Complaint Review: Smartphone Traders

I went through Smartphone Traders to sell my previously owned iPhone 6, iPhone 5S, and iPhone 5C because they gave me the highest quote on my old cell phones. The phones, from the time we received them, had screen protectors and cases on them. This company quoted me $600 for all 3 phones, most of the money going to the 6 and 5S models.

I shipped the phones to them and after 2 weeks (because they used the USPS returned parcel service, which takes FOREVER), they received my phones. I recieved an email from them that my phones would be inspected and I'd received an email about the final amount. The email address came from a gmail.com account - this should've been my first clue. A few days later, I recieved my "quote" on what they were sending me for my phones. The iPhone 6 got $55, the 5S got $18, and the 5C got $16...for a grand total of $89! This is $511 less than what they quoted me.

So I called the company and spoke with someone in the "purchasing" department about my transaction. From the git-go, I told her that I wanted my phones back. She tried to get me to keep the sale with them and told me she'd be willing to go up to $180 for the iPhone 6 and $50 each on the 5 and 5C. So now, we're up to $280. I told her that I was not interested in dealing with a business that practiced unethical matters like this and I wanted my phones back. I told her that I had worked with Gazelle before without any issues and I just wanted my phones back.

After placing me on hold, she said that she could give me $200 for the 6 - which is what Gazelle was offering. I wasn't at my computer at the time so I couldn't confirm or deny what she said - but now, looking on their website, I would've gotten at least $240 for it. Then she kept going on and on about how the phones were depreciating in value every day and how it would take 2-3 weeks for me to get my phones back - 5-7 business days just to receive a tracking number and then an additional 5-7 to get the package back.

She kept on going on and on about how the price that I was quoted was only if the phones were sent in their original factory boxes - mint condition. I told her that I could go to Apple and buy a 128GB iPhone 6S Plus for $1000...and if I shipped it to them, they'd only give me $300 for it. She then said it's because there's there's a difference in market value and retail value.

I told her that I just wanted my phones back. She tried to give me a different price for the 5C and 5S and just send me the 6 back. She just wouldn't stop.

I FINALLY was able to get to her send me back my phones - after a 30 minute conversation. I went onto their website and it's suddenly "under construction". This company is a fraud! Beware and DO NOT use them!!!!