With technology advancing at a rapid pace, especially in the smartphone industry, keeping up with the annual upgrades is becoming harder and harder. This leaves a massive market for the refurbished phone industry. Statistics show that the popularity of buying a phone through the refurbished market is growing. This rise is due to shoppers becoming more cost-conscious and seeking more sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions. 

However, refurbished phones are more than just pre-owned devices. They’re also more than cutting down costs and sustainability. Behind every refurbished phone is a long journey that starts when the old owner decides to recycle their device and ends when it gets packaged and shipped off for a new life.

This article explores the journey of refurbished phones from start to finish. It also details the refurbishment process, from the arrival to repairs and repackaging it for sale. So, if you’re interested in a refurbished device, you can shop fully informed and find a reputable retailer.

Arrival & Assessment

The journey of every refurbished smartphone begins with the arrival of the used unit at a refurbishment facility. Preowned phones can be obtained through various means, including:

• Trade-in/up programs

• Individuals selling their old device

• Carrier returns

• Donations

In rare cases, the device undergoing refurbishment may be new, ex-demo stock. An ex-demo model refers to a smartphone that was never used but was taken out of its original packaging and used for display purposes.

After the phone arrives at the facility, it is assessed by a qualified professional. This is usually a technician who examines the phone, evaluating the overall condition. This would include taking note of any cosmetic damages that would need repairing, like dents or major scratches. In the assessment, they would also conduct rigorous testing on the phone to ensure it is fully functional. This also includes putting it through heavy load testing to ensure the processors work like new when running intensive apps and 3D games.  

If there are any issues, like overheating or connectivity issues, this is noted so they can remove the faulty components when they disassemble the phone.

Selling and trading in old phones

Without people trading in or selling their old phones, there would be no refurbishment process. The second-hand phone market is lucrative, growing year-on-year. In particular, estimates show that the refurbished smartphone market will reach USD 187.86 billion by 2032.

Not only is selling your old phone a great way to make some extra cash, but it’s also environmentally friendly and contributes to a circular economy. This means supporting sustainable business practices, reducing electronic waste, and participating in reusing, recycling, and reducing. 

If you’re interested in selling or trading in your old phone to be refurbished, there are a few methods. Below, we’ve outlined the different channels you can go through to recycle your device and extend its life.

• Through the official manufacturer. Many mobile phone manufacturers offer recycling programs where they collect old phones. Similarly, many also offer trade-in/up programs, where they provide credit to put towards a new device and sell the old one refurbished.

• Through your mobile carrier. Some carriers, like Optus and Telstra, collect old phones through trade-in/up programs. While they offer credit, they don’t usually pay upfront for old devices.

• Through a third-party business that specialises in refurbishing and reselling phones, like OzMobiles. These businesses are usually the ones that will pay upfront for old phones, with the price depending on the phone’s condition and age.

Wiping Previous Data

Following the initial assessment, all previous user data is also cleared. This step is usually done by factory resetting the phone and selecting the option to wipe all preexisting data, including the apps on the device.

This ensures the device is like new, and when it’s sold, the consumer gets the original experience. It also ensures the device is secure and the old owner can’t access any of the data and apps.

The Refurbishment Process: Repair and Replace

After the previous user’s data is wiped and the initial assessment is made, the phone is disassembled. During this process, the technician uses professional-grade industry tools to take apart the phone to check the internal components. 

The technician checks a few of the components for any abnormalities or faults, including the battery, motherboard, and camera. If any issues are found, they will remove the component for repairs or replacement.

Once all the worn and/or faulty components are identified and removed, the technician will repair or replace them with genuine parts.

Sanitising and Shining

Following the repairs and replacement of any faulty or worn parts, the internals are also cleaned before reassembly. This includes removing any dust, dirt and residue. These can have an impact on the phone’s functionality.

Once the internals are cleaned and the phone is reassembled, it’s time for sanitising and shining. Hygiene is a crucial aspect of refurbishment. With phones being personal devices, the frame can accumulate dirt, bacteria and grime.

Before sending a device through the sanitisation process, they will repair or replace any parts of the frame that are heavily damaged or worn. For example, replacing the casing of the phone due to dents.

Once the cosmetic wear is dealt with, the facility will use industry-grade cleaning solutions and tools to eliminate any germs and ensure the phone is safe and clean for its new owner. Refurbishers may also polish and buff the phone to restore its shine and make it look as new as possible.

The Final Touches: Quality Control

Before the phone is put up for sale and ready to be shipped off to start a new adventure with a new owner, it goes through a comprehensive quality control process. This stage will depend on the business as there is no industry standard to ensure that everything functions properly.

These tests may include:

• Ensuring display functionality and touch sensitivity.

• Camera quality and performance.

• Check the speakers and microphone clarity (e.g., for calls and entertainment).

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring there are no weak signals or dropped connections.

• Test the battery's health and charging capabilities.

• Ensure the phone is running at full power without overheating or running into any issues (e.g., lag) when it shouldn’t be. 

If a phone fails these quality checks, they are sent back for further repairs to identify the issues and resolve them. It’s in the best interest of the business and consumer that only devices meeting high standards are made ready for sale, so it fosters trust and respect.

Journey To The New Owner

Once the phone undergoes the refurbishment process and passes the quality tests, it is packed and prepared for resale to find a new owner. In most cases, refurbished phones are sold online through dedicated storefronts or marketplaces like eBay. Most reputable retailers that specialise in refurbishing phones offer warranties and guarantees, like a risk-free return policy. If you’re interested in purchasing a refurbished device, we recommend always considering:

The retailer's reputation

Check their ratings and read previous customers’ reviews. Only stick with stores with at least 4 out of 5 stars.

Refurbishment information

Any reputable refurbished phone business is upfront about its refurbishing process. If they aren’t, it’s a red flag.

Customer support

Before purchasing a phone, always check the business's customer support options. Make sure they strive for a quick response time and offer various communication channels (e.g., email, call, and live chat).

Guarantees

Not only are guarantees great for peace of mind, but they show the store is confident in their own product. A retailer that is confident that its refurbished phone is top quality will back it up with a warranty and return policy. 

Most refurbished phone companies will also ‘grade’ their phone’s condition. This grading system is usually quite similar from business to business and refers to the phone’s cosmetic condition. For example, a phone graded ‘like new’ will have minimal scratches and wear and will look brand-new. While all refurbished phones should be fully functional and run like new, it’s not always possible to fix the cosmetic wear. The grading system exists so customers can better understand the aesthetic condition of the device. It also helps the customers hold the retailer accountable if the phone’s description isn’t accurate when it arrives.

Top Quality Refurbished Phones at OzMobiles

If you’re looking to buy refurbished phones, ensure you’re getting the best deals by shopping with OzMobiles. Our team stands by our products and prides itself on offering great prices. So, if you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10* (terms and conditions apply).

Every refurbished smartphone we sell also comes with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return period. So, if you have any concerns or a change of heart, the OzMobiles team is only a message away and ready to provide support. 

All of our phones go through an extensive refurbishment process, like the journey outlined above. The process is performed by a qualified technician who checks and tests every component, ensuring the phone is fully functional and running optimally. 

If you have any questions about our refurbishment process or are looking for some guidance on your next phone, contact us today. The OzMobiles team would love to hear from you.

We also offer a trade-in/up program for old technology, including mobile phones. You can trade in your old device and reduce the cost of an upgrade or sell it for a bit of extra cash. See what your old device might be worth here.