You Don't Have to Keep Your Old Cell Phone When You Upgrade

What do you do when your cell phone gets too old? You upgrade. While the cell phone upgrade process varies and is changing there is some good news here:

"It needs some work, but the Cell Phone Upgrade Specials web site is back up! There were some hosting issues and the phones had not been updated in a long time, but cellplanupgrade.com is the best regular site for finding the latest cell phone upgrade deals.

What makes CellPlanUpgrade different is they do not try to steer you to a specific carrier or smartphone manufacturer. Whether you use T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, or you like Samsung Galaxy Notes or the iPhone, you can find the latest deal for existing customers.

Phone carriers have changed a lot. Some no longer offer upgrades, and some have now made contracts and upgrade eligibility obsolete or optional. That said, whatever your situation you can find the best deal for the carrier you want. This will allow you to find a better deal than just going to the Verizon home page, for example."

via www.Cellphoneupgrade.info at  http://www.cellphoneupgrade.info/2015/08/cell-phone-upgrade-specials-back-up.html

Verizon Edge Now Lets You Keep Sell or Recycle Your Old Phone

Some pretty cool news from Daily Cell Phones:

There have been some changes to Verizon's Edge program. Basically, this is a program where Verizon customers can pay for their phone over time and have it added to their monthly bill. Can't afford to pay the full price for a fancy smartphone? OK, you can add to your monthly payment for the next 2 years. One of the catches was that customers had to turn in their phone when they upgraded. It was like renting a phone more than buying one. But the new changes in the upgrade process also bring about this:

"Under the old agreement, Verizon Edge customers also had to turn in their phone if they upgraded after paying 75% of it off; on the new Edge plan, customers can keep their old phone or they have the option to recycle it for an account credit or donate it"

So, this Verizon Edge change might have an effect on the used cell phone market, as consumers will be allowed to sell their phones privately now. 
Hat tip:  http://comparecellphoneplansinfo.blogspot.com/2015/06/verizon-edge-and-att-next-change.html

Upgrade Your Old Cell Phone with The New Upgrade Cell Phone Site

Wireless Industry press release, which was originally on "DeadlyPR":

UltraCellSaver Offer Cell Phone Upgrade Deals

UltraCellSaver.com are extremely proud to announce the launch of their new and enhanced website. Since their business first launched, Ultra Cell Saver have been giving power to consumers who are looking for cell phone upgrade deals. Now, in an attempt to better serve their visitors, they have redesigned the website to show all of the information in an easily view able manner. Their front page lists all of the information visitors need to know about getting better cell phone upgrade deals. Currently, Ultra Cell Saver actively collects and scours the internet for the best deals. They list opportunities where consumers can pick up completely free phones – including smartphones in some circumstances.

Because Ultra Cell Saver works with different carriers, they are able to present and display the absolute hottest offers from around the United States. As their page explains, consumers are able to pick up great AT&T phones, and other phones for just a mere $0.01 when taken out with a 24-month contract.

To learn more about Ultra Cell Saver and their selection of cell phone upgrade deals, head over to: http://www.ultracellsaver.com/

Where is the Best Place to Buy Used Cell Phones

I like buying used cell phones on eBay. I've also won a couple in some local auctions, but general you might have to do a little work to buy a used cell phone and get a good deal.

Of course that doesn't even address if you are looking specifically for old cell phones rather than recent used ones. I have to admit, I like to keep my phones a long time and once I'm used to a good phone I don't upgrade until I have to. My cell phone is 4 years old.

I also really like some specific older models that are out of program now. You have to make sure the older phones will work with our current wireless plan. I haven't had any problem so far. I usually keep my old phones in case something goes wrong with the new one and the provider won't let me out of the contract.


Do you have a favorite place to buy old cell phones?

A New Cell Phone Recycling Program

I have come across a new cell phone recycler called gazelle. It seems that they are encouraging recycling your cell phone through the concept of "Get Green, Be Green." They have a page with various statistics about how electronic waste affects the environment. A Gazelle local recycling program for cell phones and other electronics is touted.

If you would like to see how much gazelle will pay for your old cell phone, go here: Note, it appears this program is no longer offered.

Update: I see similar programs in grocery stores and other public places these days. Selling your phone is easier than ever.

Old Cell Phones to Support the Troops: Soldier Recycling

We have recently discussed ways to recycle old cell phones and dispose of unwanted cell phones while helping others.

While we mentioned phone banks for the elderly and abused, we did not mention another obvious destination of your old cell phones: Support the Troops.

There is an organization called Cell Phones for Soldiers. No, they don't send your useless cell phones to soldiers. THEY recycle them and use the proceeds to purchase prepaid phone cards for soldiers. So you are indirectly buying prepaid phone cards so soldiers can call their families.

Elderly and Abused May Benefit from Donated Cell Phones

In some cases the Elderly and Abused Women ( among others) may benefit from cell phone donation programs.

For example I came across this article about a phone bank in Michigan that is soliciting donations of used cell phones.

Those with old cell phones they no longer need may consider donating to a worthy cause. Those in need of a phone may be eligible and are required to fill out an application. The phones are modified to make emergency calls only prior to being redistributed.