At The iOutlet we specialise in refurbished devices. When shopping for used devices it’s important to know the difference between refurbished and second-hand. There are benefits to both but if you want to know which is better and why, read our handy guide.
When buying a second-hand device you are most likely buying from someone local, such as online Marketplace, or a friend/family member. The device will have been used by the original owner and then passed on to you.
The benefits of this are that you’ll likely be able to test the device out before you buy it and you might know the person you are buying from, which can give you more trust in the product. Depending on who you are buying it from you may even be able to ask questions about the device such as how long it has been used for.
However, there is a higher level of risk associated with buying a second hand device privately. Firstly, if after a few weeks of purchasing you encounter an issue with the device, you have limited rights in terms of being able to get your money back. There is no law stating what condition a second-hand phone must be in before being resold and you will have to accept the seller’s word for it; what you see is what you get.
Similarly, if there is a problem with the device it’ll be down to you to get the problem fixed which could cost you more and leave you without a device. Finally, there is no guarantee that you’ll be able to use the device straight away after purchasing, the device may still need to be reset to the factory settings and the device might be locked to a specific provider.
When you buy a refurbished device from a reputable brand such as us here at The iOutlet, you’ll get peace of mind that the device is in good working order. All devices are tested, reset to factory settings and come with a warranty. Devices will also be ranked Grade A+, A, B or C depending on the device condition. This means you know what cosmetics flaws the device has before purchasing.
The price of a second-hand device in comparison to refurbished is hard to compare. Whilst you might be able to pick up a cheaper second hand device the lack of testing and warranty means that in the long run it could be more expensive. Similarly, a refurbished device tells you the cosmetic condition and is priced accordingly, whilst a second hand device may not be priced so fairly.
If you are considering a used device we recommend choosing refurbished devices. The decreased level of risk, benefit of after care and customer service means that when you shop for refurbished devices with The iOutlet you are getting the best value for money.
