fonebank.com > Reviews (18)

As a student, I am always looking for ways to earn money to get that bit of extra cash. I'd heard about all these mobile phone recycling companies for some time, but had never got round to looking into it. So, last week (wanting to procrastinate and delay revision!) I decided to go online and check out what was available.

I soon came across Fonebank (www.fonebank.com). It took only a few seconds to choose the models of my old mobile phones and get given a quote. I was wanting to sell 4 old mobilephones; even after checking quotes on at least 5 other websites, none offered me as much for my phones as Fonebank did. I also used an online tool which compares all the recycling websites for you, and even this confirmed that Fonebank was best. In total, my four phones (bearing in mind they range from between 18 months and 7 years old) came to a total of £82 - not bad at all! And far better of course than sitting in the back of my drawer, or going to a landfill site. Phones recycled through Fonebank are sold and re-used in developing countries, where landlines are too expensive or not available.

The website was clearly laid out and really simple to use. Just type in the model of your phone and a quote is given instantly. Although the best prices are given for working models, it is still definitely worth checking out even if your phone does not work; the quote will be lower, but still easy money for something which would otherwise have no alternative use. Clear guides are provided on the website to explain what consitutes an acceptable/unacceptable non-working phone.

After searching for your model number and being given a quote, you simply add the item to your 'basket'; you can add as many phones as you like. Once finished, you can create an account in a matter of minutes, providing your name, address and email. They will then give you a link to an Order Confirmation page. You can log into your account at any point, and check the status of your order (for example to see whether it has been received - however they will also send you an email letting you know this).

The next step is to print off the Order Confirmation page. Place this in a Jiffy bag with your phone(s) and send them off. Fonebank do provide a Freepost address, however they also provide a standard address, as they recommend using special delivery for phones that are worth a bit more. As I had quite a large order, I used special delivery; it may have cost a few quid to post but at least it meant it would get there safely and I was insured if not.

The Fonebank website promises that they will send you a cheque within 2 days. I was slightly sceptical at this fast turnaround, but sure enough, it worked. I posted my phones on the Wednesday, got an email from Fonebank on the Thursday confirming they had received the package, and got my cheque through on the Friday. Absolutely fantastic service!!

It is also worth seeing if your friends are interested in using the site, as there is a 'Recommend a Friend' function.

Once you've completed your order with Fonebank, you will be given a special code. For each of your friends who use the code, sign up to Fonebank and send off their phones, you get a cheque for £3. A nice little bonus!

Although you can obviously earn a bit more for your mobiles through sites such as eBay, this is a lot more hassle. Fonebank may not give you as high a price as you might get by selling it yourself, but it is a compromise for having the convenience. Obviously, it is worth checking out the average prices on eBay, particularly for newer phones; if you are a regular user then you might be better off selling it on there. But for anyone else who just wants to spend 5 minutes and get guaranteed money, then Fonebank is definitely a great choice, and well-recommended. Quite possibly the easiest £82 I have earnt in my life - and all for 5 minutes work!!