buying a used 4g lte phone

[Bman123]

Got a question. I found a 4g lte verizon phone for a good price on craigslist but by the time I get it tonight the verizon store will already be closed. I dont think you can activate a 4g lte phone from the phone itself since you need a sim card if you arent the original buyer. What do you guys think? Is it worth a shot trying to buy it and go to the VZW store in the morning or just pass on the deal

 

[Kelmar]

Make sure the ESN is clean (you can call VZW to confirm). There is always a chance that something could still go sour.

Out of curiosity, which phone are you looking at and what's the price?

 

[dirkbonn]

Got a question. I found a 4g lte verizon phone for a good price on craigslist but by the time I get it tonight the verizon store will already be closed. I dont think you can activate a 4g lte phone from the phone itself since you need a sim card if you arent the original buyer. What do you guys think? Is it worth a shot trying to buy it and go to the VZW store in the morning or just pass on the deal

When buying a phone from a craigslist seller, I would recommend making the swap at the Verizon store if at all possible. That way you can activate the phone (Hopefully) while the seller is there and only after the activation is sucessfull, you can pay the seller.

 

[WA_Bob]

When buying a phone from a craigslist seller, I would recommend making the swap at the Verizon store if at all possible. That way you can activate the phone (Hopefully) while the seller is there and only after the activation is sucessfull, you can pay the seller.

I second that advice. There's too many things that can go wrong unless you know the person.

 

[Doit2it]

When buying a phone from a craigslist seller, I would recommend making the swap at the Verizon store if at all possible. That way you can activate the phone (Hopefully) while the seller is there and only after the activation is sucessfull, you can pay the seller.

I agree also. I bought and sold my Droid Eris at Verizon corporate stores. Anyone selling a clean phone should have no problem meeting at the store.

 

[Yeahha]

I agree with doing the exchange at a store. You will also need a 4G SIM from VZW to activate it, you should be able to get one for free from the store, the SIM that may be in the phone currently will not work as they can only be attached to 1 account and can not be activated after the phone has been disconnected.

 

[zanza]

Verizon LTE phones do not need to be activated, simply put in your SIM like a GSM phone

 

[Yeahha]

If you don't currently have a VZW 4G SIM then they must be activated a GSM SIM will not work on LTE

 

[UncleVanya]

I typically just call VZW on the phone and verify the MEID and give them the owners claimed name. With these two bits of info they can tell me if the phone is clear for activation. I have never had a problem and I have purchased 5 phones this way.

Activation is pretty easy over the phone - call VZW and have them walk through it with you while you are there with the seller if you prefer.