Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but let’s be honest—it can also be expensive. Between the food, the decorations, and the long list of people to buy for, the costs add up quickly. And if you have a teenager asking for the latest smartphone or a partner hoping for a tablet upgrade, you might be wondering how to make it happen without stretching your budget too thin.

That’s where pre-owned devices come in, also known as “refurbished” or “second hand”. They are a smart, thoughtful way to give the gifts your loved ones really want, while keeping your finances in check. But saving money isn't the only reason to consider them. When you choose the right device from the right place, you’re giving a gift that is high-quality, reliable, and kinder to the planet.

Is it safe to shop for devices that have been previously owned?

You might hear terms like “refurbished”, "used" or "second-hand" and worry about quality. Especially with news stories of new scams and the inventive ways that people are using technology to harvest data.

That is why it is important to choose a trustworthy retailer to purchase from, when making technology purchases.

It’s easy to be swayed by a low price, or a big discount – but think about how much of your personal information is stored on your phone and how big of a part it plays in your daily life. Such an important purchase deserves careful consideration.

Why it makes sense for your Christmas shopping

You get more for your money

We all want to give generous gifts. By choosing pre-owned, your budget goes much further. You might be able to afford a higher-spec model or a brand with better features than if you were buying brand new. That means a better camera for capturing Christmas memories or a faster processor for gaming, or the spare budget to include some accessories to match.

It’s a sustainable choice

Sustainability is on everyone's mind these days. Manufacturing new electronics requires a lot of resources and energy. When you buy a pre-owned device, you are extending the life of an existing product. It’s a simple way to reduce electronic waste and lower your carbon footprint. You can feel good knowing your gift is eco-friendly.

Quality you can trust

This is the big one. You need to know the phone or tablet isn't going to stop working by Boxing Day. This is why buying from a reputable source matters so much.

Trusting the experts at Assurant

At Assurant, we know a thing or two about mobile devices. As a leading global provider of solutions for phones and gadgets, our Device Care Centres and supply chain operations handle millions of mobile devices every year. We understand that for you to feel confident buying pre-owned, you need to trust the process behind it.

Our standards are incredibly high. We don't cut corners. We use advanced technology and expert technicians to test devices thoroughly. We check everything from the battery life to the screen sensitivity. If it doesn't meet our strict standards, it doesn't get sold through our disposition channels. It’s that simple. We want customers to have total peace of mind that they are buying a premium product.

When looking for a refurbished device retailer that you can trust, here are some of the benefits you should expect to receive with your purchase:

The device should have been inspected thoroughly prior to being listed for sale, this should be a minimum of a 30-point inspection.
You should be offered a warranty with your purchase
The device might be cosmetically damaged – and it would be graded and priced according to this, however it should be functioning like new
The device will have any data wiped and be restored to factory settings to ensure it is ready for a new owner
These examples give you an idea of what to look for when shopping for your refurbished device, giving you the confidence that when your loved one unwraps it on Christmas morning, they are getting a device that looks and feels fantastic.

Where to find your perfect gift

You might be wondering where you can actually go to see these devices and make a purchase. We have made that easy for you, too. You can find our high-quality refurbished devices at our retail partner stores: Pocket Geek Tech Repair and iSmash.

There are locations across the UK. Pop into one of these stores, and you can see, touch and feel the devices for yourself. You can speak to the knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions and help you find the right model for your needs. Whether you are looking for a specific brand or just need something reliable for a first-time phone user, the in store experts can guide you.

Give a gift that connects

Christmas is about connection. It’s about calling relatives who live far away, sharing photos of the kids opening presents, and sending thoughtful messages to friends. A reliable smartphone or tablet enables all of that.

By choosing a device from Assurant, through Pocket Geek Tech Repair or iSmash, you are giving the gift of connection. You are choosing quality, value, and sustainability. And best of all, you can relax and enjoy the festive season knowing you’ve given a gift they will love, without the stress of a huge price tag.

So, this year, why not make a smarter choice? Visit your local store and see how easy it is to find the perfect tech for under the tree.

Find a location near you…

https://www.ismash.com/pages/locations

https://www.pocketgeektechrepair.co.uk/find-my-store

Interested in working with Assurant?

Make Assurant your partner for the refurbishment and distribution of mobile devices. Get in touch here.

The benefits of buying refurbished at Christmas

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