Question about refurbished devices

[ZeroRilix]

Ok, here's the deal. I can't pick up the Inspire this Sunday. (Really f-in' sucks!) I'll prolly be able to get this bad boy off contract this March and would order it from AT&T's online store. My question is, what do I look for to make sure it is not a refurb unit? I want to be sure I'm getting a brand new unused device. If I'm paying in the neighborhood of $500, I want a brand new device. Also, I see other posts saying VZW uses stickers on their devices indicating they are refubs. Does anyone know if AT&T does the same kind of sticker id letting them know if it's refurb?

 

[RUSH]

The best way would be to check the refurbished status of the phone. If it's check or unchecked. (You need to check the phone's Reverse Logistics Support. I don't know how it's done on VZW phones, but on Sprint phones it's ##786#.

You could either Google it, or contact a VZW representative.

Best of luck.

 

[ZeroRilix]

The best way would be to check the refurbished status of the phone. If it's check or unchecked. (You need to check the phone's Reverse Logistics Support. I don't know how it's done on VZW phones, but on Sprint phones it's ##786#.

You could either Google it, or contact a VZW representative.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the reply, but I'm actually asking about ATT. I was using VZW as an example. lol No harm, no foul. Thanx anyway.

 

[zhelf]

first and foremost is the packaging if the box is brand new and sealed you should be fine then examine hardware for minor wear that would indicate refurb but i cant imagine there would be too many refurbs by march. if there are i wouldnt buy the device.

why are you so worried they would give you a refurb and not new?

 

[ZeroRilix]

first and foremost is the packaging if the box is brand new and sealed you should be fine then examine hardware for minor wear that would indicate refurb but i cant imagine there would be too many refurbs by march. if there are i wouldnt buy the device.

why are you so worried they would give you a refurb and not new?

I agree, probably not gonna have that many refurbs available by then. They actually are up front about that on their website with seperate listings for new and refurb. There is a possibility the shipping department could mix things up, even unintentionally. I just wanted to know what to look for so if it did happen I can send it back and get the "brand new" device I paid for. Thanks for the reply, the info is what I was looking for.

 

[Ryan Roland]

AT&T doesn't hide that fact that a phone is new or refurb. when you look for the phone online it will clearly state refurb or not say anything which means new. If you buy from a walmart, bestbuy, radioshack, costco, mall kart I can't garuantee that they didn't sell a phone and have it returned and then try to resell that used phone to you. but if you order online it will be clear. Especially off contract. I dont think they offer refurbs off contract. usually they are $50 bucks cheaper on a two year contract when they are refurbs. When you receive a refurb phone from at&t its in a different box than new and says refurb on it. You would probably be better off buying at an actual at&t store so you can inspect the box and make sure its NEVER been opened. not opened and resealed with a second sticker. Good luck but be reassured at&t is not trying to pull anything on you.

 

[ZeroRilix]

AT&T doesn't hide that fact that a phone is new or refurb. when you look for the phone online it will clearly state refurb or not say anything which means new. If you buy from a walmart, bestbuy, radioshack, costco, mall kart I can't garuantee that they didn't sell a phone and have it returned and then try to resell that used phone to you. but if you order online it will be clear. Especially off contract. I dont think they offer refurbs off contract. usually they are $50 bucks cheaper on a two year contract when they are refurbs. When you receive a refurb phone from at&t its in a different box than new and says refurb on it. You would probably be better off buying at an actual at&t store so you can inspect the box and make sure its NEVER been opened. not opened and resealed with a second sticker. Good luck but be reassured at&t is not trying to pull anything on you.

Thanx man, you really answered my question.

 

[jpb07]

Just to chip in one more "tell" which i know applied to the Impression and I'm guessing is how AT&T does business. If you look at where the IMEI number/device label, it will have a new label plastered over the old one if it has gone back to AT&T and refurbished. We ran into this when my wife's keyboard died.

 

[ZeroRilix]

Just to chip in one more "tell" which i know applied to the Impression and I'm guessing is how AT&T does business. If you look at where the IMEI number/device label, it will have a new label plastered over the old one if it has gone back to AT&T and refurbished. We ran into this when my wife's keyboard died.

hey, 'preciate that piece of info! That will definitely help, thanks!