What Sells: Cell Phones
As with other consumer electronics, cell phone technology changes rapidly. Many buyers desire cutting edge features, and are willing to pay top dollar for them; however, prices drop as cellular technologies improve, and wireless companies increasingly offer free phones and rebates as incentives to sign up customers to their plans. This means that the market for used cell phones, particularly older ones, has a lot of competition. People who are “early adopters” of technology tend to upgrade their phones frequently, and might have a phone that’s worth selling online. It’s always best to research the specific model before agreeing to sell a phone.
Popular features include:
- Cameras: megapixel count (higher resolution) is becoming more common
- Bluetooth voice capability, which lets you use a wireless headset, and Bluetooth data capability, which lets you transfer photos and address books between your phone and computer or PDA
- Full QWERTY keyboards
- Voice control (hands-free dialing)
- Downloadable ringtones, games, etc.
If you don’t know all the specifications, check the manufacturer’s website; they often have product catalogs online that list detailed product specifications.
HowStuffWorks has a useful overview of the considerations buyers make when purchasing a cellular phone. Visit the website at http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-buying.htm.
Cell phones are subject to a lot of wear and tear, so look for the following:
- Scratches and scuffs
- Worn-off lettering on keys
- Cracked cases and screens
- Bent or broken antennas
- Missing pieces (covers, belt clips, headsets, manuals, etc.)
It’s a good idea to test the phone before listing it. If the service has been deactivated, you can at least test the battery; take a picture of the phone with the screen turned on to show that the battery works.
Include these details in your listing:
- Brand
- Model
- GSM, CDMA, analog, etc.
- Bluetooth
- Carrier name
- Camera and megapixels
- Accessories (e.g., headsets, chargers and extra batteries)
- Packaging (e.g., New in Box)
Also, state in your listing that the offer is for the phone only, not wireless service, and if activation is required.
Use the original packaging whenever possible to store or ship an item. If the original box is missing or too damaged to use, wrap each item separately in bubble wrap and cushion with packing peanuts inside a larger box.
