ESNs. Some like Metro PCS will reflash phones to use on their service.

 

we have bad experience on buying at ebay

 

I've only had one bad experience when I got what was supposed to be an iPod Nano but was some cheap Chinese knock-off. PayPal fixed it though.