Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 5
    Money & Banking
    Beginner

    Buy Certified Refurbished Electronics Safely with Back Market

    Back Market sells professionally refurbished phones and laptops at significant discounts. Learn what "certified refurbished" means, how grades work, and what the warranty covers.

    4 min read 5 stepsApril 20, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    Understand Back Market's condition grades

    ~