When it comes to gadgets, price is always a top deciding factor. It is a good reason whether to buy something or not. It is the main difference in buying ‘now’ or buying ‘later’. At times, when price is an issue, an alternative is to purchase ‘used’ or secondhand items. These are often older than you may like, however, they are also at a price range you can afford.
Those looking to see whether they should buy new versus secondhand should consider a few things.
Buying New
Buying new offers a ton of benefits. The main factor with buying new is the longevity you get. For used items, odds are, they already have a few miles on them. Buying something new guarantees a fresh device for your perusal. This gives you the best chance to make the most out of its price tag.
Getting yourself a brand new gadget also provides you with repair and replacement privileges for a specific window of time. Warranties that come with brand new purchases can often come in handy, acting as a safety net in case of any damage or issues. A new product also has that sleek, smooth look. The untouched, unblemished, and perfect condition is something many people crave, and would pay anything to have.
Buying Used
Buying used tech can also have their advantages. The main reason to buy used is the price. Depending on the age, a device can be a fraction of what it is worth brand new. Purchasing a secondhand phone, laptop, or computer can save you a lot of money compared to buying new. For a lot of places, secondhand often do not mean ‘old’ or ‘broken’. Odds are that people selling these items have financial matters in mind. It could be that they need the quick cash to pay for bills or loans. Selling their products could also be because they are looking to upgrade and need the funding.
Of course, there are also some negatives. Secondhand devices last shorter periods – even if you take good care of them. They have sustained more use, which leads to them having more worn out parts. Buttons may be more difficult (or looser) to press because of the constant usage over the years. This makes it a lot more inconvenient to use properly. Wear and tear also affects the overall lifespan of a device. No matter how pristine something is when you got it, the simple fact is that it is still an old device.
Aesthetically, you may also find issues. Scratches on the screen, cracks and broken parts due to incidents over the years – these are issues you have to deal (and live with) after purchase. For those who cannot stand even a single blemish on their devices, then buying used products may not be for you. Overall, buying ‘used’ is a gamble – you are paying less for a product that may not have that long of a lifespan. If you are comfortable with these, then a secondhand item may just be what you are looking for.