Buying used electronics can be a risky business. You often don’t have any warranty and you don’t even know if you’ll get something that’s working or that’s in good condition in the first place. So, how do you buy a used iPhone 8 while avoiding such things? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out today!
Why Go For A Used iPhone 8?
So, first things first, why go for a used iPhone 8? After all, as mentioned above, there are quite a few risks when buying a used device. Is there something that justifies those risks? Actually, there is!
Used phones are obviously much cheaper and you often get the option of choosing an unlocked model. So, not only you can get your phone for a lower price but you also get to use your phone with every carrier you want. Unlocking services usually cost money. So, this basically gives you two things for the price of one!
Speaking of carriers, a used phone means that you’re not tied to any contracts! This is useful if you don’t like the pricing options or the services of the specific carrier that you have chosen as you’ll be able to move away from them anytime you want.
Last, but not least, the used market is full of choices that are not officially available in stores. For example, finding a brand new iPhone is not just expensive, but also tough because availability is going down the drain every time that a new model comes out.
Also, let us not forget to mention that some sellers will include refurbished phones that are brand new. If you’re not familiar with it, refurbishing is a process of restoring a used product to a brand-new like state. So, you basically get a used phone that can’t be distinguished from a new one while paying only for a fraction of the full price.
Still interested in getting a used device? Let’s move on with the guide then!
Things To Look Out For When Searching For A Used iPhone 8
Again, buying used products can be a bit risky. Especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. And that’s especially true for electronics; be it a used iPhone 8 or whatever it is that may be looking for.
There are a few things to look out for and if you follow them you’re almost certain to get a good buy.
1: Only Shop From Reputable Re-sellers
When buying a brand new product, pretty much any retailer will get the job done. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with used phones as well.
See, there are numerous ways for the seller to screw you over. He may sell you something defective and claim that you broke it! He may lie about the device being unlocked while it’s actually locked, and more!
This is why you should only buy from sellers who are known to do their job well. Swappa and Amazon are two of the most popular choices when it comes to used electronics.
Swappa, in particular, is more or less entirely focused on selling used stuff. So, by taking both its popularity and standing into account, we’d say that it’s a very solid choice for buying a used iPhone 8 or any phone that’s available there, really.
Then there’s also Amazon and everyone knows who they are so you can’t go wrong with them, right? Well, not exactly. Amazon still relies a lot on 3rd party sellers and there have been numerous times where their products weren’t as described.
Don’t get me wrong. Amazon is still a much better choice than any unknown, random seller. But, websites that are specialized on selling used stuff like Swappa are often a more reliable choice for this sort of thing.
Get A Used or Refurbished Phone From Swappa
2: Condition
A common rookie mistake from beginners is that they focus so much on pricing that they forget about the condition of the device. Good or refurbished often means that the phone is close to brand-new in terms of quality.
Mint and below may mean that the device has visible marks of use but is still fully operatable. Things like marks, scratches, and stuff like that. Be especially wary of screen marks as that can actually affect your experience and can even make it easier for the display to break under a small fall or something.
Only for repairs means that the phone isn’t working normally and is only to be used for parts. For example, it may be that the device doesn’t boot but it still has a working screen. So, if you are looking for a new display to replace your broken one, then that’s what these phones are used for.
If possible, try to look for photos of evidence as well. Especially on websites like eBay that are almost fully based on how good their 3rd party sellers are.
3: Carrier Restrictions
This is another common trap that beginners fall into. You get your used iPhone 8, or whatever your choice is. But, to your shock, you get no signal. Only then do you realize that the phone was actually carrier locked and now you have to either return it or pay extra money for an unlocking service.
Websites like Swappa always mention the carrier of each device. So, do make sure to pay attention to it. If you already have a preference and feel alright with being bound to a single carrier, sure, nothing wrong with choosing a locked device.
However, if you don’t know which carrier to go with then a locked device is a big no. After all, once you get a locked device, there’s no going back. Unless, of course, you’re willing to pay that extra money for unlocking.
For this reason, you can consider getting an unlocked device. In theory, unlocked devices should work with every carrier out there. But, in reality, some of them may prevent you from getting access to their services simply because you own a device that is not theirs. So, do keep that in mind!
4. Import Fees And Taxes
This is something that applies to online shopping in general – not just used phones. See, when you get something that’s considered slightly expensive from outside of your country, you’re often required to pay extra import fees and taxes. So, do look out for that.
The price that you are going to pay and the price that is required to get into this process differs from country to country. So, you better make your own research on this one.
Europe generally asks for an order of at least 22 euros before you have to start paying fees. But, again, make your own research.