How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Buying Phones in Bulk

We've worked with thousands of clients from all over the world at TodaysCloseout, from small startups to big telecom companies. We've seen the same mistakes happen over and over again that can ruin a bulk phone investment. In this guide, we'll talk about the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them. We'll also talk about what smart buyers do differently to protect their profits and grow quickly.

1. Not Checking to See if the Phone is Unlocked

One of the worst things you can do when buying a lot of phones is to assume that they are truly carrier-unlocked. Some devices may say they are "unlocked," but they may still have firmware or network locks that keep them from working on all carriers.

Always buy from trusted distributors like TodaysCloseout, who promise that the products will be unlocked by both the carrier and the manufacturer. We test our devices on all major networks to make sure they really work.

2. Ignoring the standards for grading devices

There is a difference between "A-grade" phones. A lot of wholesalers don't have strict quality control, so something that one seller calls "like new" might have wear and tear or functional problems.

What to do: Find suppliers who have clear, consistent grading systems and strict testing. To keep its RMA rate at an ultra-low 0.1%, which is one of the best in the business, TodaysCloseout uses a strict A+ grading system and a 30+ point quality test.

3. Not paying attention to warranty and RMA rules

Every unit is at risk if it doesn't have a good warranty. Worse, unclear RMA processes can lead to expensive returns, restocking fees, and a loss of trust from customers.

What to do: Always look over the warranty terms to see how long they are, how clear they are, and how well they are enforced. Today's Closeout offers a standard 6-month warranty and an easy return process that helps businesses keep running.

4. Buying Without Matching Demand

If you order a lot of iPhones or Androids without knowing what your target market wants, you could end up with unsold stock and old models.

What to do: Look at how demand changes over time on sites like Swappa, eBay, and carrier MVNOs. Make sure your purchase matches what customers are already looking for. By model, grade, and network compatibility, TodaysCloseout can help resellers find fast-moving SKUs.

5. Not realizing how important it is to have consistent stock

When you buy things from random suppliers, they may not always be the same. You might get a good deal today, but when you need more for scaling, you might not be able to find it.

What to do: Work with vendors who have a lot of stock on hand from well-known brands like Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Google Pixel. Today's Closeout is all about fast shipping and great customer service for repeat customers.

6. Not taking care of business-specific needs

IT departments and MVNOs often need certain models that come with enterprise settings, DEP enrollment, or KNOX management. General wholesalers don't often support this.

What to do: Pick suppliers who know what B2B needs. Today's Closeout gives business buyers personalized help, such as suggesting models that work with DEP, can handle rough use, and meet security needs.

7. Not taking resale speed into account

A bulk phone deal is only worth it if your units sell quickly. Devices that don't sell well or have problems that aren't obvious (like bad ESNs or activation locks) can sit around and hurt your ROI.

What to do: Look at both the price you paid and how quickly you can sell it. Pick models that are in high demand and have a clean activation history. All of the phones at TodaysCloseout have been cleaned, checked, and are ready to be activated.

8. Paying too much

Because they don't have good negotiating power, first-time buyers or those who buy from the wrong places often get retail-adjacent prices, which cuts into their margin right away.

What to do: Get to know a wholesale-first partner like TodaysCloseout, where you can get volume-based discounts, tiered pricing, and expert quotes whenever you need them.

Questions and Answers

What kinds of phones does TodaysCloseout have?

We have unlocked iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Motorola, Pixel, iPads, tablets, and OnePlus devices that have been tested and are ready to be sold or used in a business.

Do all of your phones work with all carriers?

Yes, every unit has been tested on both GSM and CDMA networks and is either carrier-unlocked or manufacturer-unlocked.

Do you have a warranty?

Of course. Every device comes with a six-month warranty that covers problems with how it works.

Can I order a lot of different models at once?

Yes, we offer flexible bundling so you can change your order based on what people want right now.

How quickly does shipping happen?

Most orders ship quickly and can be tracked, and they arrive the same day.

Which phone models are best for selling MVNOs?

Due to demand and compatibility with activation, unlocked iPhones (like the iPhone 12/13) and mid-range Androids (like the Samsung A-series and Pixel 6a) tend to work best.

What is the process for your RMA?

With a 0.1% return rate, problems are rare, but if they do happen, our easy RMA system makes sure that returns or replacements happen quickly and without any trouble.

Important Point

It's not enough to just spot bad deals when buying phones in bulk; you also need to make a plan that protects your margins, speeds up your inventory turnover, and makes sure your business stays successful in the long run. When you buy from trusted partners like TodaysCloseout, you get more than just phones. You also get peace of mind, a high return on investment when you sell them, and a team that knows what you want to achieve with your business. Become a member now to view our inventory.