In the past month, the global electronics market has experienced significant upheaval, and it’s only going to get worse. The Trump administration’s
sweeping tariffs
— up to 145% on Chinese imports — have disrupted supply chains and driven up prices on a wide array of consumer electronics.
Even with
exemptions for smartphones and laptops
, the looming threat of additional levies has led to price hikes across the board, from power banks and e-readers to toasters, microwaves and gaming consoles. Though the recently announced
Switch 2 will not be impacted by the tariffs.
(for now), several of the new Nintendo console’s accessories, like the Pro and Joy-Con controllers, have already increased in price because of the tariffs.
Anker has raised prices
For numerous their portable chargers. The
tariffs
will likely also
raise the cost of iPhones
.
Read more:
Purchase Delay Decision: Understanding How Tariffs Will Affect Technology Costs and Actions for Today
In this period of economic upheaval, consumers are progressively opting for refurbished technology as an economical substitute for purchasing brand-new items. Not only is this segment expanding swiftly, but it’s also gaining traction among smart buyers seeking savings. The worldwide refurbished electronics market is projected to increase from $47.57 billion in 2023 to over $123 billion by 2033.
according to one report
.
If you’re shopping for a new phone, laptop, or another technological gadget, purchasing a used one might be more advantageous at present compared to getting a brand-new model. For individuals aiming to explore this growing marketplace, numerous reliable websites provide top-notch remanufactured electronic devices.
Where can you purchase refurbished technology?
Not everyone wants to buy used products, especially when there are risks. A used electronic item might look fine from the outside, but there’s always the chance of hidden hardware issues, like a degraded battery or water damage. Plus, there are rarely ever warranties or return policies on used items. Not to mention, the products could be stolen.
That’s precisely why you prefer to purchase refurbished items rather than simply used ones. A refurbished item typically comes from a manufacturer, retailer, or an authorized refurbisher who has thoroughly examined, tested, fixed, and brought it back to optimal functionality. Unlike acquiring a second-hand computer via social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, purchasing a refurbished unit means obtaining a device that has been professionally cleaned, restored, and packaged anew alongside a valid warranty—much akin to getting a brand-new product.
If you’re seeking the guarantees of a refurbished product, numerous alternatives are available.
Apple Certified Refurbished
Apple’s in-house refurbishment program is widely considered the gold standard. Every device — whether it’s a MacBook, an iPhone, an iPad or even an Apple Vision Pro — comes with a brand-new battery and outer shell, so cosmetically it’s indistinguishable from new. All products are rigorously tested, cleaned and repackaged in an official Apple box, along with cables and other accessories. You’ll also get a one-year limited warranty and the option to add AppleCare Plus, making this one of the safest ways to buy refurbished Apple gear.
Amazon Renewed Store
Amazon’s store for renewed tech items boasts an extensive selection ranging from smartphones and laptops to household appliances, headphones, and even electric toothbrushes. Each of these gadgets undergo rigorous inspection and testing by certified providers to ensure they meet specific operational standards. The majority of the offerings include at least a 90-day Amazon Renewed Warranty, enabling customers to exchange or refund the item should it fail to function correctly.
Best Buy Outlet
Best Buy’s certified refurbished section features products such as TVs, tablets, laptops, smartphones, kitchen appliances, gaming equipment, and much more. A significant number of these items come with Geek Squad Certification, indicating that they have undergone rigorous restoration and testing by their internal experts. For those who prefer physical interaction before purchasing, Best Buy provides options for local pick-up from various stores for numerous refurbished goods, each backed by standard warranties that differ based on the item type.
eBay Refurbished
eBay might sometimes feel like the Wild West, yet it collaborates with approved refurbishers and major brands such as Samsung, Lenovo, and Dell to provide products at discounts of up to 50% compared to their regular prices. The condition grades for these items range from good to excellent, and they come with either a one- or two-year warranty along with a 30-day return policy.
Swappa
Swappa operates as a peer-to-peer marketplace, albeit one equipped with safeguards. Vendors are required to list solely those items that function perfectly, and each listing undergoes individual scrutiny prior to being published online. To make a purchase, simply locate the desired product and review details such as cost, state of preservation, and year of manufacture; afterward, you may proceed to acquire goods directly from sellers. Transactions conducted through this platform benefit from protection offered by PayPal, providing recourse should an order fail to materialize or when dissatisfaction necessitates compensation for returned merchandise.
As tariffs keep affecting the technology sector, the market for refurbished goods emerges as an excellent choice for obtaining desired tech items at lower costs without sacrificing quality. By utilizing these reliable outlets, you can lessen the economic burden caused by tariffs and increasing electronic product prices, while simultaneously engaging in eco-friendlier purchasing habits.
You might want to explore the secondary market, though it comes with certain hazards.
A remodeled technology item could still come with a hefty price tag. Dive into the unpolished, direct secondary market instead.
Facebook Marketplace
,
OfferUp
,
Craigslist
and
Nextdoor,
To mention only a few, these platforms focus less on assurances and more on opportunities — places where you can demonstrate your intelligence and patience by snagging a MacBook from a college student looking for an upgrade during midterm season, or acquiring a significantly reduced PS5 from someone decluttering their home prior to moving across the country.
However, there are certainly trade-offs involved. There’s no warranty, no refurbished condition guarantee, and no certainty it hasn’t been accidentally submerged or “borrowed” for extended periods. Yet, with effective negotiating skills, you might secure some irresistible deals.
These platforms have witnessed a surge in technological transactions, particularly noting significant increases in local market postings for items like iPads, AirPods, and OLED TVs following the frequent coverage of tariff discussions. Certain vendors are capitalizing on this trend by selling returned products still in their original packaging or even offloading their personal devices as they plan to upgrade ahead of expected cost hikes. This has led to an emergent secondary marketplace influenced directly by prevailing trade regulations.
However, prior to exploring the secondary market, here are some guidelines you ought to adhere to:
-
Meet in public
And always check the item before making the payment. Even though you might prefer to complete the transaction swiftly, it’s crucial to verify that the item is in good shape. Conducting this inspection in public can offer some protection against potential fraud. -
Check battery health
On smartphones and laptops, you can accomplish this within the device settings. -
Verify serial numbers
When you want to verify the warranty or theft status, there are sites where you can swiftly input your phone’s IMEI—a fifteen-digit unique identifier—to see if it has been reported as stolen. The acronym IMEI represents International Mobile Equipment Identity. -
Use payment apps
Like using Venmo or selecting PayPal’s Goods & Services option for extra security. Cash is excellent as well since you usually receive a better discount, though you must confirm that the item being purchased is in good shape.
We haven’t yet grasped the complete impact of tariffs on all the technology products we use daily. However, given that new gadgets are becoming pricier against an uncertain economic backdrop, purchasing used items could be a wise move. Whether you opt for a renewed iPad via Amazon or a lightly-used Nintendo Switch through OfferUp, sometimes the cost trumps presentation. As long as global trade disputes continue without easing up, engaging with the secondary market for pre-owned and refurbished electronics isn’t merely reactive—it’s a subtle form of resistance we should all consider supporting.
Initially released on April 23, 2025 at 3:37 p.m. Pacific Time.
