Unlocked Mobile Phone Seller: Cellular-Blowout
I was recently referred by ReviewMe.com to an online seller of unlocked phones. Although I always give my personal views on everything I review, this post is a Sponsored Post.
Finding stores that have unlocked mobile phones in the US is not an easy task. Unfortunately, the market for these “gray-market” phones is blocked by the mobile network providers who want to be the only way consumers can buy a phone. Fortunately for those of us on a GSM network like Cingular or T-Mobile, using our standard SIM card in an unlocked phone can work just as well as a mobile phone bought with under a contract.
Like I wrote above, I was referred to Cellular-Blowout via a site called ReviewMe—a site that aims to put in-touch bloggers and those with products they’d like to have reviewed. This is the first time I’ve used such a service, but I thought I would give it a try, as I am always looking for products and services to review. As such, this is a Sponsored Post, but I believe it to be a fair one. I will never conduct a review that has been in some way sponsored without disclosing that to the reader.
The Cellular-Blowout site lays out the products they’re offering in a fairly simple way, by manufacturer or by type of product. It’s clean and straight-forward. Not only do they sell popular phones unlocked, but also a large array of accessories, from antennas and cases, to headsets and ring-tones. Their page of Hot New Phones lists a number of newly released phones, displayed with images and sales prices. Scanning the site, I found the unlocked phones’ prices to be competitive with other brick-and-mortar and online-only sellers. Their selection of “cutting edge” phones was good, even claiming to have the most-coveted Nokia N95.
The majority of these phones are for a GSM network (read Cingular or T-Mobile in the US), however they did have a batch of phones that were reportedly for a CDMA network, as used by Verizon. For those phones, their site says:
These brand new phones all work with Verizon. Just buy a phone and bring it into your local Verizon store and they will progam your phone number. Its that simple. Why wait to get a cool phone? Get yours now at Cellular-Blowout !
My understanding is that, while technically it can be done, Verizon shuns mobile phones not purchased through their stores. I cannot attest to how well this specific selection of phones will work for Verizon users—especially since most sold through Verizon are crippled, and often will not work with Macs because of crippled bluetooth. If you have any insight into this process, please leave a comment below.
As for GSM phones, Cellular Blowout’s Technical FAQ explains that while your SIM chip will work in unlocked phones to make calls, you’ll need carrier specific settings to use the Internet and SMS, among other features. This setup information is readily available on the Internet, but it’s always good to search out the details before you purchase a phone.
Cellular Blowout also resells a selection of phones with service through the major US carriers: Cingular, Verizon, Sprint, Nextel and T-Mobile; as well as Virgin Mobile prepaid phones. The prices again, appear to be competitive with the name-brand stores and other offers you might find elsewhere online.
The bottom of the FAQ lists Cellular Blowout’s real-world address and toll-free phone number. This is something I always look for before making an online purchase, and all over the place you read their assurances of 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Since I’ve never personally dealt this company, I thought it was important to see what others thought. I clicked on the NexTag link from the Cellular Blowout website which proudly displays them as a "4-star Seller." Cellular Blowout has received 40 reviews over some 90 days and of those 1/4 were negative; over the past 40 days two out of seven were negative (that’s over 28%). One and two star-rated complaints range from the check-out system not disclosing shipping costs, lack of way to change shipping options, defective phones, late shipping, and bad customer response times. Following up on this, I searched the Better Business Bureau website and found some further discouraging news—a D Company Rating. Clearly, these complaints are something that Cellular Blowout needs to work on. That said, there are still 30 NexTag reviews that are very positive that praise their “great selection and prices,” good shipping options, and ability to pay with PayPal.
This post was merely meant to review the Cellular Blowout site, not to recommend or send readers away. If you have anything to say about Cellular Blowout, please leave a comment below.
Comments from the old website
Cellular Blowout problems
Posted by Anonymous User at 2007-06-23 08:31
Note that the BBB rating for this company is now F Could not provide what I ordered. Would not respnd to my request for a refund before anything was sent to me. Would not respond to E-mails or phone calls. Sent a replacement product that does not even show up on their website.
Be very, very carefull
they had 178.00 of mine for as of 6/610 will be two years no phone or enything i tell everyone dont buy from them. kathy jones
Cellular Blowout is a terrible company. I ordered a cell phone and they immediately took funds from my credit card company. They charged me $18.95 in shipping and then informed me it was out of stock. I was unable to contact anyone from company for a month, so I filed a complaint with my credit card company. Immediately I heard from Cellular Blowout that the phone was being shipped out, next day delivery, the shipping cost would be refunded, and I would receive a free car charger for my inconvenience. The cell phone did arrive 11 days later, no refund in shipping charges and no car charger. They are truly a rip off company. I believe that I only received the cell phone because of my credit card company. The cell does work, but the anger and work trying to get the cell phone was not worth the $50-$60 I saved instead of just buying it from AT&T.
646-563
646-656
650-175
In 10/25/2008 I purchased a brand new Motorola cell phone for my wife in their website for approximately US$ 100.00. The product arrived with a delay (11/07/2008), and it was a pre-owned one, full of scratches and without the user manual or its original accessories. I have returned the product immediately (spend extra US$ 6.00). They received it and told me that I would have my refund in 10-14 business days. Did not happen! Another complaint and I was told to wait more 10-14 days… Nothing! Then I filled a complaint at the Federal Trade Commission, but the company just ignored it. Even after I have informed that I would fill a lawsuit, they did not refund me! Recently I realized that they have deleted the history of my complaints in their website, but I do have copies of our communication to prove that I have been stolen US$ 100.00. I have being in contact with different people there; they are real thieves! TELL EVERYONE TO STAY AWAY OF THEM!
