Thanks to the impressive evolution of modern smartphones, typical customer changes the device one or two times a year. Every user has different needs when it comes to the smartphone device, some need the most
futuristic with all the newest apps, while other people need a simple device
for calling and texting. You may ask yourself, what does it have in
common with a used device? Modern devices even after a long time can still stay
in a great condition. Used device is a great option for all people, who wish to
have a new device, but they cannot afford the release price.
Some smartphones nowadays can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars for the
premium models. It is a common sense that people, with less money are looking
for other options to buy new models. The obvious solution is to buy a used
device, you can save a couple of bucks right? Not exactly, in the best option
you get a new device for a cheaper price, however you need to think about other
possibilities as well. Not all sellers are honest and they might try to cheat
you. Some of them can do it, because they don’t have enough knowledge about
their own device, they don’t know what exactly is broken or used up.
Buying a used smartphone is like buying a second-hand item, you need to check
as much as possible about the device before you even start looking for it.
Thanks to our short guide, we will help you in making the right decision when
you look for a used device.
1. How to buy a used device? Please remember to never pay up-front, you should
choose a date and meet the seller in real life. The meeting should take place
in public with supervision like a restaurant or supermarket. When you meet the
seller don’t pay immediately, before that check everything about the device.
Every inconsistency between the telephone’s online description and real life
device is a good reason to find another seller, or make the price even lower.
2. Where you should look for a new smartphone? Simple and easy answer On line! Nowadays
majority of people use online auctions or social networks to sell there used
smartphones. You can use
eBay, Craigslist, or Swappa. On some of them there is even an option to report
dishonest sellers and get your money back through PayPal – unfortunately not
every website or shop offers such options, so please read exactly all the rules
before you make any payments.
3. Check the IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. It can be found behind the
smartphone’s battery, on the back cover, or in the box of your device – you can
also find it by dialing *#06# like a phone number. Once you have it, you can
enter it on check IMEI and check information like production date and warranty. We
recommend imei24.com website to make sure that everything is fine with your
smartphone.
We also have a video that will help you in finding the correct IMEI number.
4. Another important thing is the blacklist status. Thanks to this service
IMEI blacklist status you can check if your device is reported as lost,
stolen or if there are any unpaid bills. In the previous point we told you
about IMEI numbers. Every device has a unique IMEI number which can be reported
to the police or the operator to get the money from the warranty, or to block
the device permanently. Please remember to never buy a used device, that can or
is on the blacklist. It might work fine right now, but will be blocked in a
couple of days or will have other problems.
Use this link to check the blacklist right now. Just type in your IMEI and your
result will be ready in a couple of seconds.
5. Check the online description of the device, with the actual condition in
your hand. Look for any cracks or cuts on the body of the device. If you find
anything that wasn’t mentioned online you can use it to make the price lower or
to search for a new offer. Remember it is always better to check more offers
than to stick with one that looked good on the outside. Ask the seller if he or
she has all the papers and accessories like headphones or charger. Try to make a
short call or send a text message, make sure that everything is working after
the deal is made there might be no turning back. On the other hand please
remember that small scratches on the back or on the screen are always there. It
is a used device it cannot be perfect.
6. Some other blockades. There are a couple of companies like Apple, Xiaomi or Samsung that create their own blockades. In case of losing the
device or if it was stolen, you can still stop the thief from using your
smartphone. There is a simple way to check if the device you want to buy has
this type of blockade. Just insert your sim card and check if the device works
fine, if it doesn’t ask for any passwords and if you can access all ops and
features. If you want to check it online use the following link iCloud checker to check the Apple blockade.
7. Remember about the updates. Nowadays all smartphones receive two updates
during their “life span”. In case of Apple the time might be longer,
but it is a special case. If you buy a device that comes from 2018 it will be
updated till 2020, not after that time, Also don’t confuse the date when you
bought the device, with the production date, it is not the same. Look for a
device that still receives updates to have all the newest apps and security
fixes.
8. Last thing is the official producer services. For a price of around 50USD
you can receive all information about the device including software and
hardware. If the seller doesn’t accept this type of service, please stop the
transaction right now. Don’t ever buy from anyone who doesn’t allow you to be a
satisfied customer and has something to hide.
Small extra tip.
Remember that right now during these hard times of COVID-19 you need to clean
your smartphone more often. Use a sanitizer and clean the LCD of your new
phone. You can check how to clean your device correctly by using this link.
That is all, we hope that you will find this information helpful and that you
will use it often to make your life easier and to save a lot of money. Stay
safe and stay in contact.