How to Buy Used or Refurbished Electronics

You can save money and help save the planet by buying used or refurbished electronics instead of new devices. Since most of the environmental impact of devices comes from the manufacturing phase, buying second-hand gear can reduce your carbon footprint. Do it right, and buying refurbished can feel much like buying new. This guide delves into what you need to know about refurbished terminology, offers tips on what to look for to snag yourself the best deals, and lists some of the best places to buy refurbished gadgets and used electronics.

You may also be interested in How to Buy Ethical and Eco-Friendly Electronics, The Best Used Tech to Buy and Sell, What to Think About Before Buying a Used Smartphone, and How to Responsibly Dispose of Your Electronics.

What Does Refurbished Mean?

There is no legal definition of refurbished. Some sellers preferred used, pre-loved, second-hand, reconditioned, and the list continues. Refurbishment implies that the seller has tested the device, maybe repaired and cleaned it, but the only way to be sure is to read the fine print and make sure you understand what the seller means by whatever term it is using.

If you’re lucky, you may get an open-box device, which a buyer has opened but never actually used. Sellers are not legally allowed to resell returned devices as new, and it’s common for all returns to end up sold in the same place. At the other end of the scale, you may end up with a device that looks like it has survived the apocalypse and doesn’t work.

Tips for Buying Refurbished

I’ll recommend a few good places to buy refurbished electronics below, but first, let’s explore what you should look for in a seller and what you need to do to protect yourself when you buy.

Aside from working out what the seller means by refurbished, you should read the listing for any potential purchase very carefully and try to answer questions like this:

• Has it been tested, and does everything work?
• Does it have a new battery or a guarantee about battery health? (This is crucial for old phones and laptops.)
• Has it been wiped if a previous user set it up?
• Is there any cosmetic damage like scratches or cracks? (Look for a transparent grading system.)
• What is included? (Chargers, cables, manuals, original packaging.)
• Is there any warranty offered? (The longer the better.)
• If there is a problem, how do returns work? Do you have to pay, and what is the window for a return?

If you’re uncertain about anything, it’s worth asking before you buy to avoid disappointment.

Photograph: Simon Hill

There are protections for purchases, such as Section 170 of the Fair Credit Billing Act in the US, or Section 75 in the UK. But you should use a credit card for purchases to get the best chargeback protection and avoid going through a third-party payment service. Some banks and credit card companies are better than others, so it’s worth researching the protections they offer and their reputation.

If you can inspect and test devices before you buy, do it. Otherwise, you should closely examine and thoroughly test any device you buy immediately when you receive it. Remember that there is a limited window to report any faults or issues with the condition and return an item. Always keep the box and packaging it arrived in at least until you are satisfied that you won’t need to return it.

Best Places to Buy Refurbished Electronics

Photograph: Simon Hill

You have an enormous choice when buying refurbished electronics, so let’s break down your options.

We have had some good experiences buying refurbished devices from their original manufacturers, which makes sense since they know precisely how to test and repair their own devices. All of these manufacturers certify the refurbished devices they sell, and most offer at least a one-year warranty, but the savings vary; for example, Apple only offers up to 15 percent off, while Dell offers up to 50 percent off.

• Apple Certified Refurbished Store
• Samsung Certified Re-Newed Smartphones
• Microsoft Certified Refurbished
• Amazon Like-New Devices
• Dell Refurbished
• Lenovo Certified Refurbished
• HP Business Outlet
• Nikon Refurbished Products
• Sonos Refurbished
• Bose Certified Refurbished

Photograph: Simon Hill

Many big retailers and carriers offer refurbished electronics, usually as a separate store, and there are bargains to be had. Here are a few of your top options:

• Amazon Renewed or Amazon Resale (previously Warehouse)
• Best Buy Refurbished Electronics Outlet
• Walmart Restored
• Newegg Certified Refurbished Outlet
• AT&T Certified Pre-Owned
• Verizon Certified Pre-Owned
• T-Mobile Certified Pre-Owned

Several specialists refurbish electronics to a high standard and sell them with return policies and warranties.

Back Market: You can find all sorts of electronics at Back Market, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, game consoles, headphones, speakers, and even appliances. Devices are professionally refurbished, and you can find a detailed explanation of what that means. Everything comes with a 30-day return policy (no cost to you) and a one-year warranty.

KEH: This camera specialist offers a wide range of refurbished cameras and accessories that have been inspected, renewed, and graded. It also offers repair services and expert advice. Everything comes with a 21-day return policy (with a $25 processing fee) and a 180-day warranty.

Retrospekt: Specializing in Polaroid cameras, Retrospekt refurbishes original cameras and combines refurbished internals with new exteriors. It also sells old game consoles, VCRs, and typewriters, as well as vinyl, cassettes, VHS tapes, camera film, and more. Devices come with a 30-day return policy (with return shipping costs and a 10 percent restocking fee) and a 90-day warranty.

There are many other options for refurbished tech, including Gazelle and Reebelo. Folks in the UK should try CeX.

You can find used electronics, sometimes for great prices, at charity stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army, but many charities now sell the best electronics donations they receive through websites like eBay or pass them through third-party services that refurbish devices for them. If you’re having a rummage in store, make sure you ask if devices have been tested and see if you can try them before you buy, or at least return them for a refund if you take them home and find out they don’t work.

You’ll get the best prices when you buy directly from other people, but those potential savings have to be balanced against the risks of getting a faulty device or being scammed. Marketplace websites that act as middlemen for private sales offer some protection for buyers but also skim a fee from each sale, which can inflate prices slightly. While you can find bargains and reputable sellers, there is some risk, and support can prove disappointing and take a long time if you ever have to dispute something.

• eBay: You can find everything on eBay, sellers have ratings, and there is some protection against scams. We have a detailed guide on how to buy used gear on eBay.
• Swappa: Another marketplace that connects buyers and sellers for a small cut, Swappa focuses on electronics. It doesn’t allow broken gear, does some basic checks on some devices, and has people to review and approve listings.
• Vinted: Originally for clothes, Vinted has expanded into electronics and connects buyers and sellers for a fee. It recently launched an Electronics Verification service so sellers can send devices in to be tested before they go to buyers. Sadly, it’s only available in the UK, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Lithuania.
• MPB: This company has specialists who vet the quality of used camera gear. Buyers get a six-month warranty.

To get the cheapest possible prices, you could cut out the middlemen altogether and agree on a direct sale with a buyer, but this can be very risky, especially for electronics.

• Craigslist: Simple, direct ads, but you’ll have to arrange to meet the seller and usually pay in cash. The danger is that you have little or no recourse if the electronics you buy are faulty or stolen.
• Gumtree: This is a popular Craigslist alternative in the UK that offers similar ads with buyers and sellers meeting directly and usually paying in cash.
• Facebook Marketplace: Someone on Facebook Marketplace probably has exactly what you’re looking for. Just be wary of scams, pick a public meetup spot like a park, and bring a friend if you’re nervous.

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