Cash point:
Savvy ways to save on tech
Apparently the typical British adult will spend £40,000 on tech during their lifetime, including 21 mobile phones, and 16 laptops or computers. For families, the cost goes up even further, with children and teens often demanding the latest tablets and phones, and many of us wanting our parents or grandparenst to have more up-to-date technology to enable video calls when we can’t be together. All of this adds up, but it doesn’t have to be as costly as you may think…
YOU CAN FIX IT!
If your device has a fault, don’t immediately think you need to replace it. “If you submerge your phone in water, turning it off quickly and popping it in a bag of rice for a couple of days can bring it back to life,” says Hannah Byrne, money expert at Quidco.com. “If it’s a more technical issue, like a cracked screen or your device won’t turn on, consult a professional. If you can, contact the manufacturer, but if not, high-street retailers and smaller, local companies also offer repairs and can be great – just be sure to check reviews first.”
Adam Bullock, director of TopCashback UK, says it’s important to dig out your warranty before ordering a replacement. “Check whether you have a guarantee from the manufacturer or place of purchase before buying new – you might be able to get some assistance like a free repair or replacement if the manufacturer or store agrees that the fault is within the guarantee criteria.”
If the worst comes to worst, sell it. “If your tech is beyond repair, you can usually make some money back by selling it for parts or trading it in,” says Hannah. Sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, as people will buy for spares and repairs, while Music Magpie will buy faulty gadgets and give you an instant price when you log the details online. Just wipe your data first – find instructions on how to by googling your phone model.
DON’T ASSUME BIG BRANDS ARE BEST
“Apple and Samsung may have the monopoly over the market when it comes to phones, but there are lots of great alternatives that are just as good,” says Hannah. “Xiaomi has been praised for its smartphones by providing a more affordable alternative to Apple and Samsung. However, Apple’s latest release, the iPhone SE (£419), offers a similar spec to the 11 Pro at half the price (£799).” That proves it’s always worth shopping around.
Hannah also suggests looking for reliability when it comes to laptops, rather than being lured by the expensive Apple options. “Lenovo, Dell and HP laptops are more common in offices than in homes, and there’s a reason – they’re reliable and ideal for undertaking a myriad of tasks, so perfect if you don’t want to spend four figures.”
PICK RECONDITIONED PRODUCTS
“Refurbished tech is perfect for people who want to upgrade without spending thousands,” says Hannah. “With new phones and laptops often costing upwards of £1,000, buying refurbished can save you up to 50 per cent. It’s worth sticking to wellknown resellers such as CEX, Apple Refurbished and Music Magpie, as well as searching sites like eBay for sellers with good reviews to ensure you’re getting one that’s passed all the recommended tests.”
CHOOSE SIMPLE ITEMS FOR OLDER USERS
If you’re seeking tech for older members of the family, look for something user-friendly. “The Lenovo ThinkPad and Chromebook are ideal laptops for the older generation – they’re simple to use, with good price points,” says Kate Gordos of Wellingtons Electrical. “For phones, a lower spec smartphone is ideal if your family enjoy sharing photos and messaging in addition to calls. However, if the phone is purely for calls, then there are a number of ‘big button’ phones designed for older people – no fancy features, they just simply take and make calls.” Buy them from Argos, John Lewis or Amazon. The Artphone C1 Big Button mobile phone costs £23.95, and gets great reviews.
OPT FOR SECOND
HAND DEVICES FOR KIDS
“It’s usually not worth spending a fortune on tech for children, as it’s more likely to get dropped, have a drink spilled on it, or get lost,” says Hannah. “But it does come down to what the tech will be used for. If it’s a case of watching videos and playing simple games, a cheaper tablet such as a Kindle Fire is ideal. Mobile phones are much the same: for younger children, a second-hand SIM-only phone will be more than enough. Teenagers, however, will no doubt want something flashier. A refurbished phone is ideal here in the case of a mishap.”
Thinking of insuring the kids’ tech? “In many instances, the insurance cost will outweigh the cost of the product (particularly with phones and tablets under £100). Purchasing protective cases and screen protectors may have more value in the long run,” says Hannah.
MAKE SAVINGS ON WHITE GOODS
Bought a house recently and need to cut costs refurbishing it? Or had a washing machine break down? Don’t panic. “Consider asking your high street retailer about ex-display, returned or unboxed products, as these tend to be discounted. Or, if you need more than one appliance, ask for a package deal,” says Kate. “Independent retailers have much more scope than high street chains when it comes to pricing. Manufacturer warranties give you an element of security, so check before you buy new – some warranties can last up to ten years. Ask about extended warranties in store when you buy new, too.
“If you are purchasing refurbished items, read the reviews of the company and understand the warranty, installation and aftercare services. Any appliances that aren’t new should be tested before you purchase, and you should consider the cost implications if they break or have additional fees for installation.”
Adam adds, “Before buying, check energy ratings to see how much it will cost to run the products, and if you’re buying from an online retailer, use cashback websites such as TopCashback.co.uk to get a percentage of your money back. Some retailers also have a seller’s profile on eBay – you can pick up refurbished goods from here, too.”