7 tips when buying a used smartphone

With smartphone prices getting more and more expensive, it is hard to get into buying a new device, even if you don't feel like it. As a result, many consumers end up opting for second-hand devices, as it is possible to find models that work perfectly, without use marks and at half the price of a new one. Fortunately, this is an increasingly safe practice, but care must still be taken when making the transaction. If you want to check out 7 unmissable tips when buying a used smartphone, just check out our list below!

1. Know what you are looking for

The most important step is always to know exactly what you are looking for before. At the very least, you need to have at least a good idea of ​​which operating system you prefer to use, what type of camera is best for you, if you prefer a more powerful smartphone, etc.

Still, ideally you already have a few specific models in mind, which will lower the chances of buying on impulse or paying too much without knowing it. So take a good look at the devices that catch your eye, see detailed reviews, the opinions of consumers who have been using it for a long time and everything needed to know if the phone in question is worth it.

2. Search Prices

Knowing which models interest you, start searching for new and used version prices at various online stores. This may be laborious, but it will give you a great idea of ​​the overall pricing of used devices and what is fair or not depending on the state of the device.

Also, it will be a good way to know if it is really worth buying the used version, as we often find new handsets with little price difference compared to a second hand model. We suggest that you search several different sites and for several days before thinking about doing business with any salesperson.

3. Watch out for very cheap gadgets

This is for sure one of the most valuable tips we could give anyone considering buying a used smartphone. It is very common, especially in online stores, to see devices being sold at extremely low prices, something that ends up attracting many consumers.

The problem is usually this can be a scam to take your money. In such cases, the seller is expected to either ship the product or simply deliver a completely different product from the one advertised. There are also many fake gadgets being sold at high prices, such as the iPhone 6S that runs Android and has much lower settings than the original.

4. Know product conditions

If you found the device you wanted at a fair price, be sure to do your best to find out the condition of the product. On sites such as Mercado Livre, it is common for the seller to post photos and even videos of the product, and leave a description of the state he is in.

This is important so that you do not end up buying a defective smartphone, broken screen or even risky without knowing it. If it's a device with no removable battery, be sure to ask if it still works well, as you won't be able to easily switch it later.

5. Ask questions with the seller

This brings us to another very important topic on our list: clear all possible questions before purchasing the product. Even if you know the condition of the device through photos or descriptions, you need to go into more detail with the seller.

This way you can know if the product is original, if it comes with all accessories, if it has any problems not mentioned, if it can be delivered quickly, if it can be returned in any case, etc. It is also a good opportunity to know if there is a way to negotiate the price, after all, you can get interesting deals if you pay in cash, for example.

6. Wait for the right moment

For those who buy a lot on impulse, this should be the hardest tip to follow, especially if you find a perfect model with a good price. Still, be aware that there are right times to buy a new smartphone during the year.

For example, if you want the iPhone 6S and have found a used model for a good price, it may still be worth waiting until the end of the year when the iPhone 7 comes out and its successor has an interesting price drop. With the devaluation of new models, used ones will also have to follow market prices.

This is true for most companies, as it has become a tradition to launch a new device every year, just knowing when the manufacturer in question usually launches their devices. If we follow the example for someone who wants an iPhone 6 or iPhone 5S, there is not much need to wait until the next one is announced (since they are older anyway), only if it is 3 or 2 months left.

7. Where to buy

This is a big question for anyone starting their search for used handsets, but it is easy to answer. In general, you can find used smartphones in online or physical stores, but we advise you to look for known and reliable options.

The Free Market and the OLX are two good alternatives and are always looking for safe ways to conduct transactions of this type. If you choose to pay via Paid Market, for example, you can get your money back in the event of a scam or if the seller sends you something out of the box. Even so, be careful, as there are still people asking for payment by deposit or boleto on these sites, which does not guarantee that your investment will be returned if necessary.

Bought your used smartphone with these tips?

Could you take our tips for a better sense of how to buy a used smarpthone? Be sure to leave your comment telling us what you think of the suggestions!

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