# Does it matter where I buy a smartphone?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-matter-where-i-buy-a-smartphone/594710>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [August 31, 2011, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-matter-where-i-buy-a-smartphone/594710 "2011-08-31T01:56:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![troubledwater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f4b2a3/32.png) [@troubledwater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/troubledwater)\
**Post date:** [August 31, 2011, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-matter-where-i-buy-a-smartphone/594710/1 "2011-08-31T01:56:44Z")

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Background: my only cellphones have been provided by my employer, and I have always selected the most basic ones offered. I have recently decided that I would like to purchase an up-to-date smartphone and plan.  
Assuming I find the features and cost I am satisfied with, does it matter if I buy from, say, Best Buy, vs. directly from the wireless provider? Or from Amazon, for instance? I am thinking in terms of difficulty getting customer service if needed.