Make Money Buying and Selling Cell Phones

There are over 5 billion cell phone users worldwide since 2010 and this number is growing. Cell phones have become an intricate part of life for many Americans. In 2005 a reported 75 percent of cell phone owners kept them within physical reach every moment of their awake hours. Cell phone owners often purchase additional phones for family members. They also like to change phones so they can get a variety of features and functions. Knowing how to sell used cell phones for profit can be a lucrative business. Buying and selling cell phones is a fairly popular and easy way to make money. Many people throw away their old cell phones and it is not uncommon for some to get a new cell phone once or twice a year. The key to making money when selling used cell phones is to pay less for the phone than you sell it for and to find an easy way to sell them.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection
• eBay account
• Digital camera

Instructions:

Step 1

Determine which brands and models of used cell phones you will carry. The more variety you can offer to customers the better your sales will be. Examining the most popular plans in the Houston area will help you avoid buying used phones that are not appropriate to the areas plans.

Step 2

Stock your inventory. You can find used cellphones on Craigslist-Houston, in classified ads and at recycle companies. When you purchase your stock, be sure that each phone you buy is priced so that you can make a profit by reselling it. Check the phones to be sure they are operational before buying. Make sure you buy phones that are newer models.Cell phones change so often that older models will be difficult to resell as customers constantly look to upgrade their cell phone features.

Step 3

Advertise your cell phones. Whether you choose to place notices on bulletin boards, ads in the newspaper or word of mouth, be sure that you are truthful when you state the condition of the used phones you have for sale. Customer good will can make or break your business, therefore, it is important to develop a reputation for ethical business practices.

Step 4

Constantly study Houston area cell phone plans. You will need to understand which used phones would be popular with your customers. Although you don't have to commit every plan in the area to memory, it is important to keep a thumb on the most popular companies so you will be able to make sound decisions in the purchase of used cell phones for resale.

Step 5

Evaluate your success rate. After you have sold, delivered or shipped used cell phones for six months, take some time to evaluate your business. When you consider not only the products you sell, but also shipping and your time, are you making a profit? Adjust your practices as needed.

Step 6

Develop a relationship with a cell phone repair business. This will allow you to purchase used cell phones that do not work. If you can get these phones for free or for very little cost, a good relationship with a cell phone repair expert will allow you to pay to have them refurbished and readied for sale. In addition, if you are going to offer a guarantee on the cell phones you sell, it will be important to know how to repair them or to have someone you can pay to repair them.

Step 7

Collect several cell phones that you would like to sell. Get new phones at a discount, collect used cell phones, or pay for used cell phones.

Step 8

Advertise in local papers to pay $15 for used cell phones that are less than 3 years old. Offer to pick them up to increase response. College newspapers are a great way to do this.

Step 9

Put up flyers at local grocery stores, libraries and book stores advertising your desire to buy used cell phones.

Step 10

Create an eBay account to list the phones you are selling.

Step 11

Take pictures of the cell phones you are selling. Make notes of the model, features and accessories included.

Step 12

Create a listing for the cell phone and make it live. Answer all questions in the eBay system as it takes you through the steps of creating a listing. Add a "buy now" option so someone who really wants the phone does not have to bid for it.

Step 13

Research your competition on eBay. See what other sellers are offering their phones for. Sell yours for less, offer a better guarantee, or give something away to provide your buyers a reason to buy from you and not the competition.

Step 14

Keep in touch with your buyers. Make sure they get their purchase and are happy with it. Ask your buyers for feedback. The higher your feedback rating the easier it is for new buyers to trust you and buy from you.

Tips & Warnings:

• It is best to sell phones that are less than three years old so they are not to out-of-date. Anything older than this is not likely to sell.
  
  
• Make sure you are selling phones that work.
  
  
• Make sure you have the charger and, if possible, add in a user guide or have the link to download one online to increase the value of a phone.

Reference

• Make Money Buying and Selling Cell Phones