Can Preloved Tech Really Save You Money?

How much old tech do you have stuffed into every closet and corner of your home? It’s not so much that we’re hoarders. It’s just that these old appliances and gadgets are superseded so often these days.

There’s always a new angle or a new feature to enjoy on the latest upgrade. It might be TVs, printers, smoothie makers, mobile phones, or clock radios. They’re all blocking up your valuable storage space at home. And they’re almost impossible to dispose of.

But do they have any use? Would you sell them, even for just a fraction of your original outlay? Plenty of people do. There are some great auction and second-hand goods websites that you can buy and sell preloved items. Cars, games consoles, biscuit tins, and even old collectables can be found here. But when it comes to tech from the last two to five years, are they really worth the hassle? They’re not increasing in value as a retro item just yet!

There is a lot to be said for being an early adopter of the latest tech. You get to try those products that have been most hyped about in development first. But it’s costly. The launch price of products is never the same as the price you’ll pay when the item is about to be superseded. And if it’s been used by all those early adopters out there? Even cheaper, right?

It is possible to own a good smartphone for just a double figure sum. Of course, it may have been used. The body isn’t quite as pristine as it would be fresh out of the box. But it’s cheap. It’s available. And it’s still current enough for you to make the most out of the latest apps at the app store for your chosen platform. It’s a way to get a cheaper contract because you’ve not got the cost of a brand new handset bundled into the monthly tariff. Even better, you could choose a cheap Pay As You Go SIM plan instead, with no ongoing obligations.

Some online sellers sell preloved handsets as a business. Others are just trying to clear out their cupboards! Always check the details clearly before you part with your hard earned cash. You can learn how to do an iPhone warranty check online. Make sure you get the details of the handset. You usually have to ask privately for the IMEI number as this information is unique to the phone you’re interested in. Get photo evidence of it if you can, if you’re not certain about the credentials of the seller.

Let’s face it. Lots of us have bought used cars, second-hand computers, and even preloved TVs. When you’re on a tight budget, it’s a way to get the mod cons that are essential to twenty-first century life. No, not everything comes with a warranty or guarantee attached. You are taking a risk that it will need repair, maintenance or replacement in perhaps only a short amount of time. Exercise some savvy caution, and you may just pick up a bargain.

Image from Flickr.com

Cheryl Anderson

The past is amazing. But the future is still so much bigger than the past. Technology is so much fun but we can drown in our technology as the fog of information can drive out knowledge.