Sure, we’d all like to get our hands on the latest, shiniest Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. But shelling out upwards of $1000 isn’t often feasible. The good news is you can still get a great deal on top-of-the-line gadgets if you’re happy going for second-hand models.
Whether you’re after a smartphone, a camera, a television or any other piece of technology, the second-hand tech market can feel like entering a minefield of unknowns. But fear not, because we’ve put together this handy guide to help simplify the process.
Do your research
When you approach someone online or in person to look at a product, you want to go armed with enough knowledge to know what to expect in terms of price and condition of the gadget. You want to know what else is out there. For example, a quick search online tells you that you can buy a brand new silver 16GB iPhone 6 from Dick Smith for about $580. The same is available on eBay for $333, while the 32GB model is available in Space Grey at JB HI-FI for $450. The Apple Store also sells second-hand refurbished Apple products at a fraction of the original price. If you were thinking about buying a second-hand iPhone 6, you would want to take into consideration the prices that retailers are offering and compare them to other second-hand prices going around.
Be realistic
You need to be realistic about what kind of deal you can ask for. Some savings will be bigger than others, and this depends a great deal on the brand of the gadget. For example, you might wait for months for the new Samsung Galaxy to be released and the older model to drop in price, but it might not drop as much as you expect. That said, don’t be pressured into buying a certain brand. It’s a better idea to set a budget and research smartphones that fall within that budget instead.
When it comes to finding second-hand tech, it’s not just the product that will determine the price. The condition, accessories, warranty and original packing should all be factored in when you consider a price. If the prices you’re looking at are a bit more than you would want to pay, asking about these other elements might give you some bargaining power. It might work out cheaper to source your own charger later, anyway.
Avoid being ripped off
Landing a great deal is only worth it if the product is in good nick. You don’t want to get your new camera home only to have it pack up after a few weeks. There are precautions you can take to avoid being scammed, including the obvious, buying from a reputable second-hand dealer. If you’re considering buying online, such as on eBay, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace group, ask if you can come over to demo the gadget before confirming a sale. Failing this option, check the website’s relevant safety advice and make sure the website has you covered in case the sale turns sour. Checking an eBay seller’s feedback is always the first thing you should check.
Do you have any tips for our readers on buying second-hand tech?
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