The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: ltt on July 14, 2016, 06:12:12 AM
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We are going to purchase 2 Iphones (I know this isn't very mustachian, but it's just what is going to work for our family at this point in time).
My question is: How do I know if I'm getting a refurbished phone versus a new phone from my current carrier? I will ask them, but are there other things I should look for---as a non-technical person.
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Good question, I do not know.
In general, for anyone looking at this thread, I have had good luck with refurbished iPhones purchased off groupon. They tend to be cheaper than other places and I was worried it was a scam - but I have bought 2 with no problems.
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We've purchased phones from ebay x 4 over the years with great experiences. So what if they're used as long as they're still in great condition. Make sure the screen is intact and they're either unlocked or compatible with the carrier you want to use, and that the icloud is working (the current user has reset the phone to delet their own account).
You'll save hundreds of dollars per phone, and used phones often come with cases and screen protectors that you'd otherwise pay extra for.
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From my understanding of the law it is illegal to sell refurbished items as new. They must be marked and sold as refurbished. For me personally I have had mixed results buying complex electronics as used/refurbished. I have shifted to buying most of my electronics (phones, televisions, computers) as new but vacuums, coffee makers, etc, I will buy used.