The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently issued a warning saying that an unprecedented crisis will follow the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, global growth dropped 1.9 percentage points below the previous forecast. With this and other news about economic disruptions in mind, businesses everywhere may be forced to cut costs if they hope to survive the crisis. While remote work has forced numerous companies to update their software and equipment, managers may need to opt for more affordable alternatives. When it comes to smartphones, refurbished gadgets seem to be the best answer for both employers and employees.
Refurbished cell phones are not only a good way to cut costs, but also a good alternative to renewing or switching carriers. However, this is not a risk-free solution when it comes to updating personal or business equipment.
Refurbished Cell Phones: Risks and Alternatives
While many businesses may find the idea of making or renewing a contract with their mobile carrier intimidating during these difficult times, it’s important to note that these contracts do come with important benefits. Price points are usually the same for smartphones, but most carriers offer financing plans that allow companies or employees to pay for the smartphone of their choice over the course of two or more years. Businesses may also receive important discounts from their carriers, especially if they plan to update more than one phone. Even for an employee who plans to invest his or her own money in a new cell phone, a new midrange device may prove to be a better choice than a used flagship smartphone.
When talking refurbished cell phones, things also seem to fall below expectations when it comes to prices. While prices for pre-used devices are considerably lower than buying new ones, it’s worth noting that refurbished phones usually cost more than the average used device. Since multiple checks are required before selling the device, refurbished cell phone providers also need to update prices accordingly. According to Forbes, people and businesses that need to update their phones should look for refurbished devices online, compare, and ultimately buy from the manufacturer or website that offers the best deal.
The Perks of Buying Refurbished
One of the main reasons for buying a refurbished smartphone is the fact that this is a cheaper option than buying new, for both businesses and individuals. However, one important question remains: are refurbished devices so affordable to begin with? According to America’s largest cell phone trade-in price comparison site, SellCell.com, the short answer is yes. As stated, choosing the right device is extremely important when looking to save money. Samsung and Google Pixel smartphones are the best options, with savings ranging from 40 to 55% on 2018 – 2019 models. A best-buy among refurbished models seems to be the Samsung S9+, which comes with a 55% reduction in cost when compared to similar new models.
As even refurbished iPhones can provide businesses and individuals with an estimated 22% savings when compared to similar models, it should come as no surprise that global demand for refurbished phones is on the rise. Maybe even more important is the fact that, with cell phones becoming more and more technologically advanced, prices for new devices are growing steadily. Businesses may have to struggle to keep up, especially given the economic difficulties ahead. This seems to be the primary reason for both consumers and businesses choosing to buy refurbished devices at better prices. As electronic goods are not always disposed of properly, buying refurbished cell phones is also a good way of protecting the environment while saving money.
Making the Right Choice
As a refurbished device does not always come with all of the original accessories, or even in the best condition, buying a new one remains the best option for companies and consumers that are not afraid to say yes to a new financing plan. While numerous carriers are offering discounts and special deals to every type of customer, refurbished cell phone providers are probably the best option for those who want to cut costs during the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While some may argue that acquiring new devices is almost never a good value proposition, especially for those businesses who suffer during a crisis, others may point to the fact that carriers usually provide great discounts and affordable financing plans. Good research remains the best way of updating cell phones and other pieces of equipment, and that means checking out both refurbished and new offers before making the right decision to buy.
