Budget Friendly Ways To Get The Latest Tech
Everybody wants the latest tech. Whether it’s a brand-new phone, TV, laptop, wireless earbuds or even a fancy Wi-Fi enabled coffee machine (that literally nobody needs). But this incredible technology comes at a cost –a big fat price tag. And unless you’re a millionaire, it’s simply not possible to get your hands on every top range device that’s only just been released. Luckily for you, there are a few ways to pick up good quality gadgets, for a lot less.
Research, research, research
So you’ve seen a shiny new bit of kit you want. It’s tempting to go right ahead and buy it, especially if you’ve been enticed by an early bird or limited time offer. However, it really pays to do your research. Scout out competitors, compare against other models or try different sellers to see if that really is the best option or best price online. Choose a company with a best price guarantee which means they’ll match any price you see elsewhere.
When we’re excited, it’s easy to ignore the small print. But if the tech arrives and it’s not what it’s cracked up to be, what’s the refund policy? How do they handle technical issues? Read lots of reviews. If red flags keep popping up like complaints or common issues, then it might be a good idea to hold off until these are resolved.
Check the specs
The tech giants that we all know and love have huge marketing budgets. That means they hire the best people to create incredible advertisements and campaigns that suck us right in. But remember, a beautifully put together commercial might not reflect the product. Is the item better than the previous version? Is it really better than a more affordable alternative?
When you look at the specs, you might realise it has loads of features you won’t ever use. Sure, four cameras sounds amazing but if you don’t take loads of photos, you won’t notice the benefit. Plus, if you do realise an older model fits your needs, it’ll be a lot cheaper now it has a flashy younger sibling on the market.
Be wary of extras
Once you’ve decided what gadget to buy, you’re usually hit with a bunch of add-ons. Accessories like cases, chargers, memory cards or discounts on software. This is an easy way for companies to upsell, encouraging every customer to spend a little more each time.
The simple rule is don’t buy anything you don’t need and can’t afford. It’s also a lot cheaper to get hold of these items elsewhere. Just a quick search online and you’ll find funkier cases for less or off-brand charger cables that restore your tech’s battery just as quickly.
Try rental
Did you know that most gadgets can be rented? This is different to a finance contract or part payment deal. When you rent tech, you’ll never own it. This might sound bad but if it breaks, you won’t be hit with a big bill as the company has to fix it for you. Plus if you want to swap for something different, you’re not tied in either.
This includes pay month TVs, phones, tablets and even household appliances like fridges, freezers or washing machines. All you have to do is apply online and companies will check you’re eligible – it can even work with bad credit. If you get the all-clear, just pick the tech you want, choose when to pay and they’ll usually deliver for free.
Buy refurbished or used
The terms second hand or used can be off-putting. We instantly get visions of smashed, chipped or clunky technology that’s on its last legs. But that really isn’t the case. Today, items are refurbished to such a good standard that you wouldn’t even realise it wasn’t straight off a production line.
The best part? These items come without that hefty price point. When you search for used gadgets, you’ll see that they rank the quality – so you can choose whether you want something that’s almost perfect or a bit rougher round the edges (which is ideal for a short-term fix). Only buy from trusted sellers, with good reviews and keep an eye out for counterfeits.
Sell or swap your old tech
When we upgrade our phone, we often keep the previous model as a ‘spare’. We think it might come in handy, but often, it never does. Instead, it sits in that weird drawer at home, which every family has, doing nothing. This sad technology graveyard could actually offer an easy way to drum up some extra cash for your next purchase.
You can swap or sell pretty much anything – iPods, laptops, smart watches and more. If you use the right sites or trade in with your mobile network provider, they’ll give you credit towards your future tech must-haves.