If you are in the market for a new phone, buying refurbished might be a good option. Investing in the second-hand market is an excellent way to benefit from the latest technology without paying premium prices. However, you should know what to look for so you don’t get ripped off or left unsatisfied with your purchase.
This article is a short guide for what you should look for in a refurbished phone and the dealers who sell them. But first, you should know what qualifies as a renovated phone.
Understand the Process
A refurbished phone might have been defective at one point and returned by its former owner. This is not always the case, however. Sometimes you can find phones that were returned during their money-back guarantee period, making them practically brand new. For example, there are opportunities to buy certified used iPhone 11 that function perfectly.
Regardless of how the phone was returned, certified distributors and resellers will thoroughly test and quality check them before repackaging and selling. Typical tests include checking the battery life, button functionality, connectivity issues, audio quality and screen damage. If there are damaged internal parts, technicians will install new ones to ensure the phone is operating at peak capacity.
All resold cellphones have their data wiped so that you won’t receive anyone’s personal information.
Read the Fine Print
Buying on the used market is a little riskier than buying new, so make sure you read the fine print. If you can’t return the phone, it should be detailed in the terms and conditions. Know this before you sign on the dotted line. Typically, you can expect a warranty, so do not settle for a lacking return policy.
Some phones come with various accessories, so make sure that a refurbished phone has all of them. Research the phone you want beforehand, so you come to the dealer prepared. Do not accept any refurbished phone that is missing its accessories.
Renovated phones might come with scratches or cosmetic flaws. It’s also possible that hidden bugs persist that were missed by the dealer. Therefore, it’s crucial a refurbished phone includes a return policy. You might also have to wait a little longer for the newest phones to arrive refurbished on the market.
Used phones that are properly refurbished can provide great value. Make sure you are aware of the risks and choose a dealer you trust, and you can purchase a phone that performs excellent at a fraction of the cost.
