A significant survey has shed some mild on the most effective locations to purchase second-hand tech.
A significant survey has shed some mild on the most effective locations to purchase second-hand tech.
Which? – who we have teamed up with to let you know 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 retailers.
Listed below are the scores based mostly on customer support, product vary and availability, product high quality, accuracy of descriptions, speaking, supply, quantity of authentic packaging, ease of web site and worth for cash…
“We had been pleasantly stunned by the outcomes – 10 retailers acquired a buyer rating of 80% or extra,” stated Which.
For an concept of how a lot you could possibly save, Which? provided 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 advised the Cash weblog: “Not solely is shopping for second-hand tech higher for the planet, it will also be considerably higher in your pockets with lots of of kilos to be saved in comparison with shopping for new.
“It is vital to enter it with eyes large open. Shopping for from a good supply, checking how lengthy software program updates will final and selecting a refurbished machine with a minimum of 80% battery well being will make sure you’re not left disenchanted.”
Andrew Laughlin
We have teamed up with Which? to carry you these important do’s and don’ts…
Do – Examine software program replace help durations
Some of the vital issues to contemplate when shopping for a second-hand or refurbished telephone is how lengthy the machine will likely be supported with safety updates. Apple iPhones are inclined to obtain safety updates from the producer for a minimum of 5 – 6 years from the telephone’s launch. For Android telephones, this may fluctuate from two to eight years.
As soon as a telephone stops receiving essential safety updates, it’s going to be extra weak 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 boost 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 – Examine the returns coverage
You’ve 14 days to inform the shop that you just need to return an merchandise, and an extra 14 days to truly return it. However for peace of thoughts, it is value checking if there’s 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 a minimum of 80-90% well being.
Do not – Ignore the grading system
Each second-hand machine has had a unique first life, which implies you are not assured a particular stage of efficiency. Refurbished objects are sometimes labelled Grade A, B or C (or related):
- Grade A: Seems 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 should not embody warranties.
Refurbished telephones ought to look ‘as new’ or be graded by high quality, so you already know what situation the telephone will likely be in before you purchase.
The value of a refurbished telephone is usually greater than a second-hand one, as a result of the telephone will (in idea) have been checked over by professionals to make sure it is in prime working order and in good bodily situation. You must also get a assure or guarantee of some type, as refurbished telephones are often offered by an expert retailer.
Do not – Assume equipment are included
Refurbished merchandise could not embody authentic equipment or packaging. Confirm whether or not a charger, cable, or stylus is included.
Do not – Neglect to carry out thorough checks
Perform these checks within the store, or as quickly as you get your palms in your second-hand machine, to verify it is working because it ought to and matches what you anticipated based mostly 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?
- Examine your battery.
Do not – Assume you may be insured
In the event you’ve taken out devoted insurance coverage cowl for devices, verify the T&Cs rigorously, some gadget insurance policies will not cowl refurbished telephones.
