Buy Used Electronics

We buy used cars, furniture, and sometimes clothes but buying used electronics may be the riskiest of all. They do not always have a valid warranty, may be defective, and may not work as long as newer ones. Still, buying used electronics may save you money and help reduce environmental waste. Fortunately, you can come out on top if you ask the right questions and take the following steps.

Steps

  1. Research the product itself. Some products last a long time and have lots of life left, some do not last as long, for instance they might have an expensive rechargeable battery that cannot easily be replaced if it has worn out. Products with mechanical parts are also more prone to wearing out. If the product has software check that this is still supported by the manufacturer. This may or may not matter depending on the device. For instance a device like a smartphone that depends on apps will be more likely to become obsolete sooner than a washing machine where the software never needs changing.
    • In addition, there are versions of particular products that may have a known fault with them.
    • Read online reviews. You can ask the owner questions to see if the product has these problems. For example, some devices may have several complaints about the handle coming off, or maybe the unit overheats when it sits idle for a few minutes. Look closely at the used device in person, if possible, to see if these defects are present. Usually, preliminary research will tell you what to look for.
    • When reviewing, ask, "What does the device come with if I buy it new?" This way, you will know if there is anything missing, and the price should be adjusted to reflect any missing components or documentation.
  2. Become familiar with the lingo. A Find Refurbished Electronics product hasn't necessarily been used; it may have been sent back to the manufacturer for a cosmetic reason, fixed accordingly, and sold as refurbished (often with a manufacturer's warranty). A reconditioned item, on the other hand, has been used and fixed up; they usually come with a warranty from the company who's selling it, but not from the manufacturer.
  3. Ask about who fixed or refurbished the product. If the manufacturer did it, then there is less risk involved than if it was done by a third party. You might also be able to find out what about the product was fixed or changed.
  4. Make sure the product comes with a decent warranty. If you are buying from a retail chain or other reputable sellers, chances are that some sort of warranty is available. Find out how long this lasts and what it covers. Can you buy additional coverage? If so, for how long and how much does it cost? Even if you choose not to buy the extended warranty, the fact that it is offered might suggest the company or manufacturer's confidence in the product. A shorter warranty (about 6-months and under) could show a lack of confidence in the product.
  5. Ask about return and exchange policy. Most reputable places will not even ask questions if you return a product within a month or so.
  6. If possible, test the product before buying it. If you are buying from someone besides a retail chain, this is especially important. While this will not guarantee that it will not break later, it at least makes sure that you have a current working product.
  7. Hold on to any receipts or paperwork you received. You will need a valid warrant to receive a repair or replacement. This is especially important if you are paying with cash. Receipts can prove that you purchased it and when. Keep your receipt in a safe place. You never know when it can come in handy.

Tips

  • If you buy a piece of digital equipment (e.g., a phone or mp3 player) and find that it does have bugs, check to see if there is a firmware update you download to fix the problem. Check the manufacturer's site to see if there is one available for the product to fix known problems.
  • Some stores have a trade-in program in which you can bring in your Make Money With Old Outdated Electronic Devices to get credit towards new ones.
  • Read descriptions carefully, especially if you are purchasing online. On auction sites, you can easily find products that specify that does not work, but are for sale for parts. Descriptions may also list known issues, like scratching screens or missing parts. Some problems may not hinder performance of the product, but anything that makes it less than mint condition should result in a reduction of cost.
  • If you can, buy with a credit card. Many credit cards provide protection for purchases, so check to see what yours provides before buying. It may give added protection if the seller does not hold up to their promises or if the product was not as described. Paypal also provides this if you are buying from eBay no matter how you fund your purchase.[1]
  • At times, a refurbished laptop computer will last longer than a new one. It has been through a thorough inspection twice and may have had problems inherent to the model fixed before it got to you. Buying one that's last year's good model refurbished is the most bang for the buck you can get.

Warnings

  • A good thing to do when buying electronics online is to get insurance for shipping. For one, insurance tends to get your package treated much better, and for another many online sellers will not guarantee a product if not insured. Insurance will give you protection if the seller tries to claim it was working fine and you receive a non-working product. Do not give a seller a potential out of providing you with a bad product.
  • Never assume the product works after you buy it. Be sure to test the product before you buy it this lowers the chance of the customer returning the product back to the seller
  • If buying from eBay, make sure to check seller feedback. Also, check for shipping prices. Sometimes a good deal may become less so because of overpriced shipping. Always check the seller's description and if he says it is in bad condition, do not buy it or else it may break very quickly.
  • Some people might be trying to scam you. Ask if you are allowed to test the product before you buy.
  • Make sure you are confident with your seller and are sure you are getting a good quality product!
  • Many products have known issues to them that may be covered under a manufacturer's warranty, but would not be covered if you buy used.
  • Don't hesitate to ask questions! If not buying from a retail chain that provides a money-back guarantee, this is especially important. If the seller will not answer questions, or will not give you a chance to test it out if you can do so, do not buy the product.

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Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/Marketing/securitycenter/buy/BuyerProtection-outside
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