Gadgets and electronics take a significant chunk out of our budget. Needless to say, buying new technology isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when we want to save money. But what if you can save money and still buy the gadget you need? Is that even possible?
In this article, we’re going to show you the different ways on how to save money on gadgets.
Buy second hand gadgets
If you want a new piece of tech that doesn’t fit your budget, and you don’t want to max out your credit card to buy it, what else is there to do?
Well, you could always find a secondhand piece. Used gadgets come with huge discounts that you can better afford, and previous owners might throw in useful freebies like games and extra accessories.
However, buying old gadgets has its downsides. You won’t always know if there are underlying issues with the tech you’re buying, so you would need to be extra careful when choosing a seller.
Do your research
A responsible techie always does their research before buying a new gadget. Before you go to the actual store, scour the Internet for reviews and recommendations. Then, narrow it done to your top choices and compare them until you’ve reached your final decision.
In this way, you can set your budget beforehand rather than deciding to buy right then and there at the store, where people usually spend more than they had planned.
Check out previous-generation gadgets
If you don’t want to buy second hand gadgets, you can still get your desired tech for cheap-but in brand new condition!
Companies like Apple Inc. released a brand new model of the iPhone every year. A drop in prices always follows a new release for previous generations. If you want a brand new gadget for a lower price (and if you’re okay with not having the latest versions) opt for previous generations.
Sell your old gadgets
A good way to save money on new gadgets is to put your old ones up for sale. If your devices are still in good shape, you can still get reasonable prices on them. And that is why taking care of your gadgets and electronics is critical. Let’s expound on that next:
Take care of your devices
Taking good care of your gadgets is the only way to keep them in the best condition. In this way, they can have better resale value when you decide to sell them. More importantly, keeping your gadgets in excellent condition means that their lifespan is extended, meaning that you won’t have to replace them sooner than you should. Getting quality gadgets is also an important item to take note of, check out the best record player reviews at KaraokeBananza.com
Here are a few tips to care for frequently used items:
- Computers and laptops. Invest in a good antivirus, clean your computer regularly, and do regular checkups to see if any parts need repair or replacing.
- Headphones and earphones. Wipe your headphones once in a while to remove dirt and debris. Make sure that you don’t leave the cords tangled, too. For earphones, use a cord protector and a case to keep them safe.
- CDs and DVDs. Discs are susceptible to scratching and breaking, which is why you always need to store them in their proper cases and handle them with care.
- Cameras. Use them for their intended capacity only (i.e. don’t use regular cameras as action cams) and clean the lenses regularly.
- Cellphones and tablets. Protect your phone and tablet with screen protectors and hard cases.
- Vintage gadgets. Turntables, old cameras, and radios should be kept in a safe place when not in use. If they are on the brink of total breakage, consider having them restored by a professional restorer.
Wait for sales and discounts
You may score a better discount for gadgets and electronics if you wait for the right time to buy it. Depending on the device, prices may be better at a particular time compared to the rest of the year. Check price tracking tools to see which places have the best deals. If you can wait until Christmas season or Black Friday, you may be able to score lower prices, too.
Stop getting upgrades that you don’t need
Being obsessed with getting the latest upgrades can bury you in a financial hole, and many of us have this problem.
Think of upgrading like this: if your current gadget is no longer working, that’s the time to upgrade-not when the company releases a new version of practically the same product.
To really save money on gadgets, stop upgrading if you don’t need it. But if you think enough time has passed by since your last upgrade, make sure you have enough means to cover it.
Know when to repair and when to replace
If a gadget breaks, take it to a repair shop to see if you can still salvage it. Better yet, try troubleshooting at home first to see if you can fix the problem. Hold off buying a replacement until you’re sure that the thing is totally bricked.
Don’t splurge on accessories and additional parts
Gadgets typically require additional parts or accessories, such as memory cards, cables, batteries, etc. Don’t buy the expensive ones. Expensive does not equal to quality. As much as you can, stick to the mid-range brands; they function just as well as the high-end ones do.
Search for refurbished electronics
Refurbished electronics are those that have been restored to brand new condition. These refurbished gadgets are priced much lower than their brand new counterparts, so they are good options for people looking to buy a bargain. Before you buy one, though, make sure you ask the store what has been done to the item so you know if it’s worth the price.
Conclusion
Buying new gadgets doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking endeavor every time. With these helpful tips, you can get your desired tech without going broke for it.
What gadget are you planning to buy next? Tell us in the comments below.
