Cellphone Dealers Won’t Sell Nice Phones To Less Profitable Customers

Image courtesy of

Cellphone dealers will sometimes hold new and limited quantity cellphones from existing customers, preferring to sell them to more profitable new customers or contract upgrades, members of HowardForums allege.

Cellphone dealers will sometimes hold new and limited quantity cellphones from existing customers, preferring to sell them to more profitable new customers or contract upgrades, members of HowardForums allege.

Many states construe failing to sell a product if it is in stock false advertising. Texas is one (see Texas Business & Commerce Code, Ch. 17, Secs. 12 and 46).

A salesman in the forum defends the practice, saying, “We are looking out for the company too! Cingular does not profit on selling devices at retail.” — BEN POPKEN

Store says, “I won’t sell you an 8525” [Howard Forums] (Thanks to BKDF!)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.