– The time has come. I’m coming clean. I’ve had the S7 for two years now. And being someone that films the latest and greatest tech everyday, it’s gotten me wanting a new phone. The thing is, I don’t wanna spend $1,000 and I don’t necessarily need something that came out yesterday. So I’m gonna show you how
to buy a good, used phone. (light music) Okay, I’m buying an S9+. Now, I am not here to
tell you what phone to buy and I’m sure you’ll
sound off in the comments about your favorite devices
and what you would buy, but what I am here to do is to tell you the best buying practices
for a used device. The safest and most reliable ways. Before we get to any of that, though. You have to remember that
phones come out in cycles and there are better and worst
times to buy certain devices. So I hit up Chris Welch, a
reporter here at The Verge, and I was like, Chris, is it
a good time to buy an S9+? – [Chris] So there are pretty
clear timelines for when it’s a good idea or bad
idea to buy a phone. New iPhones come out every September so you really shouldn’t buy
one if it’s July or August. Samsung puts out the Galaxy
S at the start of each year, March or April. Then the Note follows
that up in the summer. Google does Pixel updates in October. In general, Apple and Samsung
both change their designs every two years. Then in between, there’s a more powerful
version of the same phone with better specs, nicer
camera, stuff like that. That’s what we call the S year. So the question comes down to: do you want the new
flashy design right away? Or can you wait one year
for the more powerful, more refined version of that same phone. Now Google is a bit different because the Pixel generally hasn’t
used the same design more than once. But maybe you’d be totally
happy with last year’s phone. You don’t need a neural
engine to browse Instagram, or a Snapdragon 845 to play Spotify. So in your case, you’d be totally safe to
buy the S9+ right now. And since it’s less than a year old, buying it used will save you at least $100 and still get you a great phone. – Okay, so we are in luck. It is a good time to buy a used S9+. But, where do you start? I mean there’s a million
different options. Personally, I always look at
eBay and Craigslist first. Craigslist can be a little
bit of a slippery slope. If a phone is stolen and
then you go to turn it on and the serial number’s flagged as stolen, you’ll be out the phone and the cash. And you’ll have no
connection to the seller. So for this video, I’m
gonna skip it entirely. But let’s have a look at eBay. eBay has a ton of listings and I went onto Samsung’s website to see what a brand new S9+ would be, it was around $840. So I’m gonna try to beat that. Now, for my sake, I’m
going to search by Verizon because that’s my carrier. There are unlocked devices, but you’ll have to do research on your own to figure out if they’ll
work on your network. I’ve looked through a bunch of listings and I found this one. This is the most promising. It’s a Samsung Galaxy
S9+, 64 gigs, for $549. For me this looks nice because
the photos are very clear, I can tell that there’s no
scratches on the device. Wow, they have a lot of five star reviews. 760 positive reviews
and only six negative. When a seller has a lot of
positive feedback like this, it’s usually a pretty good sign that they’re safe to buy from. Also when searching I’ve noticed a lot of stock photos used for
the photo of the phones, this is something you
wanna stay away from. It’s really important to see
your device in the photos and maybe that means
reaching out to the seller and asking for a photo
of a specific thing. Just to be sure that’s the
device and that he has it. So $549 on eBay. That’s pretty good but if
you know anything about me, you know I’m all about the deal. So I’m gonna keep shopping. There’s this website called
swappa.com that I really like. You’re still buying person-to-person so there is a level of risk, but there’s a lot more safeguards in place to ensure that you’re getting the device that you’re actually looking at. There’s a few listings
for the S9+ on here. They range from about 500 to $800. That mostly has to do with the storage but I’m looking for the 64 gigabyte model so it’s not a huge problem for me. I’ll be at the lower end. Okay so this one looks
pretty good, it’s $514. If you look at the photos you’ll notice that there’s a code in there. That’s one of the
safeguards that Swappa has. It basically is the code for the sell. So the phone that you’re
