Three Gen Z people on why they’re buying pre-loved tech

Exploring a new frontier of secondhand shopping.

If you were a teenager in the 2000s, you’ll remember the holy grail phones of the era. Before there were only increasingly-expensive iterations of the iPhone (and yes, Android – if you’re one of those people), we coveted the LG Webslider, the Motorola Razr and the all-important Blackberry, to name a few. 

Like a sizeable chunk of contemporary consumer goods, technology is fleeting. The phones we lusted after in the late-2000s are new-age relics, kept in the same corners of the internet as Beanie Babies, Total Girl magazine and pre-relaunch Supré. But nostalgia plays a big part in the trend cycle, and those long-discontinued flip phones, point-and-shoot cameras and GameBoy consoles are now in high demand.

Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.

According to research conducted by Belong in 2022, over 59 per cent of Australians say they would consider buying a refurbished phone. Additionally, people in their twenties are twice as likely to own a refurbished phone – and secondhand tech is suddenly everywhere. Below, three Gen Z people speak on their experiences buying pre-loved technology.

Lester, 22, he/him

Have you purchased secondhand tech? Why/why not?

Yes! It was much cheaper than buying new.

Tell us about your experience. What did you and didn’t you like?

I bought a refurbished phone and the experience was good… as easy as buying it from a retailer. They graded the quality of the devices and had prices that reflected them, which was good.

However, there was still a large variance in the grades. My friend bought a phone of the same grade but ended up with a significantly better phone battery than mine. That’s the nature of the beast though.

What advice do you have for buying secondhand tech?

Go to trusted refurbished stores if you are buying secondhand tech. [It’s] way too easy to get scammed buying from a Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. Get battery health (if possible), device age and place of origin.

There are a bunch of really good secondhand marketplaces out there, so just do some proper research and always choose a trusted supplier.

Evie, 23, she/her

Have you purchased secondhand tech? Why/why not?

I have purchased secondhand technology after looking thoroughly on the internet for the Olympus MJU II point-and-shoot camera. I decided to purchase it secondhand because I wanted this camera specifically and liked that it would be granted a second life.

I had a positive experience, so I will most likely explore other opportunities for the refurbished tech – I would consider pre-loved phones/laptops going forward. It’s a win-win: kind to the planet and economical.

Tell us about your experience. What did you like and what didn’t you like?

All in all, I liked the experience – I purchased the camera off of eBay and was aware of its condition. Browsing online, I liked having the scope as I could compare different cameras that were being sold on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.

In terms of aspects I didn’t like, [one was that] I knew I was taking a slight risk by trusting that the seller had tested the camera recently, however, I went with my gut. My advice for buying secondhand tech online would be to check out your options thoroughly and take your time looking for the right purchase. If anything is unclear, contact the buyer [and] ask additional questions or for more photos.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can compare the price points with any potential wear and tear issues and make your decision! If you’re thinking of buying secondhand tech, I would go for it! My Olympus MJU II is one of the best purchases I’ve made.

Jamie, 22, she/her

Have you purchased secondhand tech? Why/why not?

Yes, I’ve purchased a secondhand typewriter and a film camera. I had to buy these secondhand as they’re old pieces of technology that, over time, have become obsolete. I wanted the real deal. On top of this, all of my phones have been hand-me-downs, and are technically secondhand.

Tell us about your experience. What did you like and what didn’t you like?

I bought the typewriter from a random old lady from Gumtree. She was transparent that there were product faults, but I made the informed decision to go ahead with the purchase, as I knew repairs would be relatively inexpensive.

The film camera was actually a gift! Some of my friends came together and scoured the internet to find the exact camera I wanted. One of my friends helping with the search is a huge camera enthusiast, so she knew what to look for and what to avoid in the secondhand tech market.

In terms of my phones, I’ve never had an issue. My dad gets them from work, so when they upgrade him, I get his old phone. I love it!

What advice do you have for buying secondhand tech?

I would advise you to do your research before making the purchase, in the sense that you want to ensure the website is legit, the seller is legit and the product is in good nick. This could mean requesting images of the product before finalising the deal or even a certificate to show the product works.

If you’re lucky, you might even be able to test the product before buying. I buy heaps of my clothes secondhand and I view tech in the same boat – thrifting tech is becoming really common, which I think is great.

For more on thrifting tech, head here.