Is it wise to buy a phone off ebay?

Skud

Any suggestions for the guidelines to make sure you aren't ripped off? Also would the irish sim cards be the same as the english ones?

govinda

I haven't bought a phone off ebay (should be safe enough if you use an escrow service though) but I can tell you that the SIM cards are no problem - I regularly swap between a Vodafone UK SIM and an o2 IRL SIM in the same (Irish bought) phone with no problems.

hshortt

I am on my fifth ebay mobile phone. Never had a problem with any sellers or with any of the phones, I tend to change quickly hence the numbers I've been through.

My tips for a safe trade are

Ensure you read the description completely! (check for hidden extra costs like 3% more for paypal etc.)

Check that the phone is Tri-Band (if coming from America!)

Unlocked or easily unlocked (most phones are carrier locked these days and unlocking can be free or costly depending on the model)

If it's new it should stated that way, if not ensure that nothing is missing from the package and read the description for any signs of wear.

Check the recent feedbacks the seller has, specifically any negative feedback left. Also check that the recent feedbacks have been for other phones. (One scam is to build up good feedback selling coupons and vouchers for cents, then advertise a high cost item and do a runner!)

Mail the seller for any additional costs in shipping to Ireland, a prompt response indicates the seller is at least there and willing to answer questions. Says a bit about their personality.

Make sure the seller actually has product you want in stock, some sellers advertise phones from the UK etc, but they actually ship from Asia with a three week delivery time frame. Ask how long the delivery should take, my experience has been anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks.

Check around for the best prices, one time I bought a (locked) T610 for 230 Sterling when SonyEricsson were selling them directly from their site (unlocked) for 250 sterling.

Check their payments methods, Paypal is easy and reasonably safe (They are opening a European version next month - based in Ireland). If a seller will only accept money transfer or cash etc, then be sure are fully comfortable as once your money is in their account it's much more difficult to get it back if anything goes wrong.

Be careful!

Once you bid on a phone or other digital device you might receive emails from East Europeans or Asians offering you a better price. This is a scam, basically they are not part of ebay and once you send them the cash, you will never hear from them again.

The Sim cards are all the same these days.

Good luck.

Skud

Thanks very much for the feedback. Much appreciated.