Mobile phones are a necessity in modern society, as they allow us to communicate instantaneously and supply many other functions. Naturally, however, these luxuries don’t come cheap, and more and more e-waste is being produced as new phones come out and old phones go out of service. To help address both issues, here’s why you should buy refurbished cell phones.
What Does Refurbished Mean?
Many people think that “refurbished” is synonymous with “used,” which is only half right. It’s true that refurbished cell phones have been pre-owned, but once the owner of the phone returns or trades it in, the phone gets inspected and upgraded with new parts – such as a fresh battery or new shell. These refurbished phones come with a certification that they’re in good working condition and are practically as good as new.
Warranties
To ensure you’re getting a genuinely quality cell phone, however, you’ll want to ensure the retailer you’re buying from offers a warranty. It’s the de facto standard for refurbished phones to have a warranty in case there’s a problem with the phone that remained undetected when it was getting refurbished. This should give you greater peace of mind because you know you’re protected if something happens to your phone. If the dealer doesn’t offer a warranty, looking elsewhere is much safer than taking the risk of shoddy craftsmanship.
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Environmental Impact
Perhaps the biggest reason why you should buy refurbished cell phones is that it helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Many electronic devices are thoughtlessly thrown out when many of their materials can get recycled and repurposed. The materials used to refurbish your new phone were probably made from recycled materials as well.
Affordability
Affordability is another significant factor. From a more practical standpoint, a brand-new phone can be expensive. For individuals with limited budgets, such as students, a phone may be necessary but outside their means. Refurbished phones can help fulfill this need without being too much of a financial burden, all while still providing the same quality.
Return Policy
Lastly, like the warranty, you should find a retailer that offers a return policy on their phones, just in case you change your mind. If you find the phone you bought was not to your liking or isn’t functioning correctly, you can return it and reconsider your options.
