Last Updated on April 24, 2019 by Husain Parvez
Watches are expensive little devices. Especially if your favorite type are Apple watches. Purchasing a used or refurbished Apple watch might be the last on your list of priorities, but it will pay off.
According to Canalys’ report, Apple shipped an estimated 3.5 million Apple watches worldwide in 2018, 30% more than in 2017. Many of them are listed for sale the same year they’re bought. Why? Because the users want the newer version the minute it comes to the market.
Deciding to buy a used or refurbished device takes courage. However, by doing that, you’re not only protecting nature but saving money at the same time.
Apple watch is a smartwatch that helps you track your fitness activities, you can use it as a walkie-talkie, a flashlight, and a cellular phone – it has the option of checking your email and answering calls. Busy people can’t seem to get enough of the cool features these gadgets offer, and with a good reason!
In this guide, we’ll show you how easy is to find a used or refurbished Apple watch in excellent condition.
Should You Buy a Used or Refurbished Apple Watch?
Apple watches, like all Apple devices, have a quite long lifespan. Moreover, the company has one new model of the same product out every year. It’s when the majority of Apple lovers will sell their old devices to buy new ones. Given the fact that one year isn’t a long time, and the watch most likely won’t deteriorate, you can get it in an awesome condition. Also, there are a few other benefits of buying these products.
#1 Value for the price
The option to connect to a Wi-fi and to other Apple devices makes the Watch a good investment. When you go for a run, you can leave your phone at home and only have your Watch to answer possible calls.
As mentioned, Apple’s highest industry standard ensures all their consumer electronics last a long as possible with minimal issues.
#2 A plethora of options
If you decide to buy a used or refurbished version of the Watch, you will have to do research. There are many websites offering different devices at different prices. However, we’re here to help you. Read on to find out more used and refurbished Watches.
The Difference Between a Used and Refurbished Apple Watch
A used Apple watch is the one you will probably find on eBay, Craigslist, or similar online retailers. It is a device that the previous owner put up for sale after they decided they don’t want it anymore. The seller or the previous owner will likely sell it to you without a warranty. But we’ll talk later about what you need to ask the seller prior to the purchase.
A refurbished watch, on the other hand, is the one that went through specific tests to ensure it’s quality. What’s more, these devices have old components removed and put in new ones from the manufacturer. They usually come with a brand new battery, outer shell and new accessories. Once you purchase a refurbished Apple watch, it will come with a standard one-year warranty.
What Is the Price of a Used or Refurbished Apple Watch
Apple watches come at a different price across websites. A used Apple watch series 2 in good condition will cost you between $100 and $150. A refurbished Apple watch series 2’s cost ranges from $150 and $250.
The prices for used and refurbished Apple watch series 3 also vary. However, you can get the used one for about $150 to $250, while a refurbished model comes at $250 to $349 or $509 (the last two being the prices from Apple shop).
Is Refurbished Apple Watch More Likely to Fail?
The biggest question of all is if your new refurbished Watch has a shorter lifespan than the new device. It’s normal to worry it will break. But sometimes you can buy a brand new Watch only to find out it’s broken.
Refurbished products, however, have to pass through tests twice to be put on the market. After that, they get new components, they get cleaned up and have the operating system re-installed, and look the same as new Watches. Although there’s no research on refurbs yet, we assure you those products are like new.
Where to Buy a Used or Refurbished Apple Watch
Online stores offer a variety of used and refurbished goods. However, not every item is in good condition and not every seller is honest. It is why we strongly advise to look for used and refurbished Apple watches only on specialized websites.
Swappa
Swappa is one of those stores that specialize in used goods. Numerous Apple watches are listed there, you only have to scroll a bit to find the perfect one.
Website’s certified staff and tests they do on each product make it the right place to find used goods at great prices. On Swappa, you can look for a watch by typing in the model. Their high standards ensure all the products are in impeccable condition and will last for years to come.
If you look for a Watch that’s used, make sure to visit Swappa. Not only will they check the gadget prior to listing it, but you’ll pay less for it than for the new Apple watch.
Amazon
Amazon selles mostly refurbished Watches, but you’ll find used ones there as well. They also sell the refurbished models from Apple. For those who opt for Amazon, you’ll get a great deal with a 30-day return policy along with a warranty, if you’re buying a refurbished model. Click here: Refurbished Apple Watch from Amazon
What’s more, most of the sellers are Amazon-qualified suppliers. They have the certification to refurbish the Watches and put them up for sale. In some cases, Amazon is a third-party seller. Nonetheless, you’ll find awesome deals for Apple watches there.
