Final Step: Shopping

Where and How to Shop

Our Recommended Shopping Platforms:

www.Swappa.com:

Swappa allows people to buy and sell smartphones and other gadgets. Think of it like eBay, but with more security and better customer service. For example, before a phone can be listed on Swappa, it must pass the IMEI check to show the phone is owned free and clear and not stolen. The site is easy to navigate and allows you to ask questions directly to the seller. Our #1 recommended used phone shopping site.

www.BackMarket.com:

Back Market is a company who buys used phones that may or may not have a broken part, fixes the broken ones, and resells them at a fair price. This site is recommended because they have a rigorous phone testing process, and their prices are very competitive. If you prefer buying from a business and not having to sift through as many options as on Swappa, Back Market is a decent option.

Additional Shopping Platforms:

Direct from retailer: 

If you've opted for a new phone, buy directly from the phone manufacturer, or as close as you can get to buying from them. Maybe that means from their store, online, your phone carrier, or a 3rd party like BestBuy. Be sure to shop around for any deals that may apply to you - student, senior, and military discounts can be common.

Community Shopping Platforms: www.OfferUp.com, Facebook Marketplace

• Buying on platforms like these pose additional risk because there is no middle-company with listing criteria standards and verification that the devices are owned free and clear. In all cases you should only buy from these platforms when you can meet in person, at a public place, and have time to turn on the phone and check the following: screen, camera (front & back), FaceID or biometric features, charging port (bring a portable charger), and IMEI number. Click here to learn how to check an IMEI number to see if the phone is clear to use or blacklisted.