Where do people get new BBs for auction on eBay?

[Froghair]

So I was looking to buy a used Sprint Curve to tide me over until a new BB comes out later this year when I'll use my new contract discount. I look on eBay and there are number of Sprint Curves for sale that are completely new, in box never opened, guaranteed good ESN (not under contract, not stolen), from good sellers, and they are going for ~$240 - $280. Where do sellers get these from? I just don't understand how the sellers get them when an individual has to pay ~$100 plus ETF of $200 if they cancel the contract. Can there be that many people who buy a Curve for the full retail price and then never use them and eat the difference? Or get them as a present and never use them?

What am I missing here? I'd appreciate any insight anyone can give me!

[AsherO]

Wirelessly posted

Originally Posted by Froghair

So I was looking to buy a used Sprint Curve to tide me over until a new BB comes out later this year when I'll use my new contract discount. I look on eBay and there are number of Sprint Curves for sale that are completely new, in box never opened, guaranteed good ESN (not under contract, not stolen), from good sellers, and they are going for ~$240 - $280. Where do sellers get these from? I just don't understand how the sellers get them when an individual has to pay ~$100 plus ETF of $200 if they cancel the contract. Can there be that many people who buy a Curve for the full retail price and then never use them and eat the difference? Or get them as a present and never use them?



What am I missing here? I'd appreciate any insight anyone can give me!

Maybe they get em as a device upgrade (after 22 months), or they know someone (a dealer) who can buy em in bulk. Could be lots of things.

Why don't you confirm with the seller that if you win the auction he (or she) will provide the ESN (before you pay) so you can verify with Sprint that you will be able to activate the phone.

[akosnitzky]

Wirelessly posted (Its All About the U!)

There are companies that also.get in lot from insurance company or a corp who returned them for whatever reason.

[takeshi]

You'd have to ask a specific seller. There are a number of possible sources.

[Froghair]

I could see how a company may have purchased a bunch and then decided to switch carriers or devices. I can't see someone getting an upgrade and never activating it, only because I think you need to activate it to get an upgrade at the discounted price. Some of these new ones are going for ~$350 today. Good used ones are going for ~$230 or so. I've been watching the auctions for the past week or so and the pricing seems to have strengthened for some reason. Maybe having the 4.5 available has increased the Sprint Curve's desirability.