How to Buy Used Electronics

We buy used cars, furniture, and sometimes clothes but buying used electronics may be the riskiest of all. They do not have a valid warranty, may be defective, and may not work as long as newer ones. Still, buying used electronics may save you money and help reduce environmental waste. Fortunately, you can 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 last as long. In addition, there are versions of particular products that may have a known fault to them.

• Read online reviews. You can ask the owner questions to get an idea of if the product may have these problems. For example, 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 had not done the preliminary research, you would have never known to look!
• When reviewing, ask, "What does the device come with if you buy it new?" This way, you will 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). Areconditioned 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.[1]

1. 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 
2. 4
   Make sure the product comes with a decent warranty. If you are buying from a retail chain or other reputable sellers, 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 theextended warranty, the fact that it is offered might suggest the company or manufacturer's confidence in the product. A short warranty (about 6-months and under) could show a lack of confidence in the product.out what about the product was fixed or changed.
3. 5
   Ask about return and exchange policy. Most reputable places will not even ask questions if you return a product within a month or so.
4. 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 will not guarantee that it will not break later, it at least makes sure that you have a currently working product.
5. 7
   Hold on to any receipts or paperwork you received. You will need a valid warranty to receive a repair or replacement. This is especially important if you are paying with cash. Receipts 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.