How to Buy a Refurbished Phone Safely

Buying second hand is one of the easiest ways to save money on your smartphone. Depending on the model, you’ll find that used phones cost way less compared to new phones.

While this sounds appealing, buying a second-hand phone means accepting many compromises. Of course, there will be normal wear, however, the extent of the warranty, terms of the warranty and the accessories should also be taken into account. Many of these considerations are similar to those involved in buying a phone from abroad. If you’re thinking of buying a used phone, the tips below will prove helpful.

Check the Included Accessories

Most new phones come with a variety of accessories, such as headphones, chargers, and cases. With a second-hand phone, this is another story. You should always receive a charger and a charging cable, which is standard for second-hand phones. Instead of the manufacturer’s official charger included in the new phone, the charger will usually be a common brand. If this is unsuitable for you, do not forget to inform the seller before purchasing.

Are universal accessories really important? It depends on what it is. For example, a typical in-ear headset may look unattractive and degrade faster than the original headset. For some, this may not be a major issue. However, some accessories need to be checked before using them. An example is the charger. Unsafe chargers are not worth your property or life. Having an improper charger may damage your iPhone XS MAX or any other phone if it is not of the right standard

Warranty

One of the most important considerations when purchasing a refurbished iPhone or any other phone is the accompanying warranty for any defect.

Almost all refurbished products come with one. However, the terms and conditions differ from different suppliers. The person who repackages usually provides a warranty. If it is a manufacturer, retailers are also entitled to a warranty from the manufacturer. This is meant to cover any defect consumers may encounter that. The warranty period is usually one year, but may be lower.

If the retailer is providing the warranty, be sure to know before you buy, as this is the person you will deal with in case of any issues with the product. Retail stores have different warranty periods depending on the degree of renovation.

Know the Return Policy

If you do not purchase products from your carrier or the manufacturer of your phone, at least go for a seller with a reliable return policy. Most physical damage can be easily detected after receiving a call, but it takes some time to find faulty hardware or software. When shopping for a mobile phone, consider the return window and get to know the procedure for returns to your seller in case of any issue.

Know your Seller

If you buy a mobile phone from a private seller on a website such as eBay or Swappa, you need to determine if the person you’re sending money to can be trusted. Unfortunately, we usually make this decision based on a relatively limited amount of information.

EBay and Swappa provide guidance on when the seller became a member of the site, the number of transactions completed and how the seller has resolved any arising issues from purchases.

Research on Prices

When deciding on which seller to buy from, you should compare the relative prices of the phone to other sellers. This will ensure you’re not being ripped off and you are paying the right amount for the right phone. Sites such as eBay and Swappa allow for you to compare different prices of the same product an example is the iPhone XS MAX. You will find that sellers offer it at a different prices though it is the same phone. Just be careful with deals that seem too good to be true.

These tips will definitely prove helpful to those seeking to purchase refurbished phones. When carefully adhered to, the chances of you buying a refurbished phone safely are greatly increased. For more information on refurbished iPhones and other phones please visit SMM.