Everyone has a smartphone and everyone spends a lot of money yearly on purchasing a new mobile phone. No doubt people have to dig deep into their pockets to purchase one. If you are one of those people who want the latest smartphones without forking out too much the best option is a refurbished mobile phone, which can cut the costs considerably.
A refurbished mobile phone is a device that originally doesn’t start as a refurbished device , rather as a used mobile phone which was sent back to the network providers to be traded in.
Used mobile phones can be sent back for many reasons, such as customer not liking the phone, sent back within the 14 days cooling off period or simply because the customer has come to the end of their current mobile phone contract and wants the latest device.
Once the phone has been traded in the phones would be sold in bulk to refurbishment companies like Refurb- Phone where the phones will be thoroughly tested and refurbished to high standards. The phones are than re labelled from a used mobile phone device to a Grade A Refurbished device. Trading standards have identified that the definition of a graded device aren’t set independently, so the grading can vary.
Warranty
When buying a refurbished mobile phone warranty will differ from company to company so its absolutely crucial that you get the right warranty. Many companies offer one month , 3 months or 6 months warranty. When buying an expensive refurbished mobile phone you should look at a company that offers a long warranty or offers out of warranty repair services even if the phone is slightly more expensive. The last thing you would want is a faulty phone within a couple of months after purchasing it and then be left out of pocket because the company only offers a short limited warranty.
Can I Insure A Refurbished Mobile Phone
Insurance on a refurbished mobile phone can vary from company to company. Below is a list of major insurers who will insure a refurbished mobile phone.
| Insurer's policies on refurbished mobile phones |
| REFURBISHED PHONES? | BOUGHT FROM AN AUCTION WEBSITE? | |
| Nationwide FlexPlus*(1) | Yes | Yes, with proof of purchase |
| Endsleigh* | Yes, provided that the phone was bought new no more than three years before the time cover begins | Yes, with proof of purchase |
| Gadget Cover* | Yes | No, only if manufacturer- or network-approved refurbishment |
What Are My Rights When Buying A Refurbished Mobile Phone
Buying a refurbished mobile phone has the same rights as buying any other product. You have a 14 days peace of mind. Good must also be in satisfactory condition and must be fully working. Having said that if you are unhappy with a product it is advisable that you report it to the trader / company as soon as possible.
