How to Buy and Sell Secondhand Computers
Why would you want to buy or sell used laptops? Why?
New things are better than old ones. Sure, the newer iPad is thinner and has a camera. But if you are planning to use your iPad for functions such as reading documents, watching media, and keeping up with email away from a desktop, you'd better prefer buying something for little money. From the other hand, it can be helpful to have some extra funds to purchase newer item. Selling laptops and other tech that you don't plan to use anymore, you can clear up space and get some money. It also can be better to get that device into someone's hands, instead of a landfill.
Should You Buy Second-Hand Laptops? Pros and Cons
New computers are expensive: the latest and powerful laptops cost thousands of dollars, cell phones can easily be upwards of $500, and a good printer could run you a few hundred bucks. Even software is expensive. Buying second-hand computer hardware can be a good way out to get some money, but is it a good idea?
Let's take a look at pros and cons of buying pre-owned laptops.
Pro: Cost
This is clearly the key factor in the decision process. Second-hand tech is significantly cheaper - a new laptop on Amazon will cost you about $400, while a used one can be had for $290 or cheaper. That's just over a 25% drop in cost. Some laptops will sell for half of their original price (though Apple products have a notoriously high resale value). It's not hard to imagine saving several thousand dollars over the course of a few years, depending on how much you buy. One way or another, you can easily sell your old laptop to buy new.
Con: No Warranties
Most manufacturers require proof of the original purchase of their equipment for you to make a warranty claim. Some companies will allow the transfer of a warranty to a second party, but it can be quite a hassle. When buying second-hand, take a close look at technical condition of the item that you're buying to be sure that it looks as you expected for. Buying second-hand from the specialized company, you will get a limited warranty that mean that the laptop was checked and carefully tested. Selling laptops to special companies, you get your guarantee money. But selling laptops privately, you haven't warranty of safety deal.
Pro: You Probably Don't Need a New One
For the most of people, getting the latest and the most powerful computers isn't a point of need. Thus, using your computer for sending emails, reading blogs, checking Facebook, and watching Netflix, you don't need the newest powerful machine; the old but working laptop is just fine. The same goes for cameras and phones. And if you just use your iPhone 6 to play simple games and update Twitter, an iPhone 4 is probably going to serve you just as well.
Con: It's Hard to Check Everything
You must be really careful before you buy or sell your phone, computer, camera, or other piece of tech, especially used tech. Every small detail must be checked carefully - the screen works, the buttons function fine, the case looks good, and so on. One way or another, it can be really hard to check and describe everything. The battery might be on its last legs. Important data could be corrupted. The device could be stolen. If you miss something big, you could be looking at buying a new device anyway.
Pro: Good for the Environment
Selling used laptops is good for environment. This is not a secret anymore. Think about the electronic waste - millions of phones, computers, cameras, printers, routers, modems, and other pieces of electronic equipment. They are thrown away every year, and each has the potential to release harmful chemicals into the environment. Buying a used device keeps it out of the dump for a while longer and doesn't put a new device into circulation. Selling laptops, again, helps to get your used laptop into the circulation.
Con: Unknown Computers Lifespan
When you buy a new device, you don't know how long it will last, but you have some reasonable expectations and warranty papers. When you buy used, you don't know what kind of wear and tear the device has gone through. It can live for several more years or a couple days. There's just no way to know.
Will It Save Money Selling Laptop Online?
This, of course, is the easiest question. Unfortunately, the answer often depends on the specific circumstances surrounding what you're buying or selling. Each of these processes has its own specific.
If your computer is not dropped or damaged, or it is relatively new, you can save much money. One way or another, saving several hundred to several thousand dollars over the course of a couple years can make a huge difference in your budget. And if you're saving up for something big, making a couple second-hand purchases could save you enough money to make that big purchase. Of course, there's always a slight risk when you're buying used devices, but if you buy it with the minimum guarantee from the reliable online service, you can sleep tight. Your money is in safe. Selling used laptops, you save your money for buying a new gadget. That's great! But never wait for long to sell it. Your laptop becomes older every day. It becomes difficult to get good money for it.
Also, one final note: if buying a used item directly from its current owner is too risky, consider buying an item refurbished by a manufacturer or special and rather popular online service. They test each item to make sure that it's in selling condition and offer limited warranties. You'll pay more than if you buy used, but still quite a bit less than if you buy new. Have you ever bought used tech in the past? Have you ever sold something? hat was your experience? Would you recommend it to others?