I’m Never Buying Anything Brand New Again
If you value value then you’ll value the value you get from this
Do you have money to burn?
Do you not like saving money?
Do you like flushing it down the loo?
Yes.
Then you are one crazy dude. You’re as mad as mad Maddie McMad from the madhouse. As bananas as a barmy bat. As flaky as a flighty fool.
Some people think this is too risky.
They prefer buying their goods brand new. Their purchases come in nice packaging with a healthy warranty. Guarantees give peace of mind.
But more and more people are prepared to venture into a bold new world, where there are some significant savings to be made. Those audacious people are keeping more of their cash in their pockets.
These aren’t scratched discarded items you might find in a charity shop. These are surprising ways to save money and they come with more protections than you think.
Those who are prepared to take the chance are cleaning up, even on items they were going to purchase no matter what.
Cashback Sites
There is BeFrugal in the USA and Quidco in the UK.
If you want to make an online purchase or sign up for a finance product, click through a cashback site rather than going direct. You can save more than £100 on some mobile and broadband contracts, and those perfume purchases for Christmas presents could pop a few quid back into your account.
My car insurance renewal increased from £150 to £194 this year. I did a quick search on Quidco and was quoted £174 for the same cover. The beauty is, I get a further £44 returned to me in six months. Quidco saved me one-third.
There are other cashback sites on the go and you may get better discounts if you shop around.
Don’t build up the cash, take it out as soon as it arrives in your account.
Electronics
There is a new generation of second-hand electronic retailers who are fastidious about their expert checks, and crucially they provide a one-year warranty on all products.
When people return electronic goods to Amazon, for whatever reason, they have the item professionally inspected and rigorously tested before selling it at a discounted price via Amazon Renewed.
Try it out. A CANON PowerShot G7 camera selling in Currys for £699 is available on Amazon Renewed at £519. Who cares if the box has been opened and resealed if you are saving £180?
You can get deep discounts at BackMarket. They sell like-new devices at bargain prices. They don’t do the refurbishment themselves. All their stock is checked and refurbished by approved experts.
They are a marketplace offering free delivery, one year warranty and they ensure everyone who sells with them has passed their quality checks
They operate a grading system that considers the cosmetic appearance and technical condition of any given device. They guarantee every device on their site is 100% functional.
I like this idea. In today’s throwaway society it makes sense to re-use what we can and all the better if we save money in the process.
Direct to Manufacturers
The big manufacturers are getting in on the act.
Apple Refurbished offers refurbished devices with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed). All products are thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
Refurbished iOS devices come with a new battery and outer shell. And every device comes with all accessories, cables, and operating systems.
Samsung does a similar thing with their Re-Newed Smartphones all repackaged and sent out in a brand-new box.
You can find laptops, desktops, workstations, and monitors at Dell Refurbished. Discounts vary across the range but there is a typical £200 saving. Better in your pocket than adding to someone else’s coffers.
Even Dyson does it. Don’t tell me you are too proud to vacuum with a refurbished product. Suck it up and save some money.
Prefer to Buy Brand New
You mean you don’t want to save £350 on an apple watch? You are happy to work extra long to own something nobody else has touched?
Yes.
Then you are as unhinged as this broken door.
So don’t be a nutty professor. You’d be a nutcase to spend extra on a new nutcracker — get a refurbished one.
Hey, if you are not satisfied. Send it back.
Ahem — there’s more by Malky here. Get an email when Malky publishes. Read and learn, write and earn by joining here. And remember — nobody really cares if you blow your wages.
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