I am so angry with myself for not researching this company before ordering. I too am having the same problems as listed below. No calls are answered nor do they respond to my e-mails. I'm in favor of a huge lawsuit. I work hard for my money as I'm sure everyone else in here has.
This is the most vile internet company out there. They only scam and steal your money. I ordered a phone in July 2008. It's January 2009 and no phone. They refuse to answer my calls or emails. These people are the scum of the earth.
Do not buy from Cellular Blowout. They charge your credit card immediately and advertise 2 day shipping for a mere $35 then you NEVER get the phone. When you do hear from customer service (no phone number on the web site by the way)---
They will tell you its back-ordered and give you a number to call for a refund. They advise you NOT to call your credit card because that will delay your refund---YEAH RIGHT---
They didn't even bother to return my email until 10 days and 3 emails later. It was very dissapointing for XMAS to come and to have no phone for under the tree.
Received a defective phone after a month of delays. Received a European adapter!! Hello! Paid for gift wrap service and received it in a crushed box, and yet paid in full. No response via phone or "Ticket" email for 10 business days and counting. CEO (corrupt exec officer) David Bleedon never responds. DO NOT GO NEAR THIS SCAM. As a savvy internet shopper I was duped into the "unlocked" phone scam but should have searched for "complaints" instead of discounts.
I made the mistake of ordering from this company before I checked reviews - won't make that mistake again. I am right now in the process of trying to cancel my order, with no success so far. They've charged my account, and never listed a ship date. I placed the order on 12/23/08, and began trying to cancel on the 27th, after I noticed no shipping date listed, and was beginning to feel apprehenive about the company. That's when I decided to check reviews outside of their site - shame on me for allowing myself to be duped!! With all the negative reviews and people who have been ripped off, I'm thinking a possible class action lawsuit is in order . . .
Cellular Blowout is a terrible company. I ordered a cell phone and they immediately took funds from my credit card company. They charged me $18.95 in shipping and then informed me it was out of stock. I was unable to contact anyone from company for a month, so I filed a complaint with my credit card company. Immediately I heard from Cellular Blowout that the phone was being shipped out, next day delivery, the shipping cost would be refunded, and I would receive a free car charger for my inconvenience. The cell phone did arrive 11 days later, no refund in shipping charges and no car charger. They are truly a rip off company. I believe that I only received the cell phone because of my credit card company. The cell does work, but the anger and work trying to get the cell phone was not worth the $50-$60 I saved instead of just buying it from AT&T.
Robin in WV
Web hoax! Don't touch this company! I'd be surprised to hear from a single satisfied customer!!! They haven't sent me a phone, replied to a single email, or returned any of my numerous phone calls. Please save your money, and spare yourself the aggravation....spend double at a reputable site!
Absolutely terrible company! They will not return phone calls or emails......and of course they still have my money and I have no phone. Do not order from this company, it's a complete scam! Pay more somewhere else, anywhere else!
I made the mistake of ordering from this company. They quickly took my money and then sent an email about "being back-logged due to high demand for the item I ordered". Guess what, after one month they still advertise the item on their web site as "in stock". Just browse the web for cellular blowout related pages and half of them are serious complaints. I didn't do it and now I am paying for it.
I placed an order in May and have not gotten anything. Phones calls have been unanswered, and the only replies I get by email are automatically generated "Sorry your order is still on backorder, but we are working hard to get it shipped out." Well it looks like I will have to put in some complaints. Hopefully they will not be in business much longer.
Cellular Blowout is the worst company I have ever dealt with. The did not deliver the product I ordered. When I eventually canceled my order, they never gave me a refund despite all attempts to call and email the company. I eventually got on the web to look up the company and found hundreds of complaints against them. I looked them up in the Better Business Bureau. They have over 750 complaints against them and a score of “F”! I also reported them to the Federal Trade Commission and the Los Angeles County District Attorney. For everyone out there who has been scammed by this company and is VERY angry, report them. It is the only thing we can do. Maybe, if enough people report their shady business, we can get their website closed down.
ive been rip off 2 how do u the los angeles district attorney,i live in ky,would like there website
IT HAS BEEN 3MON THEY GOT THEIR MONEY THAT DAY6/12/08 WILL NOT TALK TO ME SENT A E-MAIL TOLD THEM TO SEND ENY BLUE WAS WHAT I ORDER I SAID BLACK RED WHITE STILL NOTHING AND I PAYED TWO DAYS SHIPPING AN TODAY IS 9/5/08 NO MONEY OR PHONE THAT THEY GOT 177.00 MY NAME IS KATHY JONES I WORK TO HARD FOR MY MONEY I WILL DO WHAT I CAN TO GET MONEY OR GOOD PHONE!!!!!
No customer service whatsoever! I ordered a phone in BLACK and got charged pretty much right away. I received the correct confirmation and everything seemed professional. When the phone finally showed up it was BLUE. Of course they don't answer their phone and they don't answer to e-mails either (although they state that after one fills out a ticket on their webpage they would respond whithin 48 hours). DO NOT ORDER FROM THEM!!!