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Advice and tips on buying and selling between private individuals

What you need to know before buying second-hand electronics!

Buying second-hand electronics has become a widespread practice over the last few decades as a result of the boom in the technology industry. Laptops, tablets and games consoles are all products that are regularly resold second-hand because they are still in working order. Buying a second-hand phone means reducing your ecological footprint and getting your handset at a lower price. However, there are some clever people out there who take the liberty of selling electronic products that are non-functional or in very poor condition, leading you to believe that they are. That's why, in this article, we give you our tips for buying second-hand electronics.

The seller:

The first point to pay particular attention to is the seller. The seller is an important factor to consider. It is essential to find out about the seller so that you know who you are buying the product from and to avoid scams or fraudulent products.

To do this, check the seller's profile and, in particular, the comments and comments left about them. This will give you an idea of the seller's reputation and give you greater confidence when you buy.

We also advise you to contact the seller before buying the product. If the seller is honest and transparent, they will answer all your questions clearly and precisely. If the seller is evasive or doesn't answer your questions, it's best to look for another seller.

Product condition :

Let's move on to analysing the condition of the electronic product you want to buy. It's important to see the product from every angle to avoid any nasty surprises when you receive it.

Inspect the photos of the product carefully and sooner if it shows scratches, cracks or any other sign of damage. If the details are not visible in the photos in the advert, ask the seller to send you more.

It may also be worth asking the seller for a full video of the electronic product in action. If you can see the product before you buy it on the second-hand resale site, that's the best way to see how it works.

It is important to bear in mind that second-hand electronic products may have hidden problems that may not be immediately apparent. It is therefore advisable to test the product immediately after receiving it to ensure that it is working properly.

The price :

Also pay attention to the selling price of the second-hand electronic device. You need to compare the selling price of the second-hand product with the price of the new product. This will give you a real idea of the value of the product. Some crooks sell their products for more than the new price.

You should also look at several advertisements for the product you want to buy. Prices can vary considerably between different sellers and online sales platforms, so it's important to do your research to find the best price.

Background:

The final point to consider is the history of the used product. It is important to know how long the product has been in use, how it has been used and whether it has been repaired or modified before.

If they are not written down, ask the seller for information on how often the product is used and the types of activity for which it has been used. You can also ask whether the electronic product has been repaired or modified before. If so, make sure that the modifications have been carried out by a qualified professional and that they do not affect the functionality or safety of the product.

If the product is sold with accessories such as cables or chargers, check that these are functional.

Buy your used electronics with Obvy :

If you want to buy your second-hand video game on resale platforms such as Leboncoin or Vinted, we advise you to use Obvy to secure your transaction.

With Obvy as a secure payment method between private individuals, you can avoid scams easily thanks to the escrow system, which keeps the transaction money safe in a safe until the transaction is finalised. Once you've received the parcel, you have 72 hours to confirm the authenticity of your second-hand bag. If necessary, you will be reimbursed without difficulty.