No matter if you bought your cell phone new or got a great deal on a refurbished cell phone, chances are that at some point in time you are going to want some accessories for your phone. Or, perhaps you've noticed your battery life fading away quicker than it used to and think that your battery is on its last legs. If this is the case, it is almost always cheaper to replace the battery than buying a new phone.
When you're shopping around for something like a case for your used cell phone, keep in mind that companies that make the cases often design them to fit multiple phones as it's cheaper for them to operate that way. If you have a phone that can no longer be found in the new market, look to see if cases designed for new phones also work for your phone. If you strike out there, check around for used cases online as you likely won't be able to find one from your provider without making a special order.
Probably the most common accessory to purchase for a cell phone is a hands-free device that allows you to talk on the phone without holding it up to your ear. These have risen in popularity as many states have begun to make it illegal to talk on the phone while driving without using a hands free device. Bluetooth headsets allow you to do this without any additional wires and the most convenient, but only work on Bluetooth enabled phones. If this is what you are searching for, make sure you shop for a phone that has Bluetooth technology. If your used cell phone does not have Bluetooth, you can get a hands free system that resembles a set of ear-bud headphones. The advantage here is that these systems are often much cheaper than Bluetooth headsets but offer the same kind of functionality.
Finding a replacement battery for an older, used phone is often a little more difficult as batteries are designed for specific phone models or groups of models. If your phone is no manufactured, you will have a harder time finding a new battery, but it can still be done. Check online for replacement parts. If that does not work, you can always buy a used model of the same phone and swap out the batteries.
AC adapters/chargers are one thing that I have never been able to figure out about cell phones. It seems like each phone has a charger specific to it, even phones made by the same company at the same time. If you are looking for a new charger for an older phone, you will likely run in to some of the same issues discusses above about batteries. However, with some patience and work, you'll be able to find (more than likely online) what you need without having to buy a new phone.
Any time you need a replacement part, make sure you get the part number from the manufacturer. Manufacturers may also have a list of other phones that have parts that are compatible with your phone, which can be extremely beneficial and can even be a way to save money. So, if you need a new charger for your used Verizon Blackberry, check with Verizon and Blackberry for information about part numbers and other compatible parts before beginning your search. Finally, make sure that the replacement parts and accessories you get are authentic. There are a number of counterfeits out there that can hamper the performance of your phone. Having the exact part number that you need goes a long way in finding the exact part that you need.
