Top devices Brits will refurbish to save more than £100 – would you buy one?

GEN Z are nearly twice as likely to turn to second-hand or refurbished items than Boomers, as the cost-of-living crisis bites.

A study of 2,000 adults found 64 per cent have previously bought a pre-loved item, rising to 69 per cent of those aged under 25.

SWNS

Gen Z are twice as likely to turn to second-hand or refurbished items than Boomers[/caption]

SWNS

It was revealed that 32 per cent of adults own a refurbished phone, with 24 per cent planning to purchase one[/caption]

But as rising costs affect people’s disposable incomes, 37 per cent of Gen Z admitted they are now more likely than ever to buy something used.

In comparison, just 19 per cent of Boomers said the same.

Clothes, garden products and furniture are among the top pre-loved items to purchase, along with tech items such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets.

Nearly half of all adults (47 per cent) claim new items are simply too expensive, while 47 per cent prefer refurbished items as it’s more eco-friendly.

It also emerged 32 per cent now own a refurbished phone, with 24 per cent planning to purchase one in the future.

The research was commissioned by Vodafone UK, which has launched an extended range of refurbished devices after noticing searches for reconditioned phones was up by 39 per cent.

Chief commercial officer, Max Taylor, said: “More people than ever are now considering refurbished devices so they can get a great value phone and be friendlier to the planet.”

The study also found that, as the cost-of-living remains a worry, 57 per cent of adults are actively looking for savvy ways to save on big purchases and estimate they could save an average of £113 by buying a refurbished phone over brand new.

When looking at motivators for shopping for pre-loved items, 37 per cent would consider a refurbished mobile phone to be more sustainable, according to the OnePoll.com study, and 47 per cent to cut costs.

The research also revealed key factors when buying a refurbished device, which include the item being in pristine condition for 47 per cent.

Coming with a warranty (47 per cent), a battery guarantee included (39 per cent) and above all, saving money (59 per cent) were also on the list.

But for the 42 per cent who are refurbished-averse, quality of the device (65 per cent), concerns it won’t last as long (45 per cent) and worrying about data breaches (27 per cent) came out as the top reasons they wouldn’t purchase a second-hand device.

Kester Mann, from tech authority CCS Insight, said: “It’s great to hear that Vodafone is extending its range of refurbished smartphones at a time of growing financial strain on UK households – buying pre-owned offers significant cost savings.

“Refurbs also promote more sustainable behaviour by reducing e-waste, something that is becoming increasingly important to consumers.”