vB Easy Archive - Purchasing a new phone from a third-party..

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Purchasing a new phone from a third-party..
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Posted by: KYarb

Not sure if this would be the correct place to post, but I didn't see a specific forum for this type of question. Any help would be appreciated, without further ado... here's my whine.

I've decided to upgrade my phone, but I use Sprint/Nextel. I've only had my contract for about 8 months (June '08-Present) and therefore do not receive any rebates. Not sure if it's the same with other carriers, but with Sprint after your first phone you get screwed on prices. Everything has to be bought at full price unless your contract is up, then you get $150 + contract rebates. At 1-year you just get $75. (This is according to a rep, not sure on accuracy.)

So, my dillema. I was looking at some PDA/Smartphones and the prices are outrageous from Sprint. Anywhere from $300-600, which is just too much for me (college student!). I talked to my corporate account rep (corporate discount program) and we went over my options (adding a line, waiting, etc) and the best option I have is to buy third-party (eBay, etc). I've found the phone I'm interested in for about half price (BlackBerry Pearl 8130, ~$200+s&h vs $499.99).

I'm not sure if I can do this, but all the information I've found on the web says I can as long as the phone is unlocked. Sprint uses the CDMA technology as far as I can tell, if that's any use. What I'm wanting to know is how I would go about activating and using this new phone once I buy it, and if I'll have any problems with Sprint.

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

Regards,
Ken

Posted by: Heavy Fluid

Unlocked does not apply to you. If you are on the Sprint side of things, you will need a phone that is Sprint branded. Sprint will not activate any phone onto their network that is not Sprint branded. Unlocked refers to GSM phones, and Sprint is CDMA.

One piece of advice before purchasing, is to get the ESN number and check with Sprint before purchasing so that you ensure that you are not buying a stolen or blacklisted phone.

Posted by: KYarb

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy Fluid

Unlocked does not apply to you. If you are on the Sprint side of things, you will need a phone that is Sprint branded. Sprint will not activate any phone onto their network that is not Sprint branded. Unlocked refers to GSM phones, and Sprint is CDMA.

One piece of advice before purchasing, is to get the ESN number and check with Sprint before purchasing so that you ensure that you are not buying a stolen or blacklisted phone.

That's what I thought, but I wasn't sure. As far as the ESN issue goes, I was ahead of you!

I found a listing on eBay and messaged the seller who responded in about 30 minutes or so. He politely stated that they do not provide ESNs prior to purchase, but the seller seems solid. 7800+ rating with only 6 negatives in the last 12 months, 1 in the last 6 months. It's a fair price ($185) with a 7-day return policy and full PayPal coverage.

In my message I also inquired about the condition (description says Brand New but that's not always the case) and he stated it was still in the factory box.

I'll give it a shot. If I get burned then I guess I learned my lesson!

Posted by: Heavy Fluid

Why wouldn't they provide an ESN? That raises a red flag for me.

Posted by: KYarb

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy Fluid

Why wouldn't they provide an ESN? That raises a red flag for me.

I found it odd, but I'm not sure what the "norm" is regarding that. There's nothing I can do with an ESN that would affect them as far as I can tell, but I've really no clue in that area.

Update

The second one I found is for $204.98 (S&H incl.) and it has the ESN posted on the auction page. So, either this guy isn't worried about something happening or the first one is paranoid. :/?

Found another for $199.99 and buyer provided the ESN (with 30 mins left on the auction), checked and it's clear... however there was a mix up in the description and it's actually red not black.

! The search continues...

Posted by: Heavy Fluid

Keep waiting. Good things come to those who wait. I waited to get my Curve, and ended up getting a killer deal on it. I was impatient, but to be honest, it was worth it when I saved almost $100 of off what they are running on eBay for.

Posted by: Steve.G

I've seen people with stolen phones clone the ESN of an eBay phone of the same model onto their stolen device.. then sell it as a clear ESN and/or attempt to activate it.