seeing in the photo, is the phone for that listing. I’m gonna scroll down, I’m gonna read some of the comments next. Maybe I’ll go in and I’ll
see who the seller is, if he sold things here before. Kind of all the same steps as eBay. Okay so this looks pretty good and another safeguard is that
Swappa doesn’t allow the sell of broken or unusable devices. Now since you are buying used, it doesn’t come with a warranty. So say down the line something
happens to your phone or it glitches out. You’re on your own to get it repaired. If you wanna little bit
more reassurance when buying a used phone, you might wanna look
at refurbished models. They come with a guarantee. So if there’s a defect down the road, they’ll replace the device for you. You can buy refurbs from
a few different places, including the manufacturer
and your carrier. But there’s also sites
like Gazelle or Best Buy. They often have cheaper prices on these. All right, Best Buy’s
website is a little confusing in trying to find refurbs, but if you scroll all the way down to the bottom where it
says buying options, that’s where you’ll see them. Now you can open-box online,
it’s a little more expensive, or if you got into the store,
they have cheaper options. But it’s probably because they want you to actually look at it and know what you’re getting
before you leave the store. So gazelle.com has
certified pre-owns as well, here’s an S9+, 64 gig,
through Verizon for $639. That’s cheaper than Best Buy, but it’s still not as cheap
as Swappa or eBay was. So buying a refurbished device
is definitely the safest way to buy a used devices. But, for me, I’d rather
have the cheaper price and take the risk. So Swappa is the most appealing to me. The price was the lowest
and although it doesn’t come with a guarantee, the seller
seems like he’s sold things on here before and he
has really good reviews. And I feel good about it. So I’m gonna go with Swappa for this one. And I’m gonna waive that whole guarantee so if something goes
wrong, I guess it’s on me. But what I will use Gazelle
for is selling my old phone. It’s not in great condition, but I definitely want it recycled properly and I no longer need. So you can go on their
website, enter some info, if it has scratches,
if it turns on at all, and then they’ll offer you a price. They’re gonna give me
10 bucks for this thing and free shipping, so I guess
that means lunch on Gazelle? (soft music) All right, so sound off in the
comments of your favorite way to buy and sell devices. And who’s got the oldest phone out there? Anyone got me beat? Also, like and subscribe. We’ll see you next time.
100 Comments
The Verge
Is your phone older than mine? – Becca
Joshua Solanke
verge you now wath will be cool giving me a new phone from choice
Sure Thing
Best video I've seen about how to save money on these over priced cellphones 👍😜
Jesse dominguez
im getting the htc droids by eris again soon due to memories of it being my first smartphone
Macdonald Temu
I got you one better wait 3 or 5 years then buy s9 plus
TheSaurabh2294
Go buy pocophone
Tami Helms
I'm with everyone else, you sounded sensible until you state your selling your s7 for 10,, it can easily sell for 150
Pasindu Gunawardana
Verge doesn't pay her enough
Pasindu Gunawardana
You could get a pixel 3xl for 599 from the official site. Or 499 for a regular one
Jon Fjeld
Yo, No Guarantee needed, Pay your phone bill with a wells fargo credit card and they give FREE phone insurance! I dropped my phone in water on accident… I got $600 bucks from them to buy a new phone.
Mama
I am watching this on s7
Towkir Ahmed Shawon
1st I thought u r kinda smart than I changed my mind.. Search how to sell old phone at better price.
2017Subaru cross treck
I'm going to do this in 3 year's when my Google pixel 2 xl finally dies phones are definitely not worth $1,200 when brand new. Just can't afford another new phone. But just when you buy a new car they depreciate in value real fast.
GohanDoesYoutube
I came to this video because I wanted to know where was the best place to buy an S9+ so it was perfect, and now that I know the Swappa website, I found the perfect match for me, so thank you for the video, very informative. Good work!!!
Charlston Requiez
My mom got her Samsung Galaxy S7 for like 4 years now without factory reseting since day 1 and feels like you bought it yesterday. And i have my Blackberry Bold 9780 for 5 years now.
