According to estimates, the global market for refurbished smartphones is now about $ 20 billion, and it is expected that it will double by $ 40 billion by 2025. In developed countries, such devices sell at 150 million units per year. This is approximately 10% of the market for all smartphones.
The process is especially developed in the USA. One of the five smartphones sold to Americans in 2018 was rebuilt. At the same time, while sales of conventional smartphones are falling for the seventh consecutive quarter, the market for repaired devices is growing ( data from CounterPoint Research).
But buyers, especially from Russia, are still wary of such offers. Let's see what these “restored” devices really are, who they get them from, and how risky this is.
What is Refurbished?
Refurbished is the official name for any electronics that has been returned by the previous owner and repaired for resale. It is such a die that most often occurs to the user on English-language websites.
The first thing to know is that such smartphones are not new, but this does not mean that they were used at all. "Not new" in the States is everything that was taken out of the box. If a person has used the device for at least a couple of hours, that's all. Now it can not be legally resold as new. The gadget goes into the refurbished category, and loses at least 10-15% in price. For expensive smartphones or laptops, it’s hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars.
The average return period in the USA is 30 days (depending on the state and the store; Walmart and Target generally have 90 days). So an American can use the device for a month, and then, if he doesn’t like something or something newer, return the device to the store and get all the money back. And the goods in the future will go already at a discount.
Can you find the difference between these iPhone 7 Plus smartphones? They are both rebuilt, top with eBay, bottom with Amazon
Large companies like Samsung regularly hold promotions when new devices are launched in America: return your previous Samsung gadget and get a new one with a very big discount. So they instill in their customers love and loyalty to their brand: when a new flagship comes out, you don’t feel that you have been deceived. And the assembled devices turn out to be in the “repaired” markets - although they didn’t even have to repair them, only diagnosing the operation of all functions. Similar conditions for updating devices are also available for many who are connected to the "family plan" of the mobile company.
It is impossible to understand why the smartphone was returned, and how much it was in the hands of the previous owner. But, by definition, a restored device should work like new. It may be scuffed (this is written in the description), but nothing should affect its work. Before they are put on sale, all refurbished devices are checked and tested by specialists. If the final device does not work like new, then it is not refurbished, and this is a hoax.
There is a big difference between Refurbished and Used. In the second case, this means that the device was used, and sold in the same condition. For example, this is often seen in listings on eBay. Such a device has not been rechecked or repaired, a guarantee is not given for it (for restored devices - usually a warranty of six months). Devices with the Used die are sold much cheaper, by 30-40%. But this is buying a pig in a poke. If the seller has a high rating, if it is a respectable store or an old site user, you can try your luck. But then there will be no one to complain.
What check
The standard smartphone test when returning includes a battery check (charging? Holding a charge?), As well as checking the operation of buttons and cameras. The seller also evaluates the sound quality and responsiveness of the screen, and whether the phone connects to Wi-Fi and 3G / 4G. In accordance with the Data Protection Act, he is also obliged to erase all information from the internal storage. Photos of someone else's naked ass in the "Gallery" can not wait.
Some sellers of refurbished devices also upgrade their smartphone or tablet to the latest version of the operating system that runs on it.
If the smartphone fell into the water and it has an excellent external condition, but the iron does not work inside, there are times when all the giblets change it. In this case, by the way, the red sticker-sensor, which indicates that the phone was damaged by water, is often not replaced. The device will be fully operational, but with a reddened sensor inside. It’s good to know that later there are no warranty issues.
Punched water sensors
A normal Refurbished smartphone should be tested, cleaned (both outside and, if possible, inside). Any part that may not work should be repaired or replaced. Most often, this is a malfunction of the LCD matrix or a cracked case.
Gadgets are also sometimes given a new battery, although even for older smartphones this is rather rare.
Different stages
All refurbished smartphones receive a score showing their status. Unfortunately, there are no independent standards. Each store has its own ratings, sometimes they do not exist at all. The scale does not hurt to check before buying.
But in general, as a rule, in large online stores, ratings go from A to D and mean something like this:
- A. Perfect condition, actually a new device. Almost always - a smartphone returned before the expiration of the 30-day period.
- B. Almost perfect, but with a scratch or scuff. Maybe the battery holds half an hour less than expected.
- C. A few minor flaws. On the phone you can see that they worked on it.
