Buying a used phone off of E-bay, what to look out for and what to do?

[GodisanAtheist]

Going to pick up a used HTC 8x off of ebay sooner rather than later and I'd like to be reasonably sure I'm not going to get burned with a stolen phone or get hit with some bizarre fees when I go to activate it with T-mobile. What should I watch out for in listings (obviously read the description to make sure I'm getting a working phone without a broken screen and clean IMEI etc...) and is there anything I should look out for (t-mobile with a grandfathered classic plan) when activating the phone with T-Mo?

 

[lothar]

Instead of gambling on eBay, try Swappa first.

 

[GodisanAtheist]

Checked out Swappa, very cool site and I will keep an eye on it in the future. However their 8x listings for T-mo/Unlocked are slim/non-existant. I don't mind getting a physically scuffed phone so long as I get it for the right price, and ebay is giving me that.

Once I get the phone is it just a question of going down to t-mo to pick up a SIM for it or what?

 

[podspi]

Once you have the phone, all you need is a SIM. Your best bet is to send a message to the seller confirming with them that the IMEI is clear. If they say it is and it turns out it isn't (this has happened to me) eBay will make sure you get your money back.

 

[GodisanAtheist]

Thanks. I can go to my local tmo retail spot and have them issue me another SIM right? I'd like to keep my old Lumia 710 working as a PMP/Toilet surfing device so it needs to keep its sum card.

 

[dagamer34]

I would have them send a picture of the IMEI on the device and on screen and check it yourself so that you are 100% sure it works on T-Mobile. Here's the online IMEI checker: http://www.t-mobile.com/VERIFYIMEI.ASPX