GreenCells

Lombard, Illinois – June 3, 2010 – Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of changes in the cell phone industry leading to escalating early termination fees (ETFs);  higher replacement costs for lost, damaged, or simply upgraded phones; and changes in pricing structure for unlimited wireless data plans. These changes are pointing toward a future industry shift to higher costs for bandwidth and contract commitments in the future.

In the cell phone industry, changing purchasing behaviors have come about, in part, due to this renewed focus on high-priced contracts and recent changes in carrier charges.  In fact, 30 million Americans have been hit with “bill shock,” or unanticipated hikes in monthly service fees not caused by a calling plan change, according to a recent survey by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Add to this some more bad news: the recent dramatic increases in ETFs (contract walk-away fees).

GreenCells provides consumers this freedom from contracts with a full line of used cell phones in a range of styles—from the latest models to top-notch replacement phones. Savvy GreenCells customers who buy independently from contracts know that the process from purchase to cell phone use is quite simple. Customers need only purchase their preferred model online, choosing phones according to desired carrier. If signing up for the first time with a carrier, GreenCells customers have access to all the same plans offered just as if they were walking into the situation with the intent to get a contract. But with their own hardware, there is no requirement to actually commit to a contract. Once the phone is sent (free of shipping charges), the simple phone activation process is as follows:

•    For Verizon/Sprint/Alltel/Cricket, it is as simple as providing Verizon with the ESN number (located on the back of the phone).
•    AT&T/T-Mobile’s GSM technology uses SIM cards. Customers new to these carriers need only let the carrier know they have their own hardware. Customers then have their SIM cards activated with an account and place the card in the cell phone (GreenCells can also provide customers a SIM card). A customer who is already affiliated with a carrier merely takes his or her personal SIM card and places it in the phone.

Today’s customers want to know what they’re paying for—and GreenCells empowers them to buy used cell phones with significant cost savings and the flexibility to upgrade to newer models at any time.



The economy’s stranglehold on our wallets, coupled with growing concern for our environment, has us all looking for some new solutions for reducing trash and saving cash. At GreenCells, we’re here to help. See these six easy ways to multi-purpose:

• Give the gift of reuse. Use the Sunday comics or yesterday’s Design Section for innovative gift packaging.
• Kick the bottled water habit. Save money and our natural resources by passing on disposable water bottles and sport drinks, by filtering your own or using a reusable container.
• Bag the bag or baggie. Carry a reusable shopping bag or tote for easy reuse. Reusable sandwich wraps and snack bags made from organic cotton and recycled plastic diverts waste from our landfills and save money.
• Go green with spaghetti or mason jars used as small planters around your home.
• Start a neighborhood movie club. Trade five DVDs with your family or neighbors.
• And, of course, go into that drawer with the unused cell phones, put them in a box, and print a label so they can be reused and you can make some money!

We’re working hard to gather our enthusiastic customers who know how to reuse. We want your feedback on the benefits. Do you have any creative ideas for reuse? If so, share them with other GreenCells smart, savvy consumers. You can also help spread the word by finding us on Facebook and becoming a fan.

The increasing trend to reuse—everything from electronics to clothing to cars –is not so much a revolution as it is smart, savvy transformation of lifestyle and behavior. While  revolution is often associated with chaos, the dramatic shift to reuse is organized change to a practical, balanced solution for consumers and businesses alike.

While marketers pushing new cell phones would have us all believe that only the newest and fastest phones can service our communications needs, it’s a fact that the average cell phone user does not require the latest and greatest mobile technology. There are many lives to today’s well-made cell phones, and GreenCells customers benefit from our full-value proposition, which includes purchasing used cell phones—from the latest models to quality replacement phones—with confidence as a result of our guarantees, 360-degree shipping, one-year warranty, and trade-in/trade-up program.

GreenCells customers confidently choose reuse as a way to extend the life of products. Our stellar service includes 360° shipping, one-year warranty, and reuse programs like our trade-in/trade-up program, which makes reuse a trusted, viable choice.

While focused on reuse, our trade-in, trade-up program enables our customers to try all the latest cell phone models. Trade-ins come with credits toward another phone on our site. When customers are ready to upgrade, they trade in that next model and repeat the process. The cycle continues, with our customers upgrading and saving at the same time! And the reuse benefits our environment. It’s a win all around.