- D. There is some kind of breakdown or the device looks frankly worn. Most often - for example, a selfie camera, or some other detail, does not work. Not recommended for purchase.
Smartphones in the workshop, with ratings
Also, more often, there is a division into who specifically worked on the device. There are only two categories:
Manufacturer Refurbished. Such a die means that the manufacturer was engaged in the restoration. It is considered a much more reliable option: companies like Samsung, Lenovo, HP, Dell or Apple do not need to sell repaired smartphones “just to sell,” they are doing well. If they already say that the device is suitable for work, then there is no doubt. The warranty for such devices is usually 12 months.
Seller Refurbished - means, the seller was engaged in restoration of a device. That is, the store (or, as it happens, even a private master) that put the device on Amazon, Newegg, Walmart or eBay. Obviously, it is important for him to sell. Quality control is not so high. Damage estimates may be underestimated.
Your rights
When you purchase a restored device, you have the same rights as with the new one. The product must be of appropriate quality, capable of performing its tasks, and consistent with the description. If there is a problem in it that was not disclosed in the description, you can fully refund the money. But if a deficiency was indicated (for example, it was written "showing signs of wear" = "shows signs of wear", and you found a couple of scuffs), the seller has the right to refuse to return.
Pochtoy.com often orders refurbished gadgets through us, especially smartphones. The performance of the device in this case can be checked by special request. You make a request through tickets , pay a few dollars, and a warehouse employee checks to see if the device works. If not, you can always send it back and get your money back. This rarely happens, but money is always returned, there were no other situations in our practice.
If the gadget is quite expensive or you have any suspicions (for example, it costs a penny, or the seller on eBay has few reviews) - this is the only option to calm down a bit and make sure that everything is in order. Although much more common, for example, a weak battery. And this in the warehouse already really can not be checked in any way.
In general, the price usually plus or minus includes the percentage of rejects. Conditionally, if it is 3%, the cost of the device is reduced by 20%. If 5% - by 50%, and so on. But often small or start-up companies working through Amazon or Newegg greatly reduce the price even with the perfect state of the devices in order to gain feedback and a user base. Also, visual defects in the United States reduce the price disproportionately. If there is a noticeable scratch or dent somewhere on the smartphone, the discount is made as if it worked on its last legs.
Two unexpected minuses
- Complete with a refurbished device, a cable or charger is required. But other accessories, including even the instructions, are not guaranteed. If headphones were supplied with the original gadget, and the description of the restored smartphone / tablet does not say anything about them, you can mentally prepare that they are not.
- You will almost certainly not receive the original packaging. It was already open, the device was already getting out of there. Refurbished gadgets in the USA usually come in plain cardboard boxes or, at best, in boxes with the logo of the seller. Get that pleasant feeling of unpacking a new smartphone will not work.
Where to take
eBay . Until now, most of the "old" devices come to us from here. We don’t even know why - the Russians are partial to this site. Well, in fairness, here the most convenient filter is for old devices. You can even specify which type of recovery you want - Manufacturer Refurbished or Seller Refurbished. More than ten thousand offers, there are even phones from the last century.
Amazon Entered the competition with eBay in this field since September 2017, launching a new section of Amazon Renewed. In general, these are more curated devices, and come with a guarantee from Amazon (90 days from the purchase). A lot of categories, not only smartphones, but in general all devices. Save up to 40%.
Newegg and B&H . The main American electronics stores. There are not so many offers, but prices are lower. Newegg sells both on its own (there are almost never any problems) and from third parties. B&H only sells on its own, quality can be trusted, but there are almost always cameras.
BackMarket . A popular store selling only remanufactured electronics. Warranty on all devices - at least six months. Discounts of 40-70%, depending on the condition of the device. Here under each device there is a scale - from “Shiny” (brilliant!) To “Stallone” (Sylvester Stallone, yeah). The higher the level you ask for the device, the more you pay. This is also very convenient for sellers: they do not have to hang out a lot of different ads or try to trim all devices into one comb. They just sort the repaired devices, and customers choose what they like best.
MacBook Pro on BackMarket
Apple Here on the official website also has its own section. iPhone, iPad, smart watches, laptops and everything else. A full year warranty, a promise that "just like new." But the discounts are not so big - about 20%.
