Dos And Don’ts Of Buying A Used Phone

Before you buy a used phone, STOP and read this. It could save you hundreds!
You have found the deal of lifetime but is it really as good as it seems? There are several things to consider before buying a used phone. They include:

Things to do before handing over your money

You wouldn’t just hand your money over to some stranger walking past you in the street, so why would you think about doing it when buying a 2nd phone or tablet?

Do your research

This should typically go without saying however some people get caught up in the ‘great deal’ that they don’t bother or take the sellers word for it.

Take into consideration what you are looking for in a phone; make a checklist if it is easier. Know what brand you want, storage size, minimum running system, screen size and most importantly condition. By researching your requirements in a phone you will be more prepared and likely to wait for the ‘right’ phone to come along.

Tip: Buy after the latest release because the price will drop considerably!

Inspect

Always meet in person so you can physically inspect the goods yourself. Take a long hard look at the phone for scratches, dents, water damage and cracks. If these look fine then you should extend your inspection to be more thorough.

Include checking: SIM works, Micro SD is recognisable, speakers, pixels in screen, camera, headphone and charger ports work and that it is unlocked or compatible to your network. By ensuring these individual components are in good working order, you will have less to worry about when you get home.

Tip: Before meeting with the seller, ask as many questions as possible so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive. This includes the lowest price accepted should phone be as described.

Check IMEI

While this is not a foolproof way to check on a phones handset status; it will tell you at the time of your search whether it has been reported stolen or is blocked.

Check the status of handset here.

Tip: Always request proof of ownership from current owner before handing over your money.

Elimination process

By narrowing down your options based on your requirements, the price and the handsets conditions; you will have a much better idea of what the going rate for that specific phone is. Gumtree have now made the elimination process easier for both buyers and sellers with their online phone price checker tool. This allows you to see the average price and condition of common smart phones.

Do not!

We know finding a bargain is exhilarating but there are some things you should never do when buying a used phone.
• Do not rush in and buy the first one you see. You never know what is waiting around the corner.
• Never meet in a private place. Ensure your meeting venue is a public space and during daylight. Your safety is important!
• Don’t just take the sellers word that it works. Test it and view it in person before paying.

Buying used handsets and tablets definitely has its advantages. They are much more affordable, they don’t require lock in contracts and are typically no different to purchasing new.

You often hear about people having bad experiences buying 2nd hand phones; however if you take these mentioned factors into consideration when purchasing used phones, odds are you will have a positive experience.

What are your dos and don’ts of buying used phones and tablets?

This is an S1 POST.