Jeffrey Moy
I'm still using a Galaxy S4 but I'm finding that apps I use aren't supporting it anymore or finding that apps I want aren't compatible with the S4. So, time to upgrade and deciding if I want something new or semi new. S7 would be fine for me and I save a bunch.
Harish v
Ur looking and ur speching super
James Ipad
I just went to the facebook market. Meet the person u are buying from test everything out with them. I got my iPhone 8 Plus this way. Talked the person down a 100 dollars and was able to get an almost brand new phone for an awesome price.
E FUENTES
note4 i win
Rohit Roniya
Hey
m m
What about buying on Mercari
Kinda ironic Mp.3
God your screen protector
Kinda ironic Mp.3
God your screen protector
Ackmel Proton
Thé best way 😂😂😂for parts not working
Lakshit Dagar
$10?
melanie
Offer up is good too
Deva. j
I like to buy iPhone 7 plus is that a good option
Deva. j
Please tell me
Slippschitts Hey
This dude got ripped off.
Tamim Syed
now I know why companies like Gazelle make so much money LOL 😅
Xavier Scott
iPhone 8
Clorox Bleach
Hahahahahaa I have the iPhone 5s….
Jola.titanipoci jola.titani
I got iPhone 4😪
(Beat ya😉)
Rowland Owen
😂I have a small bag where I keep my old Samsung phones. Because trying to sell them makes me regret and remember how much I spent on them.
Lol. 10$ for s7.
What will my collection cost.
“S duos… s4…. note4…. galaxy gear neo 2.” I guess a total retail price of 20$🤦♂️.
isaaq long
this is basic advise for slow people
matome kgatle
enjoyed your video. your cool
Adam Hoch
Why am I subscribed to the verge
Juan Pablo
My dad buy an s9 plus for 450 in colombia
RG - 08HJ - Williams Parkway Sr PS (1424)
1,000th Comment yay 😀😀😀
Jimmy Henderson
I have you beat, Samsung s5
Skill Sport
Jezzz I thought u r a boy
Jamie F
I have the Samsung 5s mini
Sheldon Burrowes
Thank you so much
IQ_SLUSHIE fn
Man I really want a phone but my parents wont stop saying it's a wast of money
jd m
Got a new unlocked samsung S8 $188.99 walmart new not used
i Osama
Hey Becca we need more videos.
Blazefacts
Just buy a op6t
Troy Cruz
I’d definitely stay off Craigslist for buying phones because as soon as someone sells you the phone they can call their carrier and tell them there phone is lost/stolen and then the phone you bought is blacklisted!! This happened to a friend of mine who payed $150 for a phone
iMourad
If your not in America don't use Swappa, they don't sell internationally they only sell where the person ships it and they mostly always ship it in america
dpcdpc11
I think it depends on how long you plan to use the phone. If you go for the long run like 4-5 years, then I would recommend a new phone or a used one with easy battery replacement because the battery will be the first to degrade. I'm still using a Note 4 with a 3rd battery replacement which works even better than the original one. And with LineageOS 16 everything works nice and smooth. I'm still looking for a good reason to replace this phone but can't find a compelling one, for my usage at least 🙂
Jonathan Hernandez
Im starting an e-commerce from USA directly into Mexico, eventually creating an app dedicated for people that want to buy staright from USA. Higher profit! Why? I own an exportation company, so i deliver anywhere in mexico! Phones are a GOLD mine. If theres anyone who would like to partner up lmk 🙂 God bless
Mr.Supreme Unknown
Samsung s9+ is what I want
no name
Is gazelle reliable had anyone brought from the cite?
Gaming W/ Nicko
I still haven’t got a phone yet and I’m 15
Niko Bai
mi note 7 prics 7000
Werevertumoto
I was expecting to learn how to be sure you are not buying a stolen phone
Afro Sage
My phone is 3yrs strong and completely reliable.
Letian Wang
i has the earliest model of the iphone 5
Nelly Gold
Can I buy from u
Espionage Gaming
Lol bought a fully working s9 for 300 bucks with no damage at all
Jean Elysée
S7: Am I a joke to you?
