There are many social, economic and environmental benefits associated with choosing to purchase a refurbished device, from saving your hip pocket to saving the planet!
Mobile phones have come a long way throughout the years, with significant advancements in technology and improved durability. However, due to the growing demand and dependence on mobile technology, the earth’s raw materials have taken a massive hit. The increased scarcity of mineral resources is driving the cost of devices up, with a brand-new phone costing around $2,000.
Consumer behaviour has begun to shift in response to growing environmental challenges. Consumers are moving way from a disposable, throw-away mentality and opting for more conscientious, affordable, and sustainable choices.
Choosing to buy a refurbished device is an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable alternative to purchasing a brand-new device.
In 2020 the number of devices worldwide stood at 14 billion and is expected to rise to 18 billion by 2025 (Stratista, 2022). This projected global growth of mobile phones will put further strain on the planet’s natural resources, as materials such as aluminium, copper, cobalt, gold, silver and lithium are required in the manufacture of new electronic devices. Choosing a refurbished handset minimises the need to extract additional raw materials from the earth and reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants and particulate matter associated with the mining process.Extending the working life of mobile devices through reuse, reduces the tech carbon footprint, as more phones are diverted away from landfill and redirecting quality devices from recycling channels reduces the environmental impact of the refining process.
Refurbished phones are great value for money.
On average, a refurbished device is 35% cheaper than the same device purchased brand-new. This is a considerable saving! So, if you’re looking for your next phone, a refurbished handset is a great option!
Here are some tips on refurbished devices.
What is a refurbished device?
The terms refurbished, pre-owned and reconditioned are used interchangeably in the market. A refurbished phone is a pre-owned handset sold by a retailer. The phone has undergone a series of quality checks, data erasure and potential repair, to ensure the phone’s condition meets a suitable standard for resale. These standards are based on the condition of the handset, so consumers understand the quality of the product they’re looking to purchase.
Quality Standard
Known as a grading system, devices are typically categorised into groups:
Grade A – These devices are “like new” condition. Grade A handsets are usually new phones sold in an original box with original accessories. These phones have never been used, however they have been removed from the box. For example, an ex-demo phone. The higher the grade the more expensive the phone.
Grade B – These quality used devices are fully functional, with minimal signs of use, such as scratches or marks.
Grade C – An inexpensive option and fully operational, these used devices are older models and/or have more obvious wear and tear.
The grading system is not universally regulated, so it’s important to understand the grading specifications of each seller before making a purchase.
ReDial’s grading system defines each condition as follows:
Buy from a reputable retailer
Phones sold through a retailer are required to pass a quality check to ensure the handset is in optimal working condition. ReDial handsets have undergone a 44-point diagnostic check.
Check Warranties and T&Cs
Retailers that offer a seller warranty on their products ensure buyer peace-of-mind. Each store has a different policy, so be sure to check returns and warranty T&Cs before making a purchase.
ReDial offers a no-questions-asked free return policy within the first 14 days from delivery and a 12-month seller warranty covering functional defects, where if faulty, the mobile device will either be repaired or replaced immediately.
Avoid purchasing a product advertised as “as is.” There are no guarantees with these purchases. “As is” refers to a term used in sales contracts where the buyer agrees to buy a product in its current condition, without legal recourse should the buyer discover a defect in the product after purchase.
Ensure the phone is unlocked
This means the phone is not protected by a passcode, Face ID or linked to a cloud-based account such as Apple ID/iCloud or Google.
What’s in the box?
Refurbished devices most often come repackaged in generic boxes with aftermarket accessories. Find out exactly what your refurbished device comes with, as this differs for each retailer. Generally, the handset will come with a charging cable.
All ReDial phones come with:
- Your refurbished phone
- Charging cable and wall adapter
So, if you’re looking for your next phone, you can find a quality refurbished handset at ReDial.
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References:Stratista (2022) Forecast number of mobile devices worldwide from 2020 to 2025 (in billions). Available at https://www.statista.com/statistics/245501/multiple-mobile-device-ownership-worldwide/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20the%20number%20of,devices%20compared%20to%202020%20levels. (Accessed: 1 September 2022)
