NEW vs USED: Things to keep in mind when getting USED products.

New vs Used in technology

Online shopping is now a new way to buy products. Consumers find it easy to order products and have them delivered to them in their doorsteps. There are some products which are not available in market and consumers find it easy to order the product from the company’s website. Now here is dilemma, people sometimes sell used products through ebay , Amazon etc which is perfectly normal. Now here is the question, which things should you keep in mind when buying used products? Also, is the price reasonable or should you a brand new product?

Firstly, not all people can afford brand new gadgets, so they go for the used ones. However, the first thing you should keep in mind is pricing.

Pricing:

What is the pricing of the used product vs the price of the new one. For example: I plan to buy a used Mac. First of all I need to know the actual price of the product (say $999). Now, I need to make sure how much that computer is used (say 2 years). So, I will make sure that the person sells me that device under $850.

Why? The time it’s used for can be an important factor as Apple and many other companies prefer to refresh their products after every 1 year. Secondly, the condition of that product, if its not nicely used and there are scratches and dents etc then there will be a price drop. Thirdly, handling of the product to the consumers is one of the most important factors. If that person doesn’t give you the laptop with any box, manuals etc then the price can be lowered.

So, bargaining is always an option. However, if the person is providing the box, manuals, nice and clean laptop with even an Apple Care then you should accept that person’s desired pricing.

Product condition:

Let’s talk a bit more on this. The product you are getting should be of good condition. Ask that person to send you the pictures of that product. Ask him if the product(say speakers) sounds as advertised. Search for that product on internet, read people people’s reviews on the product before going for the purchase.

New vs Old

The answer hugely depends on you and your preference. However, if I were you I would always go for a brand new computer or a refurbished one directly from the company. However, As far as microphones, adapters, cords, cases, accessories are concerned I would really go for the used ones. However, I will always go through the checklist mentioned above.