The safest way to buy tested used electronics is from a business seller that tests every device before selling it, grades its condition honestly and shows it in real photos. At tested before, we test every device before selling it, give it an honest condition grade and sell on eBay and Vinted, where the platform's protection applies under its terms.
Where can you buy used electronics?
The typical places differ mainly in who checks the device, which rights you have and how much of the risk stays with you.
| Where to buy | Protection when buying | Device check | Risk for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer's refurbished store | Statutory rights, right of withdrawal when buying online | By the manufacturer | Low, range often limited to recent models |
| Refurbished marketplace | Statutory rights, marketplace terms | By each seller, scope varies | Low to medium |
| Business seller on eBay or Vinted | Statutory rights plus the platform's protection under its terms | Depends on the seller, stated in the listing | Low to medium, depends on whether and how devices are tested |
| Private seller on classified ads or marketplaces | Statutory rights often excluded, protection only if you pay through the platform | Usually none, you check it yourself | Higher, locks and hidden faults are your problem |
| Local shop | Statutory rights | Depends on the shop, you can try the device in store | Low to medium, choice often smaller |
The deciding factor is usually not the platform but the seller behind it: is it a business, does it test every device, and does it describe the condition honestly?
What should you check when buying privately?
If you buy privately, check these points above all:
- Locks: the device must no longer be linked to anyone else's account, for example through Apple's Activation Lock or Google's Factory Reset Protection.
- Condition and photos: real photos tell you more than stock images. Look out for scratches, dents and cracks.
- Battery: ask about the battery's condition and about fast draining or sudden shutdowns.
- Updates: check whether the model still receives software and security updates.
- Seller: business or private? Your rights depend on it.
Each type of device adds its own points, such as cameras and network lock on a smartphone, keyboard and charge cycles on a laptop, or disc drive and fan noise on a console. For smartphones, see our used smartphone checklist. With tested before, that's already done, and the device is reset with no one else's account on it.
Why buy from a business seller that tests every device?
A private seller can exclude your statutory rights, and listings often do exactly that with phrases such as “private sale, no returns”. If a fault shows up a few weeks later, you have little recourse. If you buy as a consumer from a business seller, your statutory rights cover faults the device already had when it was delivered; the listing and the seller's terms state what applies to a particular device. This is general information, not legal advice.
Then there's the testing: a seller that tests every device checks the battery, cameras and charging port before the device reaches you, and an honest condition grade shows you in the listing what it looks like. Our guide to refurbished vs used explains the difference between tested, refurbished and simply used devices.
How does buying from tested before work?
We sell tested iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, iPads, the MacBook Neo, Apple Watches, consoles, the Meta Quest and action cams, only on eBay and Vinted; there is no separate online shop.
- Look at the listing: real photos of the device, the condition grade, price, shipping and returns.
- Buy through the platform: you pay through eBay or Vinted, where the platform's protection applies under its terms.
- Unpack and set up: your device arrives tested and reset, ready for your own account.
Depending on the device, we test the functions, display, battery, ports, buttons, cameras, speakers, microphone and connectivity. The cosmetic condition sets the grade: Like new, Very good, Good or Fair. Many of our devices have barely been used. Our quality page explains how we test. After your purchase, you can reach us on WhatsApp or through the eBay and Vinted messages; our statutory warranty and returns page explains how returns work.
You'll find our current listings on our buy page.
