buying LG-VX5300 phone on ebay vs re-upping

My Verizon contract expired 3 years ago and it's time for a new phone, say
an LG-VX5300, partly because it does AMPS. What do people think of buying
a phone on Ebay instead of re-upping for 2 years? Are these phones
likely to be stolen? How could I tell?

Also, is there any chance of getting a discount from Verizon because it's
been 4 years since my last discounted phone, even tho I haven't been on a
contract?

Finally, what's with these incredible deals for starting a new account?
E.g. Amazon says that I will be paid $75 for doing that. If I didn't want
to keep my number, it appears that I could start a new account, then cancel
my old one.

Thanks. Replies posted to the group will help everyone in addition to me.

>What do people think of buying a phone
> on Ebay instead of re-upping for 2
> years? * Are these phones likely to be
> stolen? How could I tell?

A few months ago I asked similar question and followed the advice I
received. I bought from an individual not from a phone selling
business. I asked for the ESN of the phone and checked with Vz to make
sure the phone could be activated and I made sure the phone came with a
user manual and charger. Check the individuals feedback(nothing less
than 100%) and communicate with that person. My experience was good and
I got the phone I wanted at a good price.

Dave S(Texas)

<putt@webtv.net> wrote
>>What do people think of buying a phone
>> on Ebay instead of re-upping for 2
>> years? Are these phones likely to be
>> stolen? How could I tell?

>A few months ago I asked similar question and followed the advice I
>received. I bought from an individual not from a phone selling
>business. I asked for the ESN of the phone and checked with Vz to make
>sure the phone could be activated and I made sure the phone came with a
>user manual and charger. Check the individuals feedback (nothing less
>than 100%) and communicate with that person. My experience was good and
>I got the phone I wanted at a good price.
>
>Dave S(Texas)

I'll second that.

I've bought half a dozen low-end Samsung VZW phones from different
individuals (no dealers) on eBay who had upgraded, replacing ~ 2 yr old
working phones . Every single one was in advertised condition and all
activated and work fine. I manage phones for my company and we didn't want
to extend our contract, pay full retail for replacements or pay for
insurance on dozens of relatively cheap phones.

One thing I would add is to ask the seller to check and send you the total
lifetime for all calls from the phone's call history. This doesn't guarantee
anything, but it is data to have when comparing used phones of similar age
all described as being in "good condition". Bear in mind someone might abuse
a little used phone or take good care of one that was used heavily.

I just got an LG 6100 off Ebay for a great price....a little dinged up, but
works perfectly. Replaces my daughters phone that died---and, I'm 3 months
short of my 2 yr contract.....so, Ebay was the way to go.

John

"Please post not email replies" <linux-user@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:XOoeh.564$nq5.353@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
> My Verizon contract expired 3 years ago and it's time for a new phone, say
> an LG-VX5300, partly because it does AMPS. What do people think of
> buying
> a phone on Ebay instead of re-upping for 2 years? Are these phones
> likely to be stolen? How could I tell?
>
> Also, is there any chance of getting a discount from Verizon because it's
> been 4 years since my last discounted phone, even tho I haven't been on a
> contract?
>
> Finally, what's with these incredible deals for starting a new account?
> E.g. Amazon says that I will be paid $75 for doing that. If I didn't want
> to keep my number, it appears that I could start a new account, then
> cancel
> my old one.
>
> Thanks. Replies posted to the group will help everyone in addition to me.
>
>
>
>
>