Used cell phones are popular options because they allow people to keep up with changing technology without paying full price. By using previously owned handsets, you could save big bucks on the latest features available on the market today. Most of the used cell phones offered for sale are only slightly used, often store returns that fall well within the standard 30-day grace period. This means that they are functionally equivalent to any unit that's just rolled off the factory assembly line. Not only that, but they are usually scratch-free, too, looking practically new.

Using used cell phones also benefits the environment. Every such handset is, in essence, a recycled unit saved from the landfills. Pre-owned phones mean savings for you and saving the environment. It makes perfect sense - but unfortunately, many still prefer brand-new phones simply because of the cachet attached to owning something that's "factory fresh."

But buying used makes the most sense, especially if you like to change phones frequently in order to enjoy all the latest features. Yet thanks to the economic downturn of the past two to three years, more and more Americans are learning to live with less and less, and part of that new ethos can mean keeping one's belonging on hand longer and not just tossing them out. This new thriftiness should result in an increasingly widespread adoption of previously used handsets.

Speaking of prices, the price of a used or refurbished cell phone is tremendously reduced depending on the phone's model and type. For all of the flip-phone lovers out there this is ecstatic news as long as the word used doesn't cause any conflicts. Prices for some flip-open phones range from free to around 200 dollars alongside a 2 year contract. But if the phone is missing which the warranties are not responsible for, purchasing a new phone for the remainder of the time period is extremely easy. Some of these refurbished phones cost about 50-70 dollars, and that being the highest price, one can imagine how low the price is for all the phones not so fancy.

Using used things isn't really such an odd notion, but in this country it's practically un-American. But because of economic uncertainty, more and more people are rediscovering the long-lost wisdom of their parents (or, probably more accurately, their grandparents) whose lives consisted of saving for later by making do with what's on hand today. And in fact, study after study shows that buying things only makes people happy up to a certain point, while buying experiences - such as going on vacation, signing up for dancing class, or eating out at fine restaurants - are much more rewarding for a far longer period of time.

So when in the market for a new cell phone, how about getting it used instead? This way you can indulge in all the latest mobile conveniences while still saving as much money as possible and, as previously mentioned, helping out the environment at the same time! It's a classic win-win situation in which all parties benefit. Only make sure that your unit has been tested to all the original manufacturer's specifications for quality performance, and you'll be good to go - for less.