Are you considering buying a used TV? Read our guide and find out what you need to pay attention to, what risks are associated with such equipment and whether it is really worth investing in a second-hand device.
Buying a used TV seems to be a tempting option, especially when for a fraction of the original price you can have equipment that once cost a fortune. However, you must know that this may be a challenge full of pitfalls. Is it really worth investing in a used TV? In this article, we will analyze the key aspects that are worth paying attention to in order to make an informed decision.
Why are we tempted by used TVs?
Buying a used TV often means saving a lot of money. The owners sell equipment that once cost e.g. PLN 10,000 for only PLN 2,000-3,000. It seems to be the opportunity of a lifetime – a TV with a large screen diagonal and advanced technology that a few years ago was able to meet the requirements of the greatest cinema fans. Where’s the catch?
As practice shows, the price does not always correspond to the real market value. It is worth remembering that the TV market, like all consumer electronics, is developing very dynamically, which means that even the best models from a few years ago lose their value. Technology that was groundbreaking just a few years ago may be outdated today compared to newer models available at the price sellers want for used devices.
Disadvantages of buying a used TV
TVs, especially OLED and QLED, are becoming more and more attractive every year. New models offer better image qualityhigher resolutions, greater brightness and support for modern HDR standards. Used TVs, despite their low price, may not offer these amenities.
For older TV models there is a risk of the so-called image “burning out”.which means that after long-term display of one image (e.g. a TV channel logo), a permanent mark may appear on the screen. This is especially problematic when we buy equipment without the opportunity to test it.
As technology progresses, software requirements also change. Older Smart TV models may not support the latest video streaming appswhich requires purchasing an external Chromecast or AppleTV dongle to use popular services.
And finally, a classic from the OLX website. Many people selling used TVs, especially older premium models, are guided by the price they paid a few years ago. Unfortunately, the prices of used devices are often inappropriately high compared to what they offer today.
What should you pay attention to when buying a used TV?
However, if we decide to buy a used TV, it is worth considering several important issues:
- Year of production – Avoid buying TVs that are more than 3-4 years old. New models are usually better in terms of picture and sound technology, and the price difference between new and used equipment may be small.
- Technical condition – Make sure the TV has no visible defects, such as screen burn-in or dead pixels. It is worth asking the seller to take photos on colored boards (e.g. red, green, blue) to check for any matrix defects.
- Comparison with new models – Before purchasing a specific used model, check what the market for new TVs has to offer in a similar budget. It often turns out that for the amount offered for used equipment you can buy a new TV with better parameters.
- Price negotiation – It’s worth being ready to negotiate. Many sellers, not knowing the current value of their equipment, may inflate prices. Before purchasing, compare prices on various advertising websites to have a point of reference.
You can often come across offers online that seem attractive at first glance, but after closer analysis turn out to be completely unprofitable. Let’s take, for example, a fancy TV set that originally cost PLN 15,000 and is now sold for PLN 2,500. Although the price has dropped by 80%, for a similar amount you can buy a new model with much better image and sound parameters!
Another example is older OLEDs that have problems with burnt pixels. Even if the seller claims “pristine condition”, the risk is high, especially in the case of TVs that have been used extensively. Newer OLEDs deal with this problem better, which makes their purchase safer.
Is it worth buying a used TV?
The decision to buy a used TV depends on your individual preferences and budget. If we are dealing with an attractive offer for a relatively new model, in good technical condition, and we can check it carefully before purchasing, it may be an opportunity to save several hundred zlotys. However, it is worth being careful and comparing the price with the market for new devices, so as not to overpay for equipment that may turn out to be technologically outdated.
photos: Unsplash
