Things to Keep in Mind while Buying Certified Refurbished Phones

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Posted by Bryan Hunter on 2nd May 2019

Smartphones have become a necessity rather than an option these days. Almost everything right from booking flight tickets to ordering food can be done using a phone. No wonder, people want to own the best of the lot at affordable prices.

A lot of times, it may happen that we have been eyeing a specific model for long but can’t fit it into our budget. Here is where a refurbished phone comes into the picture.

Refurbished phones are not a bad deal. These ready-to-resale phones are a real game changer when it comes to having a quality phone in a lesser budget. However, these phones irrespective of the model, also come with a lot of hazards and may not be a profitable deal always.

In case you are thinking of buying a refurbished iPhone X or any other refurbished phone for that matter, there are some general tips and tricks to keep in mind. Not only will these help you make an informed choice, but also save you from a lot of inconveniences later on.

1.See if there is any warranty for the device or not

A lot of times, it happens that users do not check if the refurbished equipment comes with a warranty period or not. It is essential to question the seller regarding a warranty period for the phone.

In some cases, the sellers extend the warranty of the original device to the refurbished model as well while in other instances, there is no such provision. After all, you never know when your phone is going to hit something or fall into a puddle of water on the ground.

Always make sure that the refurbished phone comes with the reassurance of getting repaired or replaced in case it falls victim to bruises, jolts or bumps.

2. Restoration of factory settings

The next crucial tip that the user must pay attention to while buying a refurbished phone is to make sure that the phone has been restored to its factory settings. There must be no evidence whatsoever of any previous ownership. This will allow the new user to set all the settings as per their preferences and liking.

Additionally, it will make sure that the phone has been appropriately refurbished and is ready to be used again. In case the phone displays signs of previous ownership or has some pre-settings apart from factory settings, the user must question the retailer and consider the deal again.

3. Accessories and overall condition of the device

Buying a refurbished phone does not mean that you have to compromise on the quality or user experience.

Always make sure that the phone you are considering is in overall excellent quality and has no visible signs of usage or damage. It must be accompanied by decent accessories as well. You must not need to invest separately in them later.

Faulty accessories such as fake chargers can cause damage to the phone’s battery and must not be used. Rather than complaining later, you must check beforehand if the retailer is trying to sell you imitation accessories. Such accessories may leave the phone not working as correctly as it should.

4. Check out for affordable options

One of the significant reasons for buying a refurbished phone is to save money. In case a deal is not meeting this requirement, there is no use investing in it.  

Compare your options well before committing to a refurbished device. Make sure that the dealer is reputable and trustworthy. Apart from that, you must verify the credentials of the refurbisher. If the retailer refuses to provide all the details regarding refurbishment, consider discarding the deal.

Checking refurbished deals online will give you a fair idea as to what to expect. Don’t close deals in a hurry. Take your time to conduct thorough research before buying anything.

5. Ask for a valid invoice

All refurbished devices are sold with a valid invoice. Always make sure that you ask for an invoice while purchasing. In case the dealer refuses to give an invoice citing reasons such as refurbished devices do not have an invoice, discard the deal.

Make sure that you purchase it from dealers who are willing to issue a proper valid invoice in your name. This will help you in case you need to return the device or get it repaired, due to any reason.

6. See if the seller is reputable or not

Buying a refurbished phone has its own set of challenges. In addition to verifying the details of the phone, one must also check the details of the dealer, retailer, refurbisher or manufacturer.

Reconsider the deal if no such details are available or if due to any reason the agreement does not feel to be transparent enough. Reliable retailers dealing in refurbished devices must be able to provide all the details regarding refurbishment quickly. The idea can be extended to prior ownership as well, in case the new user demands.

7. Check if the device is locked or unlocked

A common problem with refurbished devices are that they are locked when bought. The users must make sure that the phone works well with their service provider. Locked phones work with individual providers only and may give you a tough time.

Unlocked phones, on the other hand, work with almost any provider.  Apart from that, make sure that the model in specific, supports your network type. A little research beforehand won’t harm, you see!

8. Do your research on model history

A lot of phones have a model history of being faulty. It won’t be a wise decision to invest in such a phone. In case any specific mechanical problem or operating issue has been reported a lot, there are chances of that issue persisting even after refurbishing. Hence, it is vital to conduct thorough research on the holistic performance of the model before you purchase.

Gather whatever information you can about the model you are considering to buy refurbished. Being aware of any malfunctions beforehand will save you from a lot of inconveniences later. Also, another essential point to note here is that any updates to the phone may or may not work with the refurbished model. The refurbished model may or may not be using the latest operating system with proper bug fixes. This is something to pay attention to as well.

9. Electronic Serial Number

Finally, it is essential to check the electronic serial number of the phone that you want to buy. This number is unique to every phone and can be used to trace the entire history of a given phone.  It can typically be found underneath the battery. You may even track the previous owner using this number and get additional details about the defect encountered.

Thus, these were some of the essential tips to keep in mind while buying refurbished phones. It does not matter whether you are thinking of buying a used iPhone or refurbished Samsung; these points will help you a lot in making an informed decision.

Buying a refurbished mobile phone is one of the best ways to save money while enjoying the perks of having a decent phone. These ready-for-resale phones serve the purpose just fine; all that you need to do is select the right purchase.

 
Written by: Bryan Hunter
Bryan is the founder of Phone Tips and Tricks which provides hundreds of tips, tricks and guides for smartphone users. While he isn't updating the website and blogging about phone related news, he will usually be found tinkering on his own wonder gadget.

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