• Select a Cell Phone Service Provider

• Evaluate Cell Phone Features

• Find Cell Phones on eBay

• Buy Cell Phones With Confidence

Select a Cell Phone Service Provider

Select a Cell Phone Service Provider

Service providers work with specific cell phone manufacturers to produce phones that are compatible with their networks and feature offerings. On eBay, you will find phones for every major service provider. There are also phones ready to be connected with a new service plan or pre-paid phones for those who want no plan at all.

Compatibility: "Which phones does my service provider support?"

If you already have a service contract with a carrier and are looking for a new phone to stay within your current plan, then you can simply search for cell phones on eBay by "service compatibility."

The "service compatibility" search feature, available in the cell phones finder in the right hand column of this page, allows you to look at cell phone listings that sellers have listed as compatible with your current service provider. Currently, you can search by the following carriers:    

• Alltell

• AT&T Wireless 

• Cingular     

• Nextel 

• Sprint PCS   

• T-Mobile       

• U.S. Cellular   

• Verizon

Pre-paid service

If you want the convenience of a prepaid service, there are specific phone models which are available for use with prepaid phone cards. Search through the pre-paid services.

Coverage

Once you have narrowed down the cell phones you are interested in to just a few, you'll want to confirm that the specific cell phone listing you are interested in works in your specific geographic area with your desired service provider. Simply click on the "check coverage in your zip code" link located directly within the listing for the specific cell phone you are interested in buying. When prompted, simply type your zip code into the tool. It's that simple!

Keep your old phone number!

The FCC has ordered all service providers to offer "number porting" in which you can save your old phone number (land-line or cell) and transfer it to your new service provider. Call your service provider or contact them online for details.

Evaluate Cell Phone Features

Evaluate Cell Phone Features

On eBay, you'll be able to find new and used cell phones in just about any price category. If you have basic needs for a cell phone, you may not need all the bells and whistles associated with some of the higher cost models. If cost is not an issue, you'll find all of the latest and greatest technologies from around the world at your fingertips!

The options to consider when shopping for a cell phone are often confusing, and new features for cell phones grow day by day. To narrow your search, think about the following key questions:

Do you plan to use your cell phone outside of your local area?

If you plan on using your phone outside of North America, you may want to choose a Global System or GSM phone, the standard network type utilized around the world. If you do not plan to travel outside of your local area with your cell phone, CMDA or TDMA networks may suit your needs.

Would you like access to the internet or email from your cell phone?

Many cell phones and service providers now offer email and internet access. If you want this functionality, make sure the phone model you're interested is email and/or web-enabled.

Further narrow your search by selecting additional features now available on newer model phones, including: built-in camera, color screen, PDA, Email/Web, unlocked, world, speaker-phone, walkie-talkie, voice-activated calling, MP3 players, and games.

How important is your phone's size and weight?

These days, phones come in many shapes, sizes, and weights: clamshell (flip phone), PDA, and "candybar." Think about the silhouette you're looking for when making your choice. While all are quite portable, clamshells often have the advantage of portability and increased screensize. Additionally, the keys are protected against accidental dialing. Sometimes the simplicity and durability of the candybar shape can be an advantage. If you don't mind a slightly larger silhouette, you'll get a giant step in functionality, as well as a larger screen by choosing a PDA phone.

Find Cell Phones on eBay

Find Cell Phones on eBay

Once you know what type of cell phone you want, go to the Cell Phones portal, and select phones or accessories, parts to start searching for item listings on eBay.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for Antennas, Batteries, Car Kits & Car Chargers, Faceplates, Housings, Headsets, and more. As you dig deeper into the site you'll also be able to narrow down your choice by brand.

• Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find a Bluetooth headset, type "bluetooth headset" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Cell Phones With Confidence

Buy Cell Phones With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,000.

• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.