Tips on Buying a Second Hand Cell Phone

If you’re looking to buy a good condition iPhone or any other type of smartphone for half the price, buying a used device may be the answer for you.

But before you go off finding a cheap iPhone on Craigslist or eBay, there are a few things you should keep in mind to protect yourself from being ripped off.

1. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is – There are many issues a cell phone can have that may not be quickly recognizable. If a phone is priced extremely low, be aware that it may have some issues with that the seller may not be telling you. Make sure you check as many functions as possible before buying the device. When buying online, make sure the seller has positive feedback from their past transactions.

2. Watch out for stolen phones! – Stolen phones are on the rise and are almost always sold through such avenues such as Craigslist or Kijiji. If a phone is stolen and reported, there is a very good chance it will soon be “network blocked”. A blocked phone means the phone will not be able to be used with any network in the country. It will also not pick up signal or make calls if it is blocked. It may take weeks or even months before the network blocked the phone, so take this into account when buying a used cell phone. There is no way to 100% protect you from this, so buying from such sites as craigslist require you taking a risk. It’s best to go with your gut instinct when deciding to buy. If you get a feeling something is not right (such as they want to sell the phone quick or hide their identify) the phone may be stolen.

3. Make sure the phone will work with your network- Before buying, make sure the phone will work with the network you wish to use it with. Do not buy a used phone under the impression it can be unlocked. Some phones, like iPhones, can be very pricy to unlock.

4. Get the phone wiped- Make sure you get the phone cleared of all its data before you buy or sell it. For iPhones, make sure you get the last person who used it to remove their iCloud account. If the iCloud account is not removed, you will not be able to access the phone or use it at all.

5. Make sure you can take it back – You may realize that when you get home a function of the phone is not working. Make sure you get a contact number or meet the seller at their home. This will allow you a way to possibly get your money back if there is an issue with the device you just purchased. If buying from a used cell phone store, make sure you get a warranty with the phone so you can return it.

To avoid any of these issues we recommend coming into Cell Clinic Vancouver , or any other store that provides second hand phones at a discounted price. By doing this, you pass the risk onto the store, and get a guaranteed working cellphone or smartphone for a fraction of the cost.

Cell Clinic’s Cash Payouts Vs. Bell’s Trade in Program

When its time to upgrade to a new cell phone or tablet, many people are faced with the question of what to do with their old device.  Most of these mobile devices are still working just fine, or can be repaired to full working order. Why not get cash for these old devices!

Cell Clinic Vancouver is now paying top dollar for your iPhone, iPods, iPads and Samsung mobile devices, working or not.

When comparing Cell Clinic’s cash payments to Bell’s trade in only program, Cell Clinic always PAYS more then Bell gives for a trade in value towards a new device. In some cases, Cell Clinic Pays double what Bell would offer for a trade in.

Cell Clinic offers cash for phones that are working, scratched, cracked, broken or not working at all.

Bell is only currently offering a trade in value for devices that are in 100% condition.

For Bell’s trade in prices visit Bell’s Trade in Program

 To see what Cell Clinic will give you in cash for your device Contact Cell Clinic

Trade-in Old Cell Phones & Tablets for Cash, Gifts or Charity this Christmas

To help families this Christmas, Cell Clinic Vancouver is accepting trade-ins on broken/used mobile devices for cash at nearly twice the value offered by major cell phone providers, and an additional 20 per cent to trade for in-store credit.

Gifts or cash will help families purchase presents this Christmas. We are also encouraging people to use this offer to purchase gifts and donate directly to a charity of their choice such as YWCA, Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Salvation Army, Covenant House, Senior Services Society, BC SPCA, Vancouver Humane Society, Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre and Kocihta (helping Indigenous youth reach their career potential).

“We want to help charities and families that are in need,” said Alex Dechant, owner of Cell Clinic Ltd. “Many people don’t realize that old cell phones and tablets can be turned into cash or repaired Vs. purchasing a new one. Repairing a new mobile device can save consumers hundreds of dollars, reduce technology’s carbon footprint, and eliminate the need to purchase a phone prior to the end of a cellular contract, or enter into a long-term contract with a mobile provider”, said Dechant.

Cell Clinic provides individuals and corporations with a quick, affordable, and quality phone repair in downtown Vancouver (935 Seymour) that will improve the functionality and life of their current cell phone and tablet. The store also offers gift certificates, refurbished mobile devices, and a variety of mobile accessories such as protection options, cases, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, chargers, etc.