Still thinking if to buy refurbished electronics such as a used smartphone, tablet, laptop or smartwatch from Gazelle.com?
Wondering if their “clearance sale” is too good to be true?
I put together this list of 7 “pros” and 7 “cons” for you to consider and to help you decide.
The pros
- Cost savings: Refurbished electronics are typically priced significantly lower than brand-new devices, allowing you to save money while still getting functional products.
- Quality Control: Sites like Gazelle.com test and refurbish devices, ensuring they meet specific quality standards. This can provide you with a reliable product that works well.
- Environmentally Friendly: Purchasing refurbished devices contributes to reducing electronic waste, promoting sustainability by extending the lifespan of electronics.
- Variety: Refurbished electronics come from various brands and models, giving you access to a wide range of options that may no longer be available as new.
- Warranty and Returns: Many reputable refurbishment sites offer warranties and return policies, giving you some assurance that the product is backed by the seller.
- Certified and Inspected: Devices are often inspected, cleaned, and repaired before being sold, minimizing the risk of receiving a malfunctioning or damaged item.
- Certified and Inspected: Devices are often inspected, cleaned, and repaired before being sold, minimizing the risk of receiving a malfunctioning or damaged item.
The cons
- Limited Availability: Depending on the site and the specific device, there might be limited stock available, making it harder to find the exact product you want.
- Outdated Technology: While there’s a variety of options, you might not have access to the latest technology or features that newer devices offer.
- Cosmetic Wear: Refurbished devices might have cosmetic imperfections, like scratches or dents, which could be bothersome for some buyers.
- Risk of Malfunction: Despite quality control measures, there’s still a chance that a refurbished device could malfunction or experience issues earlier than expected.
- Shorter Lifespan: Refurbished electronics have already seen some use, which can result in a shorter overall lifespan compared to a brand-new device.
- Lack of Original Packaging and Accessories: Refurbished devices might not come with the original packaging or all the accessories that a new device would have.
- Less Impressive Resale Value: If you plan to resell the device in the future, refurbished electronics generally have a lower resale value than new ones.
- Personally, I would advise trying refurbished electronics if you are on a budget. But I’d stick to reputable sites like Gazelle which have been trustworthy for me and many other buyers.
Just make sure you understand their return policy incase there is any problem. And you should be good to go.
What’s your experience shopping with Gazelle?
Anything I missed?
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