We have all been there. Despite all your best tries, you can’t get your phone to work, and as much as you dread it, it’s time to buy a new phone. But wait, you jump to eBay or Amazon to see the amount you need to fork up for a new phone and discover something called a refurbished option. Its price is half what it would cost a brand new phone. This makes you conclude that a refurbished phone must be a second-hand one that someone else will sell you. But refurbished options are slightly more than that.
The idea behind a refurbished device:
The word refurbished comes with a certain stigma. It is seen as damaged goods or, at best, something that is not quite new. But the truth behind a refurbished device is quite different. A refurbished device has been sent back to the manufacturer by the customer for whatever reason. It could be because they were unhappy with the product, because they found a defect, or simply because they wanted to upgrade to a newer model.
When these devices are returned, the manufacturers check them for damages and fix them. Once they have been repaired, these phones are put back on sale as refurbished models.
What does this mean for you?
This means that when you buy a refurbished phone, you are essentially getting a phone that is as good as new. The only difference is that it is cheaper than a brand new phone because it has been used before. But other than that, there is no difference between a refurbished phone and a brand new phone straight out of the box.
Buying a refurbished phone can be a great way to get your hands on a high-end device without having to pay full price for it. For example, if you have your eye on the latest iPhone but can’t afford it, you could opt for a refurbished iPhone instead. It will cost you less, and you will still get all the features and functionality of the latest iPhone.
Things to be wary of when buying a refurbished phone:
Of course, as with anything, there are certain things you need to be aware of before buying a refurbished phone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the warranty: One of the main things you need to check when buying a refurbished phone is the warranty. Many refurbished phones come with a shorter warranty than brand-new phones. So if something goes wrong with your phone, you may not be covered.
- Check for water damage: Another thing to look out for is water damage. This is usually not an issue with newer phones but can be a problem with older models. Make sure to check for any signs of water damage before making your purchase.
- Ask questions: Before buying a refurbished phone, ask the seller any questions you have. This will help you better understand the phone and what to expect.
- Do your research: Do your research before buying a refurbished phone. Check out online forums and reviews to get an idea of what other people say about the phone you’re interested in.
- Compare prices: Once you’ve researched and narrowed down your options, it’s time to compare prices. You’ll find that the prices of refurbished phones vary greatly from seller to seller. So take your time and find the best deal possible.
Are there any risks?
Of course, there are always risks involved when you buy anything second-hand. But as long as you buy from a reputable source, the risks are minimal. One of the biggest risks is that the phone might not work properly or have some defects. But as long as you buy from a reputable source that offers a warranty, you should be covered if anything goes wrong.
Another risk to consider is that the phone might not be unlocked. This means you might be unable to use it with your current carrier. But again, this is something that can be checked before you make your purchase. And if you end up with an unlocked phone, it’s not a big deal, as you can always take it to your carrier and get it unlocked.
So, should you buy a refurbished phone?
If you are looking for a way to save money on your next phone purchase, then buying a refurbished phone is a great option. Make sure you buy from a reputable source and check the phone before making your purchase. Popular sites like eBay, Amazon, Gazelle, Apple, Best Buy, and Microsoft Store are all credible sources that offer the best quality refurbished devices. They all offer warranties and guarantees so you can be sure you are getting a quality product. And they all have a wide selection of phones to choose from so you can find the perfect one for you.
