Just to Share - Buying New Mobile Phones -

Been away from my blog for the past few days due to personal holidays. During that period, I went shopping in KL and visited some Mobile Phone Shops. Unlike KK, most shops do allows potential buyers to "test drive" the phone before buying. But what happen if that customer did not buy? Of Cos the repack the phone into its original position in the box waiting for new buyer.

Today would like to share my view on buying a new mobile phone. I think festive season is coming and some of us already starting to shop around for a new phone.

Guides on Buying New Phones

1. Insists on getting an unopened sealed set. Why? You can be assured that NO ONE actually used the phone before, whether its for demo purpose (test drive) or just to take photos so that seller can put it up for online sales or marketing purposes or worse, its a refurbished unit. Do keep in mind, as long as the original seal is tempered, that phone should considered a USED PHONE! 
2. Insists on getting an Original Unit, not an AP set. Why? While an AP set are selling slightly cheaper than the original set, most people will find it troublesome when you need to claim for warranty. My experiences told me that the 3rd party service centre will look for reason to void your warranty. e.g. telling you that your sweat penetrated the phone and damaged the board, which means its exposed to water and therefore not covered by warranty! Or they will tell you that they fix it but it will no longer under warranty since there are modifications to the phone, although your phone is only 3 days old when send for service! So my advise is, pay the extra cents to get the original manufacturer warranty. Anything happens, just bring it to any service centre in the country for warranty claims... No QUESTION asked!
3. Insists on opening the box yourself. This affects nothing but since you are paying for the phone, why should you let someone who is not paying having the privileges to open it?! Leave the excitement to yourself! I noticed this happens a lot of times especially if you are buying from Telcos. The staff tends to "help" you to open the phone for warranty registration. (Hello... i pay for it and I think I deserve to open it myself, ok?)

Guides on Buying a Used Phones

1. Make sure that person you are buying from are trustworthy, someone you know or at least do ask around those who bought from him before. You do not want your hard earned $$$ to cheated, right? 
2. Try to arrange for COD (cash on Delivery) whenever possible but always arrange in a crowded place so if anything happens, there are people who can help.
3. Make sure the phone is not a stolen item. Be more alert on those are selling extremely cheap as it might be a stolen item. (in Malaysia, even buying a stolen item is an offence). Ask for the proof of purchase from the seller. Note: those selling only the phones without any accessories (charger in particular), be extra careful with these people. 
4. During the arrangement for meet-up, remember to remind the seller to charge the phone so that you will have enough battery life to examine the phone. Most used set do not come with warranty, so if you are not able to check on the phone during the transaction, who will be at loss? You decide.

Above are some of my thoughts, some experienced buyer mights have even more thoughts. Please share so everyone will able to learn something. 

You might be paying for these…. 

BUT

These might be what you actually get!!