If it seems to good to be true it is!

What to look for when purchasing a cellular phone (nextel, sprint, verizon, etc. on eBay):

1. Always check the listing for the condition of the phone and never be afraid to ask the seller to post more images.  - If they're on eBay selling a phone then they have the ability to post more images!
2. Check to see that the item has a posted image of it powered on if USED, if NEW request the ESN number (for Sprint, Nextel, & Verizon) - this is a number located on the phone used by service providers to activate and program the phone.  Service providers can tell you if the item is legitimate in terms of you being able to use and activate it.
3. Question the seller as to why they are selling the item as many users will post an item that has undergone minor abuse that can cause only temporary phone failure and is not recognizable at first use.
4. Always make sure the listing provides exactly what is included in your purchase.  If it is not listed inquire, as you do not want to purchase a phone w/o a battery, charger, and/or accessories typical with the standard sales package.
5. If a seller will not give you the ESN - DO NOT PURCHASE THE PHONE!!!
6. If you purchase a phone from eBay, attempt to use paypal as it safeguards you from faulty items.  Even if the seller lists they don't accept returns you can still take it up with ebay & paypal and paypal can assist you in getting your full refund.
7. Avoid sellers that state that list phones as untested.  If a unit is not tested then it's probably not working and they should list it for parts.
8. Phones come with a warranty...find out if the phone is still covered by a manufacturers warranty.
9. Inspect your phone after purchase for signs of water damage or over charging.  To locate water damage indicators on most modern phones you simply take off the back and check for a small mark of discoloration either located directly on the unit or on the phone's battery.  It will be slightly pink, red or orange in color.  These colors indicate water damage which means the unit will become inoperative in a short amount of time.  Over charging or a broken charge pin will also make the unit inoperable over time as they do not give the unit the consistent charge required to fully charge the battery and drain the overall life of the battery.
10. Do not buy units that have had a "cellular booster" added.  These simply pull more charge from the battery to make the antenna function at a higher power level but overall decrease the life of the battery.
11. If the unit requires a sim card, ensure that with a new, clean sim the unit will work by contacting your service provider.
12. UNLOCKED does not mean it is capable of working on any network.  Special programming must occur to do so and many codes are distributed widely throughout the internet.  UNLOCKED for those who are not certified redistributors can indicate that the phones may have been reported stolen or were seized from someone's property.  Always check with your service provider concerning an unlocked phone in regards to the cost as well as the status of the phone (make sure you have the ESN or Serial No. before contacting your provider).

If all of these requirements are met, then it's safe to say you've done a good job and found a great buy!  If not be sure to check the feedback of the member, including neutral or mutually removed as this will indicate past problems with the seller.