When buying a second-hand phone – much like any other pre-loved item – there are a few important things to consider. There are things to think about that don’t come when you buy something brand new. Although this is definitely true for phones, the same principles can be applied to any second-hand tech.

5 things to consider when buying a second-hand phone:

1. Condition

When browsing in-person for a second-hand phone, make sure that you check the physical condition of the phone – including the screen, buttons, and overall appearance. Look for any signs of wear and tear or damage. If you are shopping online, try to get detailed specs of what you are purchasing before you hit the ‘Buy now’ button.

2. Functionality

Unlike buying new, with second-hand tech, you are allowed (encouraged, even) to play with the phone ―to ensure that it is in good working condition before you buy it. Now is the time to test features like the touchscreen, camera, microphone, speaker. This includes testing connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular networks.

3. Software

This is an easy one to forget about. Don’t just assume that the phone you are looking at has all of its recent updates. In addition to looking at functionality, delve a little deeper and make sure that you check if the phone’s operating system is up-to-date and compatible with your needs.

4. Guarantee

When buying any kind of tech, it is important to understand what kind of guarantee (if any), you have on the item. In addition, what does this actually mean? Are you allowed to ‘swap’ the product within an allotted time period if you are not happy with it? Does the guarantee only count towards ‘servicing’ the item for minor defects? At Cash Converters, we have a 6-month guarantee policy on most items. If items are faulty, they can be repaired (at Cash Converters’ cost); replaced (with an item of similar value); or refunded (at purchase price). Please retain your till slip to validate your guarantee.

5. Price

Much like if you were buying tech brand new, it is important to do your homework in terms of pricing. Research the market value of the particular phone model you’re interested in to make sure the price is reasonable, considering its condition and age. This is easy to do online – even if you ultimately decide to buy a second-hand phone in-person ― as it allows you to compare prices from different sellers to find the best deal.

Did you know?

At Cash Converters, we have a variety of second-hand phones. Our sophisticated IT operating system allows us to manage, clean and re-install software on all tech devices – without items ever leaving the store. This piece of software can be plugged in from any store, connects to central software, and runs a diagnostic and report on the item. From there, we can determine the specs of the item, if a device is genuine or fake, and detect any pirated software. It also allows us to wipe a device clean before we sell it on, ensuring peace of mind for all our customers.

To browse our phones and tablets online, click here.