Buying second hand is a good way to help reduce waste generated by the fast upgrade cycle for new products. There are many second-hand tech products on the market, but identifying a functioning device with a decent battery life, sold through a secure site like eBay can seem like a bit of a struggle. eBay is used by millions of people, both buyers and sellers, and is a great way of to find rare items, second-hand discounts and deals you cannot find anywhere else.
Do you know that consumer electronics are among the most popular items purchased on eBay? Some people find that eBay is a source of lucrative electronics deals while, according to others, electronics purchases on eBay are filled with fraudulent practices and not worth the risk.
In actual fact, they are true and depending on how you search for items and from which seller you decide to buy. Read on for some tips that can help to ensure a successful eBay electronics shopping experience.
Know What You Want and What It’s Worth
Making smart decisions on used items starts with knowing exactly what you want, specifically the options available and how those options would affect the price. The first step is to find out how much an electro item costs new. A good place to conduct your research is a local electronics store, or consumer electronics magazines and websites. When you do not know the make, model or features you want in a consumer electronics item is a surefire way to have a poor buying experience on eBay.
You need to know all the prices for all the models so you can make a educated purchase.
The same goes for other types of devices. If you’re looking at phones or laptops, know the specs for each configuration and make sure the items listed match what you want. Don’t be afraid to message sellers and ask specific questions.
Get To Know The Seller
Besides wanting the lowest price, we also want the best quality item at the lowest price. A much better metric to judge the quality of an item is to look at the seller’s feedback rating. A good seller will have a feedback rating of 99.8 percent or better will most likely be selling a high-quality item in good condition. Read the feedback comments from other buyers and watch for complaints related to shipping practices, item quality, or anything else that raises a red flag.
Bidding Check
Remember to check each listing carefully and avoid bidding on auctions with obvious warning signs.
As consumer electronic items are of high value, completing the transaction is more risky and complicated. Buy from credit-card friendly sellers and those who accept Paypal. Becareful about shipping and make sure that the seller is willing to pack the item well.
Shipping Cost
If you are buying from a seller who is not sending the item through eBay’s Global Shipping Program, you will have to pay for the cost of delivery at checkout. In this case, you can compare rates to ship second hand technology at online shipping marketplace to help you find reliable and rated shipping companies.
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