How to Save When Buying Cell Phones Online

It's easy to buy a cell phone these days. Just walk into the store, pick out your phone plus your setup  and payment plan and walk out with your new phone. But wait - there's a way to save a lot of money if you already know what phone you want by buying online.

Let's run this scenario again: walk into the store and look at phones, asking the sales rep questions and comparing what they have. Next, decide which phone you'd like. Walk out of the store without a phone, go to your computer and order it online. You'll probably save as much as $200. Here's an article by Josh Kirschner  that was written in 2010, but still very much applicable to today's situation.

Who are these fly-by-night online retailers? How about AmazonWireless and Walmart. And also, Wirefly, the largest online cell phone retailer (which operates Radio Shack's online store, as well).

As you can see from the price comparison, the amount you save will vary by carrier and model, but it's often considerable. And, you even get free shipping (2-day with AmazonWireless) and phone activation promotions not available through the carriers.

To read the original article click here.

Please check this out, but it seems the online cell phone purchases also come with other perks such as rebates and special services not available at the stores. In addition, you can trade in your old phone online as well. Here are a few sites: BuyMyTronics.com, Gazelle.com and CExchange.com.

Mr. Kirschner mentions that you won't have the service from the sales person to change over your contact list. However, in the comment section, several people have pointed out that the sales people at the carrier's office (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc) will be more than happy to set up your contacts for you and anything else your online purchase is lacking. It pays to shop around online as well. The present prices vary from $66 to $638. My advice is to check out these phones in the store, handle them, try the features and then buy online from a reputable dealer who will guarantee the purchase.