NOTHING IS EVER PERFECT

Here are our thoughts on what to watch out for....

1. Make sure you understand their return policy. For many sites, once you send the phone, it's a done deal.

2. What is their "re-evaluation" policy once they get the phone. Are you sure that they will pay you the agreed upon price? Under what situations can they change it and pay you less? Can you change your mind at that point? Do they consider scratches to be ok?

3. Is your bill paid and your "ESN" clear? (ESN is essentially your phone's serial number). If your bill isn't paid, Verizon, Nextel, Alltel, or Sprint can "lock" the phone so nobody can use it.  Chances are they won't pay you either once they figure this out.

4. How long do they say it will take to get paid? Don't let them trick you into agreeing to 45 days. If it takes them that long, it seems that they could almost be selling your cell phone before paying you.  Your payment should be fast.

5. Do they have a phone number listed?    It might be worth it just to give them a call.   Check out their customer service, or even if they return your call at all.   Hey, don't forget you are sending them YOUR phone that could be worth a lot of money.  It can't hurt to make a quick phone call.

6. Don't be fooled by the guise of "saving the earth's environment" or 'donating to worthy causes'. Now that could be true, but ask questions.   What exactly are they donating?  Only the phones that aren't worth selling?  How DO they get rid of phones they don't sell?

7. Don't jump at the first site.  The quotes for used cell phones vary greatly.   Also, if you're at all ebay savvy, it may make more sense to sell your phone there!