5 Tips on Buying a Used Phone

Opting to buy a used phone over a brand new model can be beneficial for several reasons. For many, the most significant reason for choosing a second-hand phone is the price; you can receive a quality device that is much kinder to your wallet.

But how do you know you’re getting a good deal? There are lots of things to consider when buying a refurbished phone so we’ve compiled a list of our top tips to help you make the best decision.

Whether you’re looking for a reconditioned Samsung phone or a cheaper iPhone option, here at Second-Hand Phones, we’ve got a range of devices that will give you great value for money!

Why Buy a Second-Hand Phone?

Are you still on the fence about whether you want to get a used phone? Hopefully, we can convince you how great they are!

Environmentally Friendly

A great bonus when it comes to used phones is that they contribute to less waste and production pollution than new phones.

When a new phone is produced, rare metal needs to be mined, which creates an abundance of CO2 emissions. When you opt for a second-hand phone, you are reducing your personal carbon footprint by not contributing to the pollution that a newly made phone would produce.

When you choose a reconditioned phone, you are also ensuring that it does not end up in landfill when it is still perfectly usable.

If you are especially environmentally-conscious, you may be interested in reading about this topic further in our blog below!

Good Prices

Ultimately, when it comes down to a second-hand phone, you’re going to be looking for good value for money.

Reconditioned devices will offer the same performance as a new model but will come with a more affordable price tag just by virtue of being previously owned by someone else!

Introducing Phones to Children

Used phones can also be a great option for when it’s time to get your child a phone of their own.

Let’s face it, children are not known for keeping things in perfect condition, so it’s not always the best idea to spend the extra cash on the newest, most expensive device.

With reconditioned phones, children can stay connected and get the complete smartphone experience without the need for you to dip as far into your wallet.

Know When to Buy

So, how do you go about buying a second-hand phone?

If you don’t desperately need a new phone just yet, it can often be a good idea to be strategic about when you buy a used phone.

The best time to buy this kind of phone is when its new successor arrives; those who prefer the immediate upgrade will be getting rid of their previous model at this point.

Make sure to keep an eye on when the latest flagship models drop so you can predict when people will be swapping their devices and when their old phones will start becoming available at greatly reduced prices.

Consider the Condition

Professionally refurbished phones will work as new, but depending on their grade, there may be some cosmetic flaws. You’ll need to consider how much cosmetic damage you are willing to accept, and at what cost.

A reputable seller will have a clear grading system that signifies the extent of any cosmetic damage.

The more scratches and visible scrapes, the lower the price, so if this is something that won’t bother you, you can end up paying even less!

The most important thing is to understand what condition the phone you’re looking at is in. You don’t want to receive a phone that is more banged up than you were expecting.

Be Wary of Too-Good Deals

If you’ve ended up here, you’ve probably already found that the internet is full of information about used phones and where the best deals are.

Although they can be tempting, try to stay away from deals that look too good to be true. Individual vendors selling phones on places like eBay can be less trustworthy than a reputable distributor; you could run the risk of falling prey to purchasing a more damaged phone than you were bargaining for.

If a seller is claiming to be selling a second-hand phone in perfect, pristine condition for much cheaper than you have seen anywhere else, it may be suspicious. Make sure to thoroughly check the source and any reviews before you decide to purchase it.

Check The Return Policy and Warranty

To protect yourself from being stuck with a phone you aren’t happy with it is always a good idea to check what kind of return policy and warranty is offered.

A 12-month warranty can be the mark of a reputable seller and will show you that the distributor believes in the phones and are confident of their quality. A warranty will protect you if any problems with the phone’s performance develop.

A solid return policy is also crucial; it can take time to spot issues with any software, so you’ll want a return window in case your device turns out to be less than fully operational.

Assess Your Phone Upon Purchase

If you’ve found the perfect phone and have decided to go through with the purchase, it is important to thoroughly check it over when you receive it.

This will give you an opportunity to assess the device for any hidden issues or unexpected flaws. Check that all the hardware is secure and in the condition you were promised.

If you do find an issue, you will have plenty of time to contact the seller and make arrangements for the phone’s return or replacement.

At this point, you can also check if your phone has been registered as stolen or is carrier-locked. This can be done by locating your device’s IMEI number and using this identification to contact your carrier.

For more information about buying second-hand phones, browse our blog that’s full of useful tips and tricks!

If you’re ready to choose a used device, why not take a look at our range of fantastic reconditioned phones?