What does it mean to own a refurbished phone?
A refurbished phone is a used phone that a professional has checked, tested, and fixed so that it works like new. There is a difference between "used" phones that people sell and "refurbished" phones. They go through a long process that usually includes replacing parts, resetting the factory settings, deep cleaning, and checking for quality.
Our refurbished smartphones at Today's Closeout are all A+ grade, come with a 6-month warranty, can be used with any carrier, and have been tested to make sure they always work. When people hear the word "refurbished," they might think of electronics from garage sales, but that's not what they mean.
What to Look for in Refurbished Phones:
- They have been checked and tested by experts.
- Repaired with OEM or high-quality parts
- Cleaned and reset to factory settings
- Rated based on how good it looks (for example, in A+ condition)
- Come with a warranty most of the time
The main things that set refurbished phones apart from new ones
If you know the difference between refurbished and new phones, you can choose the best one for your business.
Refurbished phones are a lot less expensive than new ones, usually by 20% to 60%. They are restored by professionals and come with warranties, like the 6-month standard from Today's Closeout. Refurbished phones with an A+ grade look and work like new, and in everyday use, they are often hard to tell apart from new ones.
On the other hand, new phones come straight from the factory, are not used, and usually come with a full one-year warranty. When customers want the newest version or when procurement rules say that devices must be factory-sealed, they might need them. But launch cycles and availability also limit them.
Another thing to think about is how long things will last. Refurbished phones help the circular economy by making devices last longer, reducing e-waste, and lowering carbon footprints. This is why many businesses that care about the environment choose them.
From a supply point of view, there is always a steady stock of refurbished phones ready to be shipped. When there aren't enough chips or a new model comes out, new phones often have problems.
The refurbished phones from Today's Closeout are more reliable than new phones, with an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) rate of only 0.1%, which is better than the 1–2% average for new phones.
Why It's a Good Idea to Buy Used Phones
1. Buying things makes resellers more money.
When you buy refurbished items, you can lower your COGS and have more room to raise your prices. Today's Closeout's wholesale prices let resellers beat their competitors' prices on top models like the iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy S22, and Pixel 7.
2. Business buyers have less risk
Refurbished units lower the initial costs for IT departments or telecom buyers who buy a lot of devices at once. This lets them buy more devices without going over budget, and it lowers the risk in the long run because they come with a warranty and quality assurance.
3. MVNOs can count on their inventory
MVNOs have to deal with changing demand and tough competition. Refurbished devices keep a steady supply of popular models in stock, which keeps activation cycles short and churn low.
4. Faster Inventory Velocity
It can be hard to find or wait for new flagship phones, but refurbished ones let you get them right away. Velocity is important because if devices don't sell, you lose money.
When is it time to get a new phone?
There are times when new phones are better than refurbished ones, even though refurbished phones have a lot of benefits.
- Exclusive Launches: If your market needs the newest release right away.
- Corporate Environments: Where policy or rules say that procurement needs "new."
- Niche Customization Needs: If you need brand-new hardware for custom software or firmware.
In most cases, refurbished is the best choice, especially when price is a concern or sales are high.
How Today's Closeout Sets the Standard for Refurbished Goods
Not all refurbished phones are the same. Our standards at Today's Closeout are just as high as those of OEM:
- A+: No cracks, deep scratches, or problems with performance.
- You don't have to pay extra for the 6-month warranty that comes with every device.
- Ultra-Low 0.1% RMA Rate: This is because of strict quality checks.
- Quick shipping: Items leave U.S. warehouses quickly.
- Available at All Times: You won't have to worry about running out of things.
We have built trust with clients from top-tier MVNOs to global IT departments by putting the customer first and giving them accurate, high-quality service.
Refurbished vs. New Phones: Questions and Answers
- What is the best Android phone to sell to MVNOs?
- The Samsung Galaxy A-series and Pixel models, such as the Pixel 6a, are great for prepaid bundles because they are cheap and easy to sell.
- When you sell it, which model is worth the most?
- There is a lot of demand for unlocked iPhones, especially the iPhone 12 and 13 series. They also keep their value well when sold again.
- Are there no locks on these phones?
- Yes, all of Today's Closeout's phones are unlocked and can be used with any network that works with them.
- What kind of guarantee do you get?
- All devices come with a standard 6-month warranty that covers both defects and how well they work.
- Can you mix models in a big order?
- Definitely yes. We allow flexible orders for a lot of different models, grades, and manufacturers. This is great for resellers and IT deployments.
- How can I be sure that the refurbished phone works just like a new one?
- All devices go through strict functionality testing, data wiping, and component diagnostics to make sure they work like new.
- Is refurbished good for work?
- Yes, a lot of IT departments buy refurbished equipment to save money, keep track of the life cycle of their equipment, and meet their goals for sustainable procurement.
Glossary
- Refurbished: A used phone that has been checked, tested, and fixed so that it looks and works like new.
- A+ Grade: A standard for grading cosmetics that means the item has little to no visible wear and works perfectly.
- MVNO: "Mobile Virtual Network Operator." These companies sell wireless services under their own name, but they usually use the infrastructure of a big carrier.
- RMA Rate: Return of Goods. The authorization rate is the number of items that were sold and then returned because they were broken. Lower is better.
Key Point
When comparing refurbished and new phones, the one that looks better isn't always the best one. It's a better use of money.
For resellers, IT leads, and MVNOs, buying refurbished means getting more value, selling things faster, and meeting customer demand—all while keeping margins safe. You can trust the refurbished phones that Today's Closeout sells because they have an A+ grade quality, come with warranties, and have almost no flaws.
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