Twice a week, our CEO and resident money guru Jean Chatzky tackles your burning questions in the HerMoney newsletter. We’ve pulled some of the best to feature on our website — and this one made the cut! Got a question for Jean? Send it her way right here.
Q: Today’s question comes from Beth. She writes: “I am looking for a secondhand phone for my teens. Where can I purchase used smartphones?”
A: First off, good for you, Beth! Far too often, parents go the route of buying a shiny new smartphone for their teens…only to have it go missing or get damaged. When it comes to buying a secondhand phone, you do have a few options:
eBay: An oldie but a goodie when it comes to resale sites. Before you bid, though, make sure to check the seller’s ratings.
Amazon Renewed: This little corner of the Amazon world features refurbished devices that are all backed by a guarantee. For example, here’s an Apple iPhone SE for $99. Yes, it’s an older model, but it’s significantly cheaper than the $429 you’d pay for one that’s brand-spanking new.
Swappa: Swappa is a tech resale company that’s been around since 2010. On Swappa, you buy directly from other users. Payments are made via PayPal, which provides a level of protection in case something goes wrong–for example, the item you receive isn’t as described.
Gazelle: Gazelle purchases used tech directly from consumers. They inspect and certify items, then list them for sale. Gazelle also offers a 30-day return policy.
It’s also worth checking manufacturer sites for the bigger-name cell phone brands, like Apple and Samsung. As you shop around, be sure to do your research. Know the value of what you’re buying and don’t overpay. Good luck!
MORE ON HERMONEY:
- Ask Jean: “Should I Buy Used Luxury Items?”
- Ask Jean: “What’s A CD Ladder?”
- Ask Jean: “What Do You Do When Your Dream Job Doesn’t Come With Your Dream Salary?”
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