A serious survey has shed some gentle on one of the best locations to purchase second-hand tech.
Which? – who we have teamed up with to inform you some do’s and don’ts later on this publish – asked 2,495 people to share their experiences of shopping for preloved smartphones, laptops, tablets and smartwatches from 18 outlets.
Listed here are the scores primarily based on customer support, product vary and availability, product high quality, accuracy of descriptions, speaking, supply, quantity of unique packaging, ease of web site and worth for cash…
“We have been pleasantly shocked by the outcomes – 10 retailers acquired a buyer rating of 80% or extra,” stated Which.
For an thought of how a lot you possibly can save, Which? supplied these examples…
- Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (2023): £679.99 (Amazon Renewed, “Wonderful” grade), in comparison with £1,129 new – a £449 saving.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: £139 (eBay Licensed Refurbished, “Wonderful” grade), £239 new – a £100 saving.
- iPhone 16 (128GB): £649.99 or £609.99 (iOutlet, Grade A+ or A), £699 new – a £49-£89 saving.
Which? tech knowledgeable Andrew Laughlin informed the Cash weblog: “Not solely is shopping for second-hand tech higher for the planet, it may also be considerably higher on your pockets with a whole bunch of kilos to be saved in comparison with shopping for new.
“It is necessary to enter it with eyes broad open. Shopping for from a good supply, checking how lengthy software program updates will final and selecting a refurbished gadget with at the least 80% battery well being will make sure you’re not left upset.”
Andrew Laughlin
We have teamed up with Which? to carry you these important do’s and don’ts…
Do – Verify software program replace help durations
Probably the most necessary issues to contemplate when shopping for a second-hand or refurbished cellphone is how lengthy the gadget might be supported with safety updates. Apple iPhones are inclined to obtain safety updates from the producer for at the least 5 – 6 years from the cellphone’s launch. For Android telephones, this will range from two to eight years.
As soon as a cellphone stops receiving essential safety updates, it’s going to be extra susceptible to assaults from data-grabbing hackers.
Do – Wait till after new product launches
There’s often an inflow of last-generation merchandise to second-hand retailers shortly after a brand new launch, as individuals promote previous gadgets to lift cash for the brand new mannequin.
Do – Purchase from Respected Sellers
Persist with trusted sources and keep away from random sellers or unverified marketplaces.
Pic: iStock
Do – Verify the returns coverage
You’ve gotten 14 days to inform the shop that you just wish to return an merchandise, and an additional 14 days to really return it. However for peace of thoughts, it is value checking if there may be an prolonged returns interval, and what the store’s defective items coverage is.
Do not – Purchase a tool with lower than 80% battery well being
Batteries degrade over time; ideally, refurbished gadgets ought to have a brand new or licensed battery with at the least 80-90% well being.
Do not – Ignore the grading system
Each second-hand gadget has had a distinct first life, which implies you are not assured a particular degree of efficiency. Refurbished objects are sometimes labelled Grade A, B or C (or comparable):
- Grade A: Seems to be new, minimal or no beauty flaws.
- Grade B: Some seen put on, however totally useful.
- Grade C: Noticeable beauty injury, however works.
Do not – Confuse “refurbished” with second-hand
Refurbished telephones, often offered by producers or retailers, typically include warranties and have been professionally repaired or inspected, whereas second-hand telephones are sometimes offered by earlier house owners and will not embrace warranties.
Refurbished telephones ought to look ‘as new’ or be graded by high quality, so what situation the cellphone might be in before you purchase.
The value of a refurbished cellphone is commonly increased than a second-hand one, as a result of the cellphone will (in idea) have been checked over by professionals to make sure it is in prime working order and in good bodily situation. You also needs to get a assure or guarantee of some kind, as refurbished telephones are often offered by an expert retailer.
Do not – Assume equipment are included
Refurbished merchandise could not embrace unique equipment or packaging. Confirm whether or not a charger, cable, or stylus is included.
Do not – Overlook to carry out thorough checks
Perform these checks within the store, or as quickly as you get your fingers in your second-hand gadget, to verify it is working because it ought to and matches what you anticipated primarily based on the grading and outline.
Second-hand gadgets often include a guaranty of 12-24 months, which ought to cowl technical faults. If something in your tech is not working because it ought to, contact the retailer for a alternative, restore or refund.
- Do all of the cameras work?
- Do the safety and unlock options work?
- Are the ports working?
- Are the buttons defective?
- Verify your battery.
Do not – Assume you will be insured
When you’ve taken out devoted insurance coverage cowl for devices, examine the T&Cs fastidiously, some gadget insurance policies will not cowl refurbished telephones.
