Original topic:

Used Phones

(Topic created on: 09-12-2025 08:38 PM)
462 Views
Jonathern
Active Level 4
Options
Galaxy S
So, I went to a cellular store today as I needed to buy something from incredible connection but they were still closed per being early. Decided to check at the said store (Not sure if I can name them here) about a possible trade in as i bought it from them 4 months prior for R 6899, A grade quality etc. They couldn't get their supposed system to work, so phoned their head office. They offered R 1000.. 

Do you think that's fair? 

Phone is still in the same condition and never dropped, placed in a UAG cover valued at R 799 and tempered glass screen protector at R 185. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus, 256GB, basically new like. I get depreciation but was expecting at least R 3500 to R 4500 considering how recent it was purchased. If i gave it to them for R 1000 then they'd sell it for R 6000 soon after. Their excuse is they dont need to look at the phones condition, its based on when the phone was released...so I'm like then why are you selling it for such a high figure and buying them for next to nothing...It's how it works they said.. I dunno, feels like you safer buying from the average Joe than cellular providers. 

What's your thoughts?
11 Comments
The-Kid-Deė
Expert Level 1
Galaxy S
It's not fair but that's what most businesses do. They take the current price and divide by 4 before checking for any damages. Just sell it to a person, surely you will get over 4k.
Jonathern
Active Level 4
Galaxy S
I just assumed they'd have wanted more business. Fair trade in, pay in and get a different device. It literally has 98% zero usage defects and 88% battery health with all components working so was amazed. I'll definitely consider used public sites as that's ridiculous.

You could buy a 10k phone today and they'll give you like 3K if you try trade back.
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The-Kid-Deė
Expert Level 1
Galaxy S
They wanna rob you. Sell on Ebay or someone nearby.
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Jonathern
Active Level 4
Galaxy S
There is a site called carbonite which is a South African used market site, so will attempt there. I think 4K is decent and fair considering and per the condition. That's like low balling me and I was like so you buy it then sell it again for a similar amount like what I bought it for..? I said no thank you, I dont have stupid tattooed on my forehead but should consider it since I bought here.
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The-Kid-Deė
Expert Level 1
Galaxy S
That's good.
Britzi
Active Level 3
Galaxy S
Next time if you want to sell a samsung device to a trade in with samsung instead you will get better deals 👍
Jonathern
Active Level 4
Galaxy S
Yeah think that's best. We have a few cellular providers selling used devices including local carriers but lesson learned. I at least know what not to do in future and have a broader understanding now about the scammy way places like that operate to dupe people. All I can take away from it is, least the device i got has no defects, so was lucky.
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Britzi
Active Level 3
Galaxy S
I did a trade in old samsung for new released one , and paid half the price for the new.
Jonathern
Active Level 4
Galaxy S
I think I'll give it a shot and see what they say. I know I'll get a lessor amount than expected but would like a honest trade in value. Aiming for the S24 Plus
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