A major survey has shed some light on the best places to buy second-hand tech.
A major survey has shed some light on the best places to buy second-hand tech.
Which? – who we’ve teamed up with to tell you some do’s and don’ts later in this post – asked 2,495 people to share their experiences of buying preloved smartphones, laptops, tablets and smartwatches from 18 shops.
Here are the scores based on customer service, product range and availability, product quality, accuracy of descriptions, communicating, delivery, amount of original packaging, ease of website and value for money…
“We were pleasantly surprised by the results – 10 retailers received a customer score of 80% or more,” said Which.
For an idea of how much you could save, Which? offered these examples…
- Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (2023): £679.99 (Amazon Renewed, “Excellent” grade), compared to £1,129 new – a £449 saving.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: £139 (eBay Certified Refurbished, “Excellent” grade), £239 new – a £100 saving.
- iPhone 16 (128GB): £649.99 or £609.99 (iOutlet, Grade A+ or A), £699 new – a £49-£89 saving.
Which? tech expert Andrew Laughlin told the Money blog: “Not only is buying second-hand tech better for the planet, it can also be substantially better for your wallet with hundreds of pounds to be saved compared to buying new.
“It’s important to go into it with eyes wide open. Buying from a reputable source, checking how long software updates will last and choosing a refurbished device with at least 80% battery health will ensure you’re not left disappointed.”
Andrew Laughlin
We’ve teamed up with Which? to bring you these essential do’s and don’ts…
Do – Check software update support periods
One of the most important things to consider when buying a second-hand or refurbished phone is how long the device will be supported with security updates. Apple iPhones tend to receive security updates from the manufacturer for at least five or six years from the phone’s launch. For Android phones, this can vary from two to eight years.
Once a phone stops receiving crucial security updates, it’ll be more vulnerable to attacks from data-grabbing hackers.
Do – Wait until after new product launches
There’s usually an influx of last-generation products to second-hand retailers shortly after a new launch, as people sell old devices to raise money for the new model.
Do – Buy from Reputable Sellers
Stick to trusted sources and avoid random sellers or unverified marketplaces.
Not only is buying second-hand tech better for the planet, it can also be better for your wallet
Do – Check the returns policy
You have 14 days to notify the store that you want to return an item, and a further 14 days to actually return it. But for peace of mind, it’s worth checking if there is an extended returns period, and what the shop’s faulty goods policy is.
Don’t – Buy a device with less than 80% battery health
Batteries degrade over time; ideally, refurbished devices should have a new or certified battery with at least 80-90% health.
Don’t – Ignore the grading system
Every second-hand device has had a different first life, which means you’re not guaranteed a specific level of performance. Refurbished items are often labelled Grade A, B or C (or similar):
- Grade A: Looks new, minimal or no cosmetic flaws.
- Grade B: Some visible wear, but fully functional.
- Grade C: Noticeable cosmetic damage, but works.
Don’t – Confuse “refurbished” with second-hand
Refurbished phones, usually sold by manufacturers or retailers, often come with warranties and have been professionally repaired or inspected, while second-hand phones are typically sold by previous owners and may not include warranties.
Refurbished phones should look ‘as new’ or be graded by quality, so you know what condition the phone will be in before you buy.
The price of a refurbished phone is often higher than a second-hand one, because the phone will (in theory) have been checked over by professionals to ensure it’s in top working order and in good physical condition. You should also get a guarantee or warranty of some sort, as refurbished phones are usually sold by a professional retailer.
Don’t – Assume accessories are included
Refurbished products may not include original accessories or packaging. Verify whether a charger, cable, or stylus is included.
Don’t – Forget to perform thorough checks
Carry out these checks in the shop, or as soon as you get your hands on your second-hand device, to make sure it’s working as it should and matches what you expected based on the grading and description.
Second-hand devices usually come with a warranty of 12-24 months, which should cover technical faults. If anything on your tech isn’t working as it should, contact the retailer for a replacement, repair or refund.
- Do all the cameras work?
- Do the security and unlock features work?
- Are the ports working?
- Are the buttons faulty?
- Check your battery.
Don’t – Assume you’ll be insured
If you’ve taken out dedicated insurance cover for gadgets, check the T&Cs carefully, some gadget policies won’t cover refurbished phones.
