Most of us are always looking for ways to save money on essentials, and one of the best ways to cut costs is by purchasing electronics that are refurbished rather than new. Cell phones are an obvious example of products that are easy to buy secondhand at a serious discount, but some people don’t even take the time to look at their options. You might be surprised to know that even phones from manufacturers like Apple can be found for hundreds of dollars less than the retail price. If you’re interested, read on to find out more about how much refurbished cell phones cost.
How much do refurbished cell phones cost?
It’s no secret that purchasing a new phone can be incredibly expensive, especially if you want a smartphone or a model from a top brand. Fortunately, there are a number of trusted retailers that offer refurbished cell phones for sale. Make sure you purchase from a store that thoroughly inspects, tests, and cleans their products before making them available to customers. A thorough inspection will include manual testing and sanitization, installation of the latest software, evaluation of the battery and charger, and screen repair.
The price you can expect to pay for your refurbished phone will depend on several factors. The most obvious consideration is what type of phone you want. A newer iPhone will cost more than an older model from a less popular brand. Which retailer you purchase your phone from will also play a role. You should take the time to research your options and find a trusted place to purchase your refurbished electronics.
If you want some examples of how much money you can save, there are plenty. The iPhone 12 mini, for example, costs $779 but can be found in great condition for as low as $549. You can get an iPhone 12 for even cheaper for about $429. Recent smartphones from brands like Samsung and Motorola can be had for under $120. There are a lot of great deals out there on phones if you know where to look for them.
What else should you consider buying used?
Most of us have heard the common wisdom that as soon as you drive a car off the lot, it depreciates in value. While there is some variability depending on make and model, that’s usually true. Used vehicles are one of the smartest types of products you can purchase secondhand. Ideally, you should try to buy a car without needing to take on debt, which is often easier when buying a used car. You can also save money on insurance by not driving an expensive new car, which can be a major perk for anyone trying to cut their budget.
One budget-friendly strategy that many people don’t think of is buying used gift cards. It might seem strange at first, but people often sell gift cards they don’t intend to use for less than the cost of the card itself. Some websites sell gift cards for as much as 20 to 30 percent off their actual value. As long as you’re able to use the gift cards on necessities and they’re from a store you actually use, used gift cards are a unique way to save money.
Though in our society a lot of people assume they have to have the newest version of everything, it’s smarter to opt for used products in many cases. Cell phones in particular can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but you can purchase even the newest models at a significant discount at many refurbished electronics retailers. There are a number of quality resellers that inspect and test their products to ensure they function as well as new phones. Whether you’re shopping for new technology, a new car, or just for yourself, you should always look for secondhand alternatives.