Vincent Mutasa
What if you are looking for a used smartwatch? Are there any other great applications that I can use?
Aadit Bontha
Used essential phone
Jonathan Bartley
*Gamestop has entered the chat.
Ka’lon Exxtra
thanks for the info i really needed this
Portal Panda
“And if you know me I’m all about s good deal” (proceeds to trade current iPhone for lunch) LOL!
Base wireless Dubai airport freezone Dubai
We have used phones 📱
gr8bkset -
I bought a used LG V30+ 18 months after it came out on eBay for $125. Started condition was 9/10, with "screen blotch", but I couldn't see it or tell difference from brand new. It didn't come with a warranty, but was worth the risk because the reseller allowed 30 days return. I'll never go back to buying new and will only buy used flagship phones from now on. I gave my old Honor 5X to my sister to use as her first smartphone.
ابراهيم محمد
. I like it.
We need more video!
Ak47
talk refirbished phones
Liad Sagi
Useful video
TechShock
Just got a pre owned iPhone 7 plus 256gb model. It was either that or a base model iPhone 8. From Best buy
Anna Ivanco
it's awesome!!!
thanks
and always need to check the iphone before buying, its can be lost or stolen
i currently check here UNLOCKBRO COM
AbdulAhad
Well, I got a grand prime.
Savion Lee Washington
Could I please have an s9?
lol
$10?! lmaoooooooooooooooo
Carlos Ribeiro
I have the S10 plus here
dan dandan
10 dollar for s7, 'how NOT to sell your phone' would have been a more apt title for this video.
Swoosh Playz 1⃣
iPhone is the best
asdf qwedq
LETGO!!
Zhonguoria
I purchased an $800 MSRP phone for $200. I chose a USED phone that was 3 years old in mint condition on Ebay. USED is cheaper than NEW. "Mint" can be subjective – depending on seller honesty, so I bought a 2 year warranty for $40 (20%). 3 year old phone usually means it is almost fully depreciated. If anything goes wrong in 2 years, I recover my $200. If it breaks in year 2, cost of ownership is $20/year. If it breaks immediately, loss is $40. I look at # of reviews, and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ranking.
David Bishwas
You grl?
Sea Spider
HTC One m9 4 year old phone
Complex
Apple gang
Sergio Martinez
4:36 that sounded mean😢
cheloufi khalil
I am very impressed with your channel
Antonio L Almeida
iphone 5, and has survived a housing swap ,3 waterdrops with a board repair using rubbing alc. and 5 screen repairs plus 7 yeras of hard use.
Stillllllll rockin!!!!
LiliMarco1
is he or she?
Let’s go Already
There’s no proof she actually sent that phone to Gazelle lol who would sell a phone like that for $10??
Devendra kushwaha
Is it available in India?
Ziich
Why not sell it on swappa as well
Matthew Weyers
I'm busy looking for a s9 plus as well
cat intensifies
Nexus 5 here
MrKeys57
But you usually dont get any warranty buying from private,- i would choose the refurbished one, greets Levi
Making Tech Friendly
Go ahead and name me the "Million Different Options". Go ahead. GO AHEAD
Mark Y
Good lord this is bad lol. Save $100.00 on a flagship phone; just buy it new. It's not worth the savings to buy used.
Mark Y
Wrong refurbished means it was broken and repaired by who knows?? Buy used or new.
Victor Torres
I was holding on to the S5 for up until Galaxy A50 release
phildev
yeah wow a gazelle add? IMO buying a used overpriced smartphone is a bad idea, but basically gifting your old phone to some company? WHAT? just wipe your old phone and list it onto ebay with detailed desciption and pictures and you will still get money for it. and for buying a new phone.. just by one of the latest and greatest xiaomi .. for way less than half of the prices you suggested for getting a "used" one.. just lol.. common sense out of the window. not to mention the probably undisclosed affiliation with gazelle? really .. verge = boutique advertisment..
ItsMickeyPbaby
Can you please link the instrumental at 4:00 plz?