How to Buy Used Electronics

We buy used cars, used furniture, and sometimes even used clothes, but buying used electronics still seems the riskiest of all because you never know if they're going to stop working as soon as you get home. Still, you can save money (and reduce waste) by shopping for used electronics, and you'll probably come out on top if you ask the right questions and take the following steps.


1. Research the product itself. Some products last a long time, some do not. Also, there are versions of particular products that may have a known fault to them. Read online reviews, then you can ask the owner questions to get an idea of if the product may have these problems. For example, let's say a certain electronic shows several complaints about the handle coming off, or the unit overheating when it sits idle for a few minutes--you can look closely at the used electronic in person to see if these defects are present. If you hadn't done the preliminary research, you would've never known to look! Another thing to consider, what does the device come with if you buy it new? This way, you'll know if there is anything missing, and the price should be adjusted to suit.

2. Become familiar with the lingo. A refurbished product hasn't necessarily been used; it may have been sent back to the manufacturer for a cosmetic reason, fixed accordingly, and sold as refurbished (often with a manufacturer's warranty). A reconditioned item, on the other hand, has been used and fixed up; they usually come with a warranty from the company who's selling it, but not from the manufacturer.

3.  Ask about who fixed or refurbished the product. If the manufacturer did it, then there is less risk involved than if it was done by a third party. You might also be able to find out what about the product was fixed or changed.

4. Make sure the product comes with a decent warranty. If you are buying from a retail chain or other reputable seller, chances are there will be a warranty of some sort provided. Find out how long this lasts and what it covers. Can you buy additional coverage? If so, for how long and how much does it cost? Even if you choose not to get the extended warranty, the fact that it's offered might indicate the company or manufacturer's confidence in the product. A short warranty (about 6-months and under) could indicate a lack of confidence in the product.

5. Ask about return and exchange policy. Most reputable places won't even ask questions if you return a product within a month or so.

6. If possible, test the product before buying it. If you are buying from someone besides a retail chain, this is especially important. While this won't guarantee that it won't break later, it at least makes sure that you have a currently working product.

7. Hold on to any receipts and/or paperwork you received. If you have any sort of warranty for the product, you will need this to receive a repair or replacement. This is especially important if you are paying with cash. Only a receipt can prove that you purchased it and when. Keep that receipt in a safe place for at least as long as the warranty lasts. You never know when it can come in handy.