Samsung Since 2016, Samsung directly sells refurbished devices in the United States. The discount for some smartphones is up to 70%, but by default they are connected to one of the American mobile networks.
Walmart A lot of options for restored equipment, repairs from the seller. Basically, smartphones are unlocked (Unlocked), without being tied to any particular network, like Samsung and often Amazon.
Lenovo The company is actively developing a representative office in the USA, discounts and promotions almost every day. Hundreds of devices, mainly laptops, are restored by the company itself, sold at a discount of 40-80%.
Dell . This American company went even further and opened a separate store for the sale of remanufactured goods. Almost all Dell equipment is sold here, with rare exceptions. Projectors, monitors, laptops, desktops, printers. 100 days warranty. There are even promotions on already cheap goods. To enter the site may require a VPN.
Swappa Large and curated online bulletin board. The warranty is usually a month or two. The store checks each seller, asks for photos and IMEI on smartphones (to make sure that it is not stolen). Payment only with PayPal. The site is popular with repairmen, because it is easy to register and does not take a large percentage. It allows you to communicate with sellers, which is what they mostly use: they ask what is with the battery, they specify the serial number, they put them on “clean water”. Not recommended for first purchases.
When to take
The best time to buy used phones is the next two to three months after the release of the new model. During this time, people just have time to turn in their old device, they undergo inspection, repair (if necessary), and again put up for sale. After the release of the new iPhone in October-November, the market is flooded with hundreds of thousands of all previous models of Apple smartphones and even Android.
The second best time is after Christmas, in January. Many receive a new gadget in the form of a gift, and after a few days they give it to the store to get everything in money (in the USA this is not such a taboo as in Russia). Prices for refurbished devices are declining, and the quality is much higher.
One of the reasons for the growth of the market for refurbished devices is those. companies have recently decided to make software that works even on older versions of gadgets. Apple does it best: iOS 12, for example, runs easily on the iPhone 5S from 2013. If you want to get most of the new features or access to the latest games, you don’t have to buy the most modern flagship, you can take something several times cheaper.
The increase in prices for annual news and the lack of real innovations in them also repels some users. And many simply prefer previous versions. For example, many journalists used the MacBook Pro 2012 - because it had an old-style keyboard, more responsive and comfortable. And the 2016 iPhone SE was Apple's last “small” smartphone, with a 4-inch screen, rather than 5.8-6.5 inches, like the new models.
How much can you save?
Cons are obvious, and there are quite a few of them. The chance to "get" always remains. Warranty usually expires much faster. But the main plus of such devices is the price. In our experience, when we post on the social networks announcements about the start of sales of the same “restored” iPhone, people react much more actively than new ones. The peak of purchases of the newest models falls on the first two months after their release. And the old, recycled ones are calmly taken even years later. Every week, some iPhone 6 taken from Amazon or eBay is taken through us, which Apple itself stopped selling back in 2015. Interest holds, and even grows on some gadgets.
When you look at prices, customers can be understood. Here are some examples:
iPhone X 256 Gb , refurbished, unlocked. Apple itself has $ 809 (52,585 rubles). The new in America is $ 1,049. The price of a new one in Russia is 74,490 rubles.
iPhone X 64 Gb . Apple has $ 679 (44,135 rubles), the price of a new one in America is $ 899, and in Russia M.Video has 66,490 rubles.
iPhone SE 16 Gb on Amazon. $ 106 (6,890 rubles).
iPhone 6S 128 Gb on eBay, Unlocked, B +. $ 150 (9,750 rubles). In Russia, a new one - 31,990 rubles.
Lenovo ThinkPad A485 from Lenovo, repaired by the manufacturer. $ 185 (12,025 rubles). The new one cost three and a half times more expensive, $ 660. In general, Lenovo has rather serious discounts.
When the savings on one gadget approaches the average monthly salary in Russia, a few extra scratches or the lack of original packaging no longer seems to be a big problem.
Have you ever taken a restored gadget for yourself? What did you think of it?
PS Pochtoy.com can deliver any goods from stores in America. Now - not only to Russia, but also to Ukraine , thanks to cooperation with New Mail. The parcel cost is 0.5 kg from $ 12 (for Ukraine - from $ 11.00). For readers of our blog - a free ransom from American stores after registration . Just give our operators a link and fund your account - we will do the rest.
