What You Need to Know Before Buying a Second Hand Phone
Buying a Second Hand Phone
In a world where phones are constantly being updated and replaced, buying second hand is often a great way to pick up a decent handset for a fraction of the price. But before you do so, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into and how the market works.
There are two main types of second hand phone: preowned (also known as used) and refurbished. Used devices are the ones that you’ll find for sale through websites like eBay or certain high street retailers. They’re not backed by any warranty and come with the risk of having been stolen or damaged in some way.
On the other hand, refurbished phones are those that have been reconditioned by a manufacturer or retailer to be as close to new as possible. They may be factory-refurbished or, more commonly, retail-refurbished. Retailer-refurbished phones are often sold using a grade system that describes their external condition, with grades A and B being essentially brand-new with no marks or scratches, and coming with original accessories. Retailer-refurbished phones tend to be cheaper than manufacturer-refurbished models.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Second Hand Phone
Both of these types are generally considered to be safer and more reliable than used devices, but you should always check that the seller is reputable and has a good reputation before committing to a purchase. In addition, it’s worth remembering that many smartphones have a limited battery life, and after a certain number of years it’s likely the battery will be less capable of keeping up with your daily usage, so you could end up having to plug in more frequently or run out more quickly than before.
Another thing to bear in mind is that if you buy a second hand or refurbished device from a retailer, you’re protected by consumer rights, and should something go wrong, you have the right to return it. However, if you buy from an informal marketplace website such as Craigslist or Gumtree (or even eBay), you’ll be less well protected.
The other benefit of buying second hand is that it’s better for the environment. Millions of electronic devices (including smartphones) end up in landfill each year, causing toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury to seep into the soil. Buying second hand means one less phone has to make that journey, which is a positive step in reducing waste.
Some smartphone manufacturers offer trade-in programs where you can get a discount on the latest model by bringing in your old phone. You can use SellCell to check the current prices that buyers are offering for your device and choose the best option.
It’s also worth considering that you might be able to get more for your old phone if you sell it before the launch of a new iPhone. That’s because the value of older devices drops rapidly after a new model is released. So by selling your old device before Apple launches its new iPhone you’ll be able to lock in a price that won’t change for 30 days.