The Do’s and Don’ts of Buying a Used Phone

Switching phones can be an expensive habit and one that often gets in the way of your savings. If you always want to carry the latest top-notch model, you are looking at an annual cost of upwards of a thousand dollars. While there are exchange schemes, you don’t get much value. One of the best ways to cut these costs is to get used phones. While the term used might not sit well with many buyers, it is a great way to save big bucks. Here are a few tips on what you should do and not do while buying used phones.

Narrow what you need from the phone:

Are you upgrading your phone just because you have to upgrade your phone? Or is there an underlying need to upgrade it? Are you looking for any new features on the phone? Understanding what you want from a phone is a great way to understand if you need your phone or if you wish to have a new phone for the sake of buying it.

Do your research:

If you have decided to get a used phone, the next step is to do your research on it. A great way to start this research is by looking up phone reviews online. Once you have read these reviews and know what other users think about the phone, you can move on to researching the prices of the phone. You must know how much the phone costs new and how much you should expect to pay for a used version. This will help you haggle for a better price later on.

Check the condition of the phone:

When buying a used phone, it is important to check its condition before making a purchase. You should inspect the phone’s physical condition and ensure there are no cracks or scratches on the screen. You should also check to see if the buttons are working properly. In addition, you should check to see if the battery life is still good. If possible, you should try to test all of the phone’s features before making a purchase. If you are having a hard time knowing the phone’s condition, get an expert opinion.

Get it in writing:

If you buy a used phone from a private seller, you must get everything in writing. This includes the price, the phone’s condition, and any other relevant information. This will help protect you if there are any problems with the phone later.

Check the warranty:

One of the biggest benefits of buying a used phone is that you can often get a great deal on the warranty. If the phone is still under warranty, you should check to see if it is transferable. This will allow you to get phone repairs or replacements done for free if anything happens to the phone.

Be cautious of scams:

When buying a used phone, you need to be aware of scams. Many people will try to sell you a fake or stolen phone. You should always meet in a public place and inspect the phone before making a purchase. In addition, you should never give out your personal information, such as your address or credit card number, until you are sure you want to buy the phone

How much to pay for a used phone?

When purchasing a used phone, one of the major questions is, How much should I pay for it? While this depends on more obvious factors like the phone’s condition, how old the model is, if it is still in working condition, and a few others, some other factors may not be as obvious.

One of the things that you need to consider when buying a used phone is software updates. Many companies give out regular software updates for three to five years. If the phone you are considering for purchase has already been used for three years, you will only get software updates for two years. Beyond that, the company will not update your software or remove any bugs.

This is something that you should consider because it will determine how long the phone will last without any major issues. If you like to have the latest and greatest phone, this may not be a problem for you. However, if you are looking for a used phone to save money, then this is something you need to consider.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a used phone is the warranty. Many times, people will buy a used phone and not realize that the warranty has expired. This can be a major issue if something happens to the phone after you have purchased it. Always check to see if the warranty is valid before making your purchase. In addition, you should always negotiate when buying a used phone. No matter how good of a deal you think you are getting, there is always room for negotiation.