With cell phone technology changing on an almost daily basis you might think the landfills would be loaded with the older models by now. However, a quick examination of phones provided by most cell phone providers will show a rise in both the supply and demand for refurbished cell phones. Given a second life through upgrading the internal components, the refurbished cell phones are obtainable at prices much lower than new models. The reworked phones are virtually indistinguishable from new "fresh from the factory" models.
As case in point, Motorola is the most in demand manufacturer of refurbished phones. Their high quality instruments have proven themselves as tough and reliable long past ordinary phone life expectancy. This manufacturer obtains these old phones through a direct purchase program as well as by storefront trade-in. Whether a customer's phone has been water or sun damaged or accidentally dropped hard enough to break connections on the circuit boards the company welcomes them back. A quick diagnostic test will show what components need replacing and, once tested for function and appearance, the old phone is returned to the market.
Increasingly, refurbished cell phones are being offered for sale on eBay and other online outlets. Particularly popular are the older iPhones and Palm Treo's. Even refurbished, the manufacturer is confident enough to offer year long warranties on operation. As this market has increased people have become aware that even corded land line phones are frequently refurbished. Economy minded customers have begun to realize that this market has already proven the quality of refurbished equipment and are less inclined to consider the reworked item as somehow inferior.
The market for new phones will never be replaced by refurbished models as there are those who will always want only the newest models available. However, refurbished cell phones are made up of new components that replace the broken or damaged parts and perform just as well. Saving money is the important factor in choosing to obtain a reincarnated cell phone. Listed prices on these models generally range from 30% to 70% less than the price of a comparable new model. As with any electronic device, be it new or rebuilt, make sure of the details of the manufacturer's warranties and file your receipt in case it is needed in the future.
While most refurbished phones will only have the same features as when it was originally produced, there is a trend toward upgrading the components in some of the older phones to include technological abilities that did not exist when the older phone began its life. For cell phones that are capable of these upgrades there is the aesthetic element in ownership as well. Retro seems to be an enduring fashion statement and the old phone will fit right in to that look without causing you to sacrifice function.
Refurbished cell phones are here to stay so be sure that the next time you upgrade your communication device you do not just trash the old one. While it fluctuates from one region to the other, you can usually obtain around $10 for your old phone. Giving that old phone a new chance at life is not only economically advantageous but you are reducing the danger to the environment by not having that old battery sitting in the landfill eventually poisoning the earth as it decays.
