A comprehensive survey has revealed valuable insights into the top destinations for purchasing second-hand technology. The survey, conducted by Which?, in collaboration with us, gathered feedback from 2,495 individuals regarding their experiences buying pre-owned smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches from 18 different retailers. The ratings were based on factors such as customer service, product range and availability, product quality, accuracy of descriptions, communication, delivery, amount of original packaging, website user-friendliness, and value for money.
"We were pleasantly surprised by the outcomes, with 10 retailers achieving a customer score of 80% or higher," stated Which?. To provide a glimpse of potential savings, Which? presented several examples:
- Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (2023): £679.99 (Amazon Renewed, "Excellent" grade) compared to £1,129 brand new, resulting in a £449 saving.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: £139 (eBay Certified Refurbished, "Excellent" grade) versus £239 for a new one, offering a £100 saving.
- iPhone 16 (128GB): £649.99 or £609.99 (iOutlet, Grade A+ or A) compared to £699 for a new device, leading to a saving of £49-£89.
According to Which? tech expert Andrew Laughlin, "Purchasing second-hand tech not only benefits the environment but can also significantly benefit your finances, with potential savings amounting to hundreds of pounds compared to buying new."
To ensure a satisfactory experience, it is crucial to make informed decisions. Which? has teamed up with us to provide essential do’s and don’ts:
- Do – Check software update support periods: Consider the duration for which the device will receive security updates, as discontinued updates can leave it vulnerable to security threats.
- Do – Wait until after new product launches: Take advantage of the influx of previous-generation products in the market after a new launch.
- Do – Buy from Reputable Sellers: Opt for trusted sources and avoid unverified sellers or platforms.
For more detailed guidelines and recommendations, please visit the full article here.
Image: Andrew Laughlin
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- Do – Check the returns policy: Familiarize yourself with the return process and policies of the retailer.
- Don’t – Buy a device with less than 80% battery health: Opt for refurbished devices with a battery health of at least 80-90%.
- Don’t – Ignore the grading system: Understand the grading system for second-hand devices to manage performance expectations.
Continue reading the full article here for further insights and recommendations on purchasing second-hand tech wisely.