Just because your cell phone is prepaid, it doesn't mean that it doesn't work almost exactly the same as a regular phone.
Prepaid cell phones still have basic needs - such as batteries, as well as some not so necessary wants - such as hands free earpieces and faceplates.
But, before you go and load your shopping cart with accessories and necessities for your prepaid phone, check out our money saving tips to save on your cell phone accessories and batteries.
1. Refurbished accessories can be found at many dealers and local accessory stores. Refurbished means that they were owned by someone else and then turned back in - usually in favor of a different type of the same thing. It is kind of like buying a car that was leased first.
Most refurbished items are in excellent condition and with fads of items such as faceplates changing so rapidly, refurbished accessories can be a way for you to be stylish and hip that won't break your bank.
2. Hit the local flea markets. While we wouldn't necessarily recommend you buy second hand phones or batteries, flea markets have become a bit more "upscale" in many areas - some featuring name brand cellular dealer booths.
Today's flea markets can be a great place to grab yourself discount accessories. Be sure you buy from a vendor that is permanently stationed in the market and find out what the return policy is before you buy.
3. Universal products can be much less costly than brand names. As with everything else, generic (in the electronic world, they are sometimes called universal) cell phone accessories can work with many different types of phones.
But, since they don't carry the "brand name" of the big cell phone companies, they are often times cheaper - while still of the same standard of quality as their more expensive counterparts.
4. The Internet is your friend! Online stores usually have less overhead and cost less to run than typical brick and mortar stores. And many times those savings are passed on to their customers in the form of lower prices.
With so many cell phone accessory shops to choose from, you should have no problem finding a deal on hands free earpieces, chargers, faceplates, cases and more. You can check out our cellular phone accessories page to find some great deals from online merchants.
Be sure to be buyer beware online, as you would offline. Look for signs of trust from online merchants - such as Verisign seals, BBBOnline symbols and other signs of legitimacy.
Prepaid Cell Phone Batteries
Batteries for prepaid phones work like any other. We recommend buying new, and not refurbished, when it comes to cellular batteries. Cell phone batteries deteriorate with age.
While you can help prolong their life by charging it often (and not waiting until it goes dead to plug it in) - there is no real way to "maintain" a wireless phone battery.
With that in mind, you may want to spend the extra bucks to get a new one so that you can not only expect a longer life, but can help ensure it with proper charging techniques.
