I’m often asked about buying second-hand technology. Buying used or refurbished technology can be a cost-effective way to access high-quality devices, but it requires careful consideration. Buying second-hand from swap and share sites or sites like eBay generally means these products come with no warranty and no returns.
The other way to buy goods is through sites that specialise in refurbished technology. The sites typically offer a 6–12-month warranty and still provide substantial discounts. Some of the companies that sell or have refurbishment programs include
eBay Refurbished Program: This is a good option as eBay has a dedicated “Refurbished” program with vetted sellers. Items with the “Refurbished” tick generally come with a minimum one-year seller-provided warranty.
Amazon Renewed: Offers professionally inspected and rigorously tested refurbished products with a minimum 12-month warranty.
Apple Certified Refurbished Products: If you’re looking for Apple devices, buying directly from Apple’s refurbished store is a great option.
Oz Mobiles: Specialises in refurbished mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches. They offer a standard 12-month warranty.
Technology Locker: A large supplier of pre-owned IT devices in Australia. They offer a free three-month warranty and have a high positive feedback rating.
Australian Computer Traders (ACT): One of Australia’s largest suppliers of ex-government IT equipment. They offer a 12-month warranty on most refurbished products.
Reboot IT: Have been offering certified refurbished computers and IT hardware since 2001. They offer a standard 12-month warranty on most products
Recompute: Specialises in ex-lease, factory-tested, and refurbished laptops and desktops. They offer a one-year warranty, and a 30-day return policy for change of mind.
Renewd: Sells refurbished laptops, with over 100,000 refurbished products sold since 2009, with over 98.8 per cent positive feedback.
Regardless of where you purchase the device, some considerations you should consider include
• Ensure the device meets your performance needs
• Check for physical damage, battery health, and whether the device continues to receive updates.
• Confirm the device has been factory reset and is not locked or stolen.
• Verify if the original accessories are included.
• Check if the device can be upgraded and is still supported by the manufacturer.
• How does the price compare with a similar new model?
• What’s the return and warranty policy?
Buying from these sites both offers a quality product at a lower price point, but, more importantly, takes the risk out of purchasing second-hand products. So, go grab yourself a bargain.
