Buying used gadgets can be the wisest choice for you. Think about it: why buy new things when you're only going to use the gadget for a few months? Why should you buy a new one if in a few months the price of the used product is already very cheap?

But you have to watch out. Gadgets are items that can be easily modified, altered and resold by “smart” people. So you also have to be smart before buying a used gadget.

* Know What You're Buying

Just knowing you want to buy a laptop, smartphone, or camera is not enough. You should also know what brand of laptop you're after, what camera with lens you want, or what processor you'd expect to have in your smartphone.

If any of the above sounds too technical, ask yourself this question: “Why should I use this gadget?” Is it for work, designing, typing, or just for fun?

* Price Survey

Before knowing the price of a used item, first find out what the new price is. This prevents you from being scammed later.

Out there, there are many outlets that can give you an idea of ​​the fair price of a product. For example, you can go to gsmarena.com, bhinneka.com, tabloidpulsa.co.id, and pcplus.co.id. There are already reviews, specifications and prices for the gadgets you are after. After knowing what the new price will be, now you have the capital to jump into the used gadget market.

* Find a Reputable Seller

In order to avoid the possibility of being disappointed because of bad goods, you must find a seller who has a good reputation among gadget connoisseurs. The careful: don't immediately believe the recommended seller label. Read first the comments and testimonials of previous buyers about this seller. You also have the option to buy at a store that has a physical building such as a computer shop or a shop that specializes in selling used gadgets.

If you want to get a gadget that is still maintained, try visiting the community of gadget lovers/users. For example the photographer community. Almost certainly in every community there are buying and selling activities. The cameras sold there are still in good quality because the previous owner was an expert.

* Meet Directly With Seller

Buying and selling online is indeed more practical and easier. But if you want to get satisfaction, meet directly with the seller.

Good photos of goods are not a guarantee that the object will satisfy you later. When it arrives at your house, it can just make you disappointed. You can be deceived by defective or counterfeit goods. In fact, there are also goods that have been paid for according to the agreement but in the end were not sent.

Even if you are negotiating with a reputable online seller, insist on meeting in person. Make sure you meet during the day and in the open. You'll find it easier to check the gadget in an outdoor cafe than in a nightclub.

* Make sure it's not stolen

This is another advantage if you meet face to face with the seller. It's easier for you to judge whether the person is selling stolen goods, or is forced to let go of their favorite gadget because they really need money.

Stolen goods are usually sold at very low prices. For that, if you find a gadget that is sold cheaply, investigate the reason. If what you are selling is a cell phone, you can ask for the IMEI number of the item and check its validity here.

* Initial Negotiation

Before meeting face-to-face with the seller, first negotiate the price based on the survey you've done before. This initial negotiation can be done via telephone, SMS, or online. Say that later you want to check the gadget thoroughly. If necessary, test the ability of the gadget as well.

If the seller rejects the terms you put forward, there is a possibility that he is just trying to trick you. But if he is willing to show the shortcomings of his gadget, it means he could be honest. The more detail he showed, the better. You will have more information about how much you really deserve to pay. Fine scratches on the gadget probably won't lower the price. However, if there are scratches on the screen or lens, you can ask for a discount.

Also say that this is just a preliminary negotiation — everything is still based on what he shows on the internet. The final decision will only be made after you meet face-to-face and thoroughly examine the two items.

* Checking Used Phones

If you buy a phone, apply the following inspection steps:

• Bring a variety of equipment when you want a ground coffee with the seller: a charger that is compatible with the cellphone (you can borrow it from a friend); laptops; SIM card, microSIM or nanoSIM according to the type of phone; headphones; microSD card (according to the phone)

• Check the phone carefully. Was there any damage? And if so, can it still be fixed? See if there are dents and scratches on both the body and screen. Check all plug sockets — make sure they are not rusted or dirty. If the lens you buy has a camera, make sure there are no scratches on the lens.

• Has the phone ever been submerged in water? You can see with the naked eye if the phone has been submerged/splashed in water. First: look at the battery charging socket. If the copper has corroded to a bluish-green color, the socket may have been exposed to liquid. Cancel the transaction if you find water marks on the battery. How to make sure: remove the battery from its place. Next to the copper battery connector is a small white square of paper. This paper will turn pink or red when exposed to water. In one corner of the inside of the phone there is also this kind of paper. Make sure it's still white. If you buy a unibody phone that doesn't have a removable battery, the watermark is usually where you insert the SIM card. Better, find out the exact position on Google.

• Insert the SIM card that you brought. Make calls, send SMS, and browse. This is the most powerful way to find out if the phone is still working.

• Try the sockets. Use a charger that you bring yourself, use your headphones, and try to connect the USB to the laptop. See if all the sockets are working perfectly. Also insert the memory card that you brought to see if the connector is still good.

* Ask Gadget Equipment

It would be very nice if the seller still kept the device box, manual, spare charger, and all the things he got in his first purchase. But, there are usually these accessories used as an excuse by the seller to maintain the price. So think about it, do you need all those complementary products?

* Is the product still under warranty?

If this is used as an excuse for sellers to sell their goods at high prices, that's only natural. A valid warranty is important — especially for high-mobility gadgets such as cell phones and cameras. But make sure the remaining warranty period is directly proportional to the price offered by the seller. If the product warranty is only 1 month away, isn't it worth it if he asks for a high price?

After everything is in order and you are sure of the gadget you are checking, start negotiating seriously. Mention the shortcomings of the gadget when you want to bargain the price. If the gadget is not guaranteed, or if the equipment is not perfect, that's your chance to ask for a price reduction. But remember: the negotiation remains within reasonable limits.