[imfillinit]

pretty much once there has been ONE call made on a phone, then the phone can no longer be sold as new.

you can check by dialing ##786# and it will show you the lifetime call timer on the phone.

if a customer returns the phone and there have been no calls made on the phone, it can be sold as brand new. if there has been one call made (even if it lasts for 1 second), the it can't be sold as new but only refurbished and used as warranty replacement.

and thats something we practice at the sprint store that i work at, and that should be the way with any provider as well.