Many people have the idea of buy a second hand eReader to save money. This can have its advantages, but also some disadvantages that you should be aware of. Here you will be able to find out if you are really interested in buying one of these used devices or if there are better cheap options.
Pros and cons of buying a second-hand eReader
Buying a second-hand eReader has its advantages and disadvantages like everything. You should evaluate them before launching into a used product:
Advantages of buying a second-hand eReader
- Price: you will find second-hand items that will have a lower price than the new ones.
- STATUS: if you search well, you can find deals on second-hand eReaders that are almost unused or still in their original packaging.
- discontinued items: There are many eReaders that have been discontinued, such as the bq Cervantes, Sony models, etc., that you can find on the second-hand market.
- Sustainability: instead of ending the eReader at a recycling point such as e-waste, or electronic waste, you will be able to have a second chance with another user.
Disadvantages of buying a second-hand eReader
- Article Used: The eReader may have signs of use, such as smudges, scratches, wear, or other blemishes. Many times, on sites for buying and selling products that are not serious, the seller could try to cover up these damages or not tell you the whole truth about the state of the product. So it's a risk unless you can go test it yourself before purchase.
- Scams: Sometimes, on second-hand buying and selling platforms, there can also be some deception or scams, for example, not receiving what you have ordered, or something else arriving. It is important to exercise caution in these cases. There may even be second-hand eReaders with prices higher than new ones. Also, you should never use insecure payment methods.
- Shipping costs: Some second-hand eReader platforms operate internationally, and a product may be cheap, but then you find yourself with long and expensive shipping times if they have to come from another country.
- Warranty: Although some second-hand product sites are responsible for reviewing and certifying that everything works properly and the condition of the device, in addition to including a guarantee, this does not happen in all cases.
Tips for buying a used eReader
When buying a second-hand eReader, you should keep in mind Some tips so you don't get fooled:
- Seller rating: Many second-hand device platforms have a seller rating system and opinions from other users. This can help you see if the seller of the eReader is reputable or not.
- Evaluate the product: you should always carefully analyze the product you are going to buy, even if you can go to where the seller is and see it on-site, much better. In this way you can make sure that it works properly, and that it is really what you have seen in the ad. If you can't do this, try contacting the seller and ask as many questions as you need to to make sure it's what you're looking for.
- Be wary of very cheap prices: sometimes you can see extremely cheap prices, you have to be wary of them, since it can be a scam.
- Shipping type: Before buying, check the type of shipping, shipping costs, terms, conditions, etc.
- Secure payments: If you bought an eReader from a nearby vendor, pay by hand. If it is through the Internet, make sure that the payment platform is safe and trustworthy. Do not make transfers or use other insecure payment methods.
Refurbished vs second hand eReaders
Another option that you have within your reach to save some money is to buy a eReader refurbished instead of second hand.
Therefore, they are cheaper than the new models, and you can save a lot of money. However, as with second-hand ones, they also have their advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of refurbished eReaders
- Tested: One advantage of refurbished ones is that they have been put through evaluation tests to certify that everything works as it should. Second-hand cars do not always undergo these tests and you must take the seller's word for it.
- Guarantee: Many refurbished sales platforms offer up to 12 months of warranty or more in some cases. In the case of second-hand, there is usually no guarantee.
- STATUS: It is usually in quite good condition, in some cases completely new, in others with some signs of use, some small damage, etc. In the case of second-hand ones, they could be more deteriorated. In addition, some reconditioned sales platforms provide information on the origin and condition of the product.
- Saving: you can save between 30 and 70% buying these eReaders compared to the price of a new one.
Disadvantages of refurbished eReaders
- You don't know the origin: these refurbished devices can be completely new, such as those that have failed before leaving the factory and have been repaired, or those that have been displayed in a shop window or exhibitor, or that have been opened from their original packaging, have some small damage or they do not have all the elements that it brings in the box because some have been lost, that it is a product that a customer has returned, etc.
- Lifespan: They usually have a shorter lifespan than new ones, although they could have a fairly long life in other cases.
Cheap eReader models to consider
As a better alternative to second-hand eReaders and refurbished eReaders, you should consider buying buy a brand new cheap eReader, with all the guarantees and greater security. Here we recommend some cheap models:
Kobo nia
The Kobo Nia is one of the best affordable models you can find. It is a prestigious brand, a leader along with Kindle in the eReader market, but this Nia model is quite cheap. It has a 6-inch e-Ink Carta touch screen and is anti-glare. It has adjustable front light in temperature and brightness, WiFi connectivity, and 8 GB of internal storage.
SPC Dickens
The SPC Dickens Light 2 is also another inexpensive option that you should consider. A device with a backlit screen, front light with 6 levels of adjustable intensity, front keys, touch screen, the possibility of rotating the screen in portrait and landscape mode, 32 GB of internal storage, and 1 month of battery life on a single charge.
Denver EBO-625
You can also buy this other Denver EBO-625 model with a 6-inch e-Ink screen, anti-glare, 1024×758 resolution, 4 GB storage with the possibility of expanding up to 32 GB with a microSD card, 1500 mAh battery for a duration of up to 20 hours of reading, and great support of formats to be able to read almost anything.
Woxter e-Book Scriba 125
Finally, you also have this cheap model from Woxter. A 6-inch e-Ink Pearl with 1024×758 px resolution, 16 levels of gray scale, 4 GB internal memory with microSD card slot, compatibility with a multitude of formats, and a long-lasting 1800 mAh Li-Ion battery duration.
Where to buy used and refurbished eReaders
Finally, you should know where to buy used and refurbished eReaders. Us we recommend the following sites:
- eBay: The American platform eBay not only sells new products, you can also find a multitude of second-hand items. These items are sold directly or bids are also made to get it at the best price. In addition, it is a secure platform to purchase eReaders.
- Amazon Warehouse: Amazon also has a used marketplace as you know, and Amazon Warehouse stocks plenty of refurbished eReaders to buy the cheaper Kindle models for example. Of course, you will have purchase and return guarantees, as well as being a secure platform.
- Wallapop: It is an app where you can buy and sell all kinds of items, where you will also find second-hand eReaders. You can find a multitude of devices and at good prices, but you should always stick to the pros and cons that I mentioned above about these second-hand sites.
- back market: It is a well-known American store that has also reached Europe. It is a portal for online purchase of refurbished products at good prices. In addition, it is a secure platform, they have assistance and they also give a guarantee for the products of the sellers who sell through the portal.