Apple
Choosing to buy directly from Apple will cost you more. Luckily, with a higher price tag comes a one-year warranty and the replacement of every faulty or damaged component. You’ll save about 10% off your purchase, but refurbished Apple watches are perfect if you want to keep at least some of the money in your pocket.
The electronics giant ensures the quality of each Watch in its Store with the highest Apple standard. Apple’s website is the safest place to buy a refurbished Apple watch. However, you might as well buy a new model if you don’t consider it a bargain.
eBay
The fourth marketplace on our list is eBay. You’ll find everything there, from used and refurbished to new goods. It’s best to avoid purchasing pre-owned Apple watches on eBay since you know nothing of their origin, the date of purchase or the current condition.
What’s more, you don’t get to inspect the Watch prior to buying it since the seller will send it to you. Sadly, a lot of sellers don’t even know what kind of devices they’re selling and you can end up with a damaged device in your hands. If you decide to take a leap of faith and buy from there, make sure the seller is either a certified Apple reseller or an owner with proof of purchase and that you’re getting value for money.
Craigslist
The last online marketplace on our list is Craigslist. It’s a website that usually sells second-hand items and it’s unlikely you’ll find certified sellers here. However, you might find a good deal on a used Apple watch.
We advise you not to purchase used products when you’re unaware of the origin of the product or if there’s no proof of purchase. If you still want to do it, make sure to go through the following guide.
Things to Check in a Used Apple Watch
Proof of purchase
Prior to purchasing a used Apple watch, you must know if the seller got it legally. They should have proof so you can make sure it wasn’t stolen. We don’t want to imply that the seller will scam you but that you have to be careful at all times.
Returns policy
You have to have a plan B if you want to purchase a used Watch, simply due to the high price tag that goes with it. You won’t have any kind of buyer protection in case of purchasing used goods, but you can ask if the store where you found the Watch has a returns policy. If they can’t offer a returns policy like as Amazon does, it’s best to avoid them.
Check it for damages
Checking the Watch for damages will be the first thing you’ll do once you get it. Look if there are scratches on the outer shell, if the straps or the screen are damaged. Moreover, check if there’s an issue with side button and Home button.
Is It unlocked?
You will have to turn the Watch on and check if the iCloud account is removed and if the Watch is unpaired from the Watch app. If it’s removed and the Watch has a factory reset, you can use it. If not, ask the seller to unlock it for you. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use the device.
5. Pay securely
Walking around with a lot of money is dangerous. If you opt to buy used goods, you can be on the safe side if you deposit the money in an online payments system such as PayPal. What’s more, bail if the seller insists on paying with cash.
6. Meet in a public place
Buying a used Apple watch at the seller’s or previous owner’s house probably isn’t a smart idea. However, you’ll have to take the Watch into your hands before deciding if you’ll buy it or not. So, the best place to meet is a public place. You can meet the seller in a park or in a shopping mall.
7. If there’s a problem, don’t buy it
If you notice any problem with the Watch and the seller is acting strangely (as though they’re in a hurry to sell it), it’s better to call off the deal.
Things to Check in a Refurbished Apple Watch
Do your homework before you buy
If you’re going to buy a refurbished version of Apple watch, make sure you compare the prices with the prices of brand new models and the refurbished ones from multiple sellers. Apple Store never offers a discount on the newest products. Their Apple certified refurbished version might be cheaper than the new product, but you might find a better deal on other sites. Make sure to do your homework and check at least three or four sites before the big decision.
Turn it on and check if it works
The store or the seller you got the refurbished model has to have a returns policy. After they deliver the Watch, you will have to check if everything works. It’s highly unlikely that the refurbished version will be faulty or have damages, but you never know. If there’s an issue with it, you can return it to the seller.
Make sure it has a refurbishing proof and a warranty
The second thing to check when you’re buying a refurbished Apple watch is that it has a refurbishing proof and that it comes with a warranty. You will want to ask for the one-year warranty that comes with the device.
If there’s an issue, contact the seller
If you do find an issue with your new device, make sure to contact the support of the store where you bought it immediately. They will probably tell you to send back the Watch to replace it with another one.
Conclusion
It is hard to decide whether you’re going to buy used or refurbished goods, let alone an item that will cost more than a hundred bucks. However, there are a few benefits to buying second-hand devices. They’re cheaper than new ones and usually come in good condition. In case they are refurbished, you can be sure there have been improvements made and parts replaced with new ones. If you feel you’re ready to buy a used or refurbished Apple watch, go ahead and follow our guide.
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Thank you for the help. I am going to buy my first smart watch and I know nothing about it so I thank you for your guidance.