Used Electronics Are a Goldmine (If You Know What to Look For)
Canadians are buying more used electronics than ever. Between rising prices on new tech and perfectly good devices sitting in junk drawers across the country, the secondhand electronics market is booming on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay.
But here's the problem: electronics are one of the riskiest categories to buy secondhand. A couch with a stain is obvious. A laptop with a failing hard drive? Not so much. You might not know until a week later when everything crashes.
So let's talk about how to actually buy used electronics safely, without relying on hope and good vibes.
1. Know Exactly What You're Looking For Before You Browse
This sounds obvious, but most people start scrolling with a vague idea like "I need a laptop" and end up impulse-buying the first thing that looks like a deal. Instead, decide on a specific model or a short list of models before you search. Look up the original retail price, common issues, and what a fair used price looks like in 2026.
For phones, check the original release date. For laptops, look at the processor generation. A "great deal" on a five-year-old MacBook Air is not actually a great deal.
2. Ask the Right Questions Before You Commit
Sellers who are honest will answer detailed questions without getting defensive. Here's what to ask:
- Battery health percentage (for laptops and phones)
- Reason for selling: upgrading is a green flag, "just don't need it" with no elaboration is a yellow one
- Original proof of purchase or receipt: this helps verify it's not stolen
- Any repairs or replacements: screens, batteries, charging ports
- iCloud or Google account status: make sure activation locks are removed
If a seller dodges specifics or gets annoyed by reasonable questions, move on. There are always more listings.
3. Never Skip the In-Person Inspection
Photos lie. Angles hide cracks. Brightness settings mask screen burn-in. You need to physically inspect used electronics before paying, full stop.
Here's a quick checklist for an in-person inspection:
- Power it on and check for dead pixels by displaying a solid white screen
- Test all ports: USB, charging, headphone jack
- Open the camera and check for lens scratches or dust behind the glass
- Run a quick speed test or open multiple apps to check for lag
- Check the serial number against the manufacturer's warranty lookup tool
Now, the catch. A lot of the best electronics deals are listed by sellers who aren't near you. Maybe the deal is in London, or Chatham, or across Windsor from where you live. This is where a lot of buyers either give up on the listing or take a risk and pay sight unseen.
That's the exact gap aerrand was built to fill. You can send a verified Aerrander to inspect the item, run through your checklist, and only release payment through escrow once you're satisfied. It turns a risky long-distance purchase into something closer to buying in person yourself.
4. Use Secure Payment, Every Single Time
Cash on pickup is fine if you're there in person. But if you're buying remotely, never send an e-transfer before receiving the item. Use platforms with built-in buyer protection, or use an escrow system that holds payment until delivery and inspection are confirmed.
5. Check for Stolen Devices
For phones, ask for the IMEI number and run it through a free IMEI checker online. A blacklisted phone is essentially a paperweight on Canadian networks. For laptops, verify the serial number hasn't been reported stolen through the manufacturer's support page.
The Bottom Line
Used electronics can save you hundreds of dollars if you approach them with a plan. Know what you want, ask tough questions, inspect everything, and protect your payment. The deals are real. You just have to be smarter than the scammers and the lazy sellers.
Happy hunting out there.