 Is the term “green consumer” an oxymoron? Not when purchasing reused items. Living an ecofriendly life is all about choice, and GreenCells customers know that reuse is the best way to contribute and consume at the same time. Check out Zwaggle—another way to reuse, which helps families by creating an online village of parents willing to share their gently used stuff and experiences.

GreenCells is excited about our mission to prove this latest reuse trend. We’re working hard to gather our enthusiastic customers who know how to reuse. We want your feedback on the benefits. You can  help spread the word by finding us on Facebook and becoming a fan.

Today’s consumers increasingly understand the value of buying used and are more likely to continue to support purchasing via reuse. In fact, one-third of GreenCells customers are repeat customers and favor used cell phones over new. And the green consumer tends to trend toward making environmentally conscious purchases across the board – for example, 75 percent of GreenCells survey respondents prefer preowned cars to new cars.

 GreenCells brings two key attributes to the reuse trend: trust, via the company’s exceptional warranty (with no monthly fees and no deductible) and value, with savings of 50 to 80% over a new cell phone—from the latest models to quality replacement phones. “GreenCells customers trust in our products, service, and guarantees,” says GreenCells Copresident Brian Moore. “Our 360-degree shipping, free one-year warranty, and trade-in/trade-up offerings encourage confidence in reuse.”

Earth Day on April 22 is a good time to reflect on the GreenCells environmental focus, as reuse is one of the greenest choices you can make. GreenCells’ reuse extends the lifecycle of value-priced quality cell phones that help customers do the right thing for the environment. Reusing a cell phone helps reduce e-waste by more than 50 percent. Additionally, GreenCells’ charger reuse is green, and Green Business Bureau-certified business supports ecofriendly packaging is 100% post CONSUMER recycled 90% of the time.

Moore adds that there are a few things you can do on Earth Day and every day:

• Buy less and reuse more.
• Look for opportunities to change the stuff in your storage closet from storage to usable by taking it to a resale shop (and make some money at the same time).
• Bring old books to a school or library drive so they can get into the hands of someone who will read them anew.
• Trade five DVDs with your family or neighbors. 
• And of course go into that drawer with the unused cell phones, put them in a box, and print a label so they can be reused and you can make some money!

Reuse is a growing consumer trend, according to a recent GreenCells survey, with 85 percent of respondents sometimes or always considering the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions.

The survey found that today's consumers are increasingly turning to reuse in order to waste less, save more, and be good to the environment. Of the respondents committed to green purchasing, 22 percent cited the environmental impact of their decisions as "highly important." Many consumers are making ecofriendly efforts part of their day-to-day routines, according to the survey. Items purchased used by respondents include cell phones, computers, sports equipment, clothing, and books.

By providing consumers the opportunity to both buy and sell used cell phones, GreenCells' reuse and recycling efforts have diverted approximately 200,000-plus mobile devices from landfills.

GreenCells brings two key attributes to the reuse trend: trust, via the company's exceptional warranty (with no monthly fees and no deductible) and value, with savings of 50 to 80% over a new cell phone. "GreenCells customers trust in our products, service, and guarantees," says GreenCells Copresident Brian Moore. "Our 360 degree free shipping, free one-year warranty, and trade-in/trade-up offerings encourage confidence in reuse."

As today's consumers increasingly choose more socially responsible products, GreenCells meets the demand with a green marketplace featuring quality reused products, unmatched value, and a commitment to stellar service. "With GreenCells, green purchasing is not just a preferred choice, it's the best choice," Moore says.

In alignment with efforts to celebrate Earth Day during the entire month of April, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency has launched the second annual National Cell Phone Recycling Week, April 5 through April 11.

This is an occasion that reminds us of the importance of the “three R’s”: recycle, reduce, and reuse. Recycling or reusing cell phones contributes to a greener environment by saving energy and keeping reusable materials out of landfills. Cell phones consist of precious metals, copper, and plastics. Recycle and reuse of cell phones conserves these materials, prevents pollution and reduces greenhouse gas emissions that occur during manufacturing.

GreenCells customers are part of the movement that brings recycling and reuse to the mainstream. This ecofriendly trend is shaping the way we will buy and live in the future.

Use the coupon code “cellrecycle” during the week of April 5 through April 11 and get 15% off your order!



Looking for help on how to go green? There’s an app for that: AUG is an app that helps consumers purchase locally grown or produced goods when shopping. AUG, or Augmented Living Goods, centers around a barcode directory for items like produce and dairy. Shoppers can scan barcodes of various items and find out information such as where an item was grown or made, pricing data, and other information.

