Tips for buying a used laptop

How to avoid future hassles when buying a used laptop

Buying a used laptop can be an exciting venture, but when things go wrong, it can turn out to be more trouble than first expected. If you're planning on buying a preowned, reconditioned laptop, here are a few suggestions to help you avoid any unforeseen future hassles.

1. Always buy from a reputable and well-known dealer.

The less you know about a seller, the easier it is for them to potentially take advantage of you. Avoid being ripped off by a little-known company by restricting your shopping to well-known businesses who maintain a good reputation with their buyers.

2. If possible, avoid buying your used laptop online.

By purchasing your used laptop from a brick and mortar retailer, you'll be able to check for damage before actually buying the used laptop. This isn’t possible when making your purchase online. Even if pictures of the actual product are available, pictures don't always reveal everything. Nothing beats an in-hand inspection. If you must make an online purchase, it's always a good idea to choose a company with a physical store location near you. It’s a lot easier to resolve future issues if you can personally visit the business through which you made your purchase.

3. Ask about the laptop’s warranty coverage and return policy.

Carefully examine the preowned laptop’s warranty coverage. What problems or defects are covered under the warranty? How long is the coverage period? What is the total dollar amount of the coverage? Also ask about the company’s return policy, as this tends to differ for each business.

4. Beware of “too good to be true” bargains.

Just because a company’s prices are far cheaper than the competition, doesn’t mean they're the best choice for you. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous laptop dealers use these cheap price tactics to sell inferior or broken laptops to unsuspecting buyers. Some even fail to deliver your purchased laptop at all. A deal that looks too good to be true, usually is.

Buying a preowned, reconditioned laptop can be serious business. Though cheaper than new laptops, they're still certainly a large investment for most people. Because of this, it's important to do your research and know what you're getting yourself into. By learning a few helpful tips beforehand, you can increase your chances of having a satisfactory buying experience, while preventing future laptop hassles.