5 Tips For Buying Pre-owned Laptops and Computers for New Bloggers

Anyone can experience a computer freeze when they are working on their laptop or writing a blog article. The problem persists despite a reboot and a virus scan. After a few more attempts to save it, it still fails to turn on or load. Therefore, it is time to start looking for a new laptop online.

The marketplace is full of cheap and easily accessible laptops, but if you are a student or if you are living on a limited budget, it can be difficult to afford them. Luckily, you can now get refurbished laptops online for lower prices. They are also referred to as pre-owned laptops and are a great way to get a machine that is ready for daily use without having to pay excessive prices.






Buying technology requires care, just like most other kinds of purchases. Many people online will list a laptop as refurbished. In some cases, it may not work after it arrives, indicating that you have been scammed. This is not only a waste of time but also a waste of money!

Tips For Buying A Refurbished Or Used Laptop for Bloggers 

When shopping for a second-hand laptop, how can you ensure that you won't be scammed?

Here are some top tips for you to follow.

1. Check the Seller

A blogger needs a basic laptop to write articles. In addition, when you are planning to freelance, you will want to make sure you purchase the laptop from the most reliable sources. Let's suppose you are looking for Lenovo 12 inch laptops. Possibly, you discovered one on eBay or Amazon. It is affordable. It is listed as refurbished. How do you check online that it is going to work?

Look at the seller’s reviews. You might think it is obvious, yet most people overlook it. Check for a history of good sales, as well as a log timeline of making them. You will want to buy your laptop from someone who has specialized in refurbishing them. On websites such as eBay, the seller has a feedback section.

What is the overall feedback of their comments?

How are they rated?

It is recommended that you purchase second-hand laptops or items with a rating above 98% from buyers.

If you are purchasing the laptop from a store, ensure the proprietor turns it on and runs it for you. If they refuse, you should walk away because this indicates that they are scammers or that you have a laptop that turns on and then crashes. Not exactly a great deal!

In short, be sure to buy any second-hand goods from a reputable source. Avoid places such as Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree when possible.

2. Collect Face to Face

This follows from the previous point. It is all well and good to buy a laptop online, but how can you ensure that it will not be damaged in transit? 

How can you be sure that it will be adequately protected?
In short, you can't. So, always try to collect it in person. If you live near a pawn shop, be sure to inspect the machine before putting your money down.

You can also search for cheaper laptops online. Then, adapt your eBay search for “listings closest to me” so that you can purchase the machine online and then pick it up in person.

3. Check the Hardware and Software

So, you have found the ideal machine for you. It turns on and it seems to work. Now, for a more thorough test:

Are there any signs of external damage to the machine that could be problematic? Scratches are common with second-hand laptops, but try not to be too picky.

• Do all the ports work?
• Does the battery charge when it is connected? Poor battery life is the main issue that many people experience with laptops, so be sure to check it.
• Does the webcam work?
• Does the laptop connect to the internet?

It may feel a bit awkward running these checks but remember, you want a machine that works. Any seller who is being honest will be happy for you to do so, and if you do find any problems then walk away.

If you are buying online, ask for a video inspection of the machine. Ask the seller to show it being turned on, charging, etc. You can even use an app such as WhatsApp to have a live screening.

4. Price check

For a new blogger, it is not necessary to buy a high-end laptop with multiple features. Rather than a high-end PC, choose a cheap laptop that's more suitable for beginners. This has already been mentioned, but when it comes to buying second hand, the assumption is that it will be cheaper. This is not always the case, as it can cost a lot of money to refurbish an older machine, and even more so if it has had a lot of updates.

Before paying for a refurbished machine, the price matches it against new models. Many online stores have regular laptop sales, and in some instances, it may be cheaper to purchase a new model which will not have as many potential issues as a refurbished one. Just be sure that any first-hand model you buy comes from a reputable store.

5. Is it Too Good to be True?

When buying anything, if it seems too good to be true, it likely is. It can be tempting to pay minimum prices for a top-of-the-range machine, but a low price is indicative of two issues: it is either stolen or it is not as good as the seller says it is.

Therefore, before buying a second-hand laptop, do some research. For the machine you want, what are the average prices? Make the comparisons and choose the right one for you.

Final Thoughts

It is greener and more affordable to buy most items second hand, even with a refurbished laptop. It just makes more sense, since more new bloggers want to be more economical.

Nevertheless, you should remember that scammers exist everywhere. They do not care if you have a looming essay or a presentation for work. They just want your money for a shoddy machine. As computers are a key area where people are swindled, it is important to keep your wits about you. Ask as many questions as you can and never forget to ask the key one. Why is the seller selling the laptop?

Have you ever bought a second-hand computer without issue? Or do you have a horror story relating to a second-hand laptop? Were there red flags you overlooked? Let us know in the comments below.