Similarly, the GoodGuide app provides detailed ratings for health, environment, and social responsibility for more than 50,000 products and companies

Have you noticed the recent shift in consumer purchasing behavior? Green purchasing, by way of buying used electronics, books, and household appliances, is becoming more and more commonplace. The new interest in reuse stems from the lesson we all learned over these past couple of years: Excess and hyper-materialism is not good—in fact, it costs more and pollutes more. 

It’s a fact: Used  gives the exact opposite feeling of excess. Smart purchasing has everything to do with consumer choice. Our customers know they are getting a great value, as well as exceptional quality and service. GreenCells brings two key attributes to the reuse trend: trust (with our warranty) and value. Our customers know that exceptional products don’t have to come at twice the cost. We hear it all the time: “I bought used, and I liked it.”

GreenCells is excited about our mission to prove this latest reuse trend. We’re working hard to gather our enthusiastic customers to proudly say, “I bought used, and I loved it.” Do that today by finding us on Facebook and becoming a fan. Then make a post and tell us about your appreciation of reuse. Over the next few years, you’ll be part of the movement that brings reuse to the mainstream; just as reduce and recycle have gone before it.

 Today’s cell and smart phone models suit any style and taste. There seems to be a movement away from flip style; however, the flip has its selling points. With an intuitive interface and a compact size, it can be very functional. From the flip phones used on the original Star Trek TV series to the popular StarTAC in the 90s to the first RAZR of a few years ago, we are left with a multitude of different variations today, many fully loaded with the sophisticated features found on smart phones.

Just think about making phone calls with early Blackberrys that had voice capabilities – they did not resemble phones at all and were somewhat clunky. Flips, on the other hand, extend from ear to mouth, so you do not have to ever take the phone away from your ear to speak clearly into the mic or vice versa.

Smart phones are getting better for voice conversations. And, in the future, we will likely see clever new ways to use the flip design to meet the needs of today’s consumers – think of a folding touchscreen device that, when fully extended, acts as a single screen surface. Better intuitive ideas, incorporating flip, are bound to come in the near future.

Americans are going green in record numbers, with many taking another look at reuse as an eco-friendly and value-focused solution.

We don’t have to look too far for inspiration. We’re all familiar with the frugal habits of those who lived through the Depression. Today, this thrifty thinking is a way to be green and save money at the same time. Increasingly, Americans are more cost-conscious than ever. People are biking to work instead of driving, reusing water bottles, and buying—from clothes to electronics—secondhand.

We can no longer afford to be a throwaway society. Like generations before us, today’s consumer is spending wisely while taking socially responsible steps to make “reduce, reuse, recycle” a part of everyday life.

Today’s consumers are increasingly turning to reuse in order to waste less, save more, and be good to the environment. There are two driving forces that will bring reuse to the mainstream—fashion and value:

• Fashion—We buy products, including cell phones, that reflect our values. As reuse gains in popularity (see National Geographic’s 2009 Greendex survey), the tremendous benefits of reuse become better understood. That’s why GreenCells customers are proudly displaying their reuse purchases.
• Value—GreenCells offers reused products at half the price of new. We ship the products for free. If for any reason, a product is unsatisfactory,   we pay to ship it back and provide a full refund. Additionally, we offer a full year warranty with no deductibles or monthly fees—beating out any carrier or manufacturer’s new warranty. And don’t forget all of the options that are just not available with new, such as trade in/trade up.

If you’re thinking of reuse as a smart move, you’re in good company. This trend is shaping the way we will buy and live in the future.

In general terms, reuse is defined as extending the life of an item. While reuse is a growing trend, too often, it is not even an option. And for many, reuse is misunderstood.

Many of our customers come to GreenCells as a second choice but then make us their preferred choice for future buying decisions. They trust us for value-priced quality cell phones that help them do the right thing for the environment.

Think about the green choices available to consumers today. Hybrid cars or more efficient appliances come at a higher cost, reducing the energy we need via innovation. As another example, builders often claim that building green or LEED certification is highly expensive.  Thirty years ago, sorting through garbage or paying extra to go green would not even have been a consideration. But now eco-friendly purchases and recycling are common practice. In the continuum taught to us in grammar school of reduce, reuse, and recycle, mainstream reuse is next.