How to buy used or repaired electronics (2025)

You can save money and help save the planet by buying used or repaired electronics Instead of new devicesS As most of the environmental impact comes from the production phase, buying second-hand equipment can reduce your carbon footprint. Do it properly and buying a repaired can feel much like buying a new one. This guide is deepening about what you need to know about the repair terminology, offers tips on what to look for to get the best offers, and list some of the best places to buy repaired gadgets and used electronics.

You may also be interested in How to buy ethical and eco -electronics., The best used technology for buying and selling., What to think about before you buy a used smartphoneand How to responsibly dispose your electronicsS

What does it mean to be repaired?

There is no legal definition of repaired. Some sellers prefer used, pre -loved, second -hand, reconstructed and the list continues. The update suggests that the seller has tested the device, maybe he has fixed and cleaned it, but the only way to be sure is to read the fine print and make sure that you understand what the seller means under any term he uses.

If you are lucky, you can get a device with an open box that the buyer has opened but is never actually used. Sellers are not allowed to resold the returned devices as new ones and it is customary to sell all repayments in the same place. At the other end of the rock you may find yourself with a device that seems to have experienced the apocalypse and does not work.

Tips for buying repaired

I will recommend some good places to buy a repaired electronics below, but first, let’s study what you need to look for in the seller and what you need to do to protect yourself when you buy.

In addition to understanding what the seller means through a repaired, you should read the list for each potential purchase very carefully and try to answer questions like this:

• Is everything tested and works?
• Is there a new battery or a battery health guarantee? (This is crucial for old phones and laptops.)
• Is it deleted if a previous user has set it up?
• Are there cosmetic damage such as scratches or cracks? (Look for a transparent evaluation system.)
• What is included? (Chargers, cables, manuals, original packages.)
• Is there a guarantee offered? (The longer it is better.)
• If there is a problem, how does the return work? Do you have to pay and what is the return window?

If you are not sure about something, it is worth asking before you buy to avoid disappointment.

Photo: Simon Hill

There are Purchases Protects as Section 170 of the Fair Credit Act in the United States, or Section 75 in the UK. But you must use a purchasing credit card to get the best retroactive protection and avoid Passing through a third -party payment serviceS Some credit card banks and companies are better than others, so it’s worth exploring the protection they offer and their reputation.

If you can check and test devices before you buy, do it. Otherwise, you should look carefully and carefully test any device you buy as soon as you receive it. Remember that there is a limited window to account for any mistakes or condition problems and return an item. Always store the box and package that has arrived at least until you are satisfied that you will not need to return it.

The best places to buy repaired electronics

Photo: Simon Hill

You have a huge choice when buying a repaired electronics, so let’s break your options.

We had some good experiences by buying repaired devices from their original manufacturers, which makes sense as they know exactly how to test and repair their own devices. All these manufacturers certify the repaired devices they sell and most offer at least one -year warranty, but savings vary; For example, Apple only offers up to 15 percent discount, while Dell offers up to 50 percent discount.

Photo: Simon Hill

Many large retailers and carriers offer repaired electronics, usually as a separate store, and there are deals that there should be. Here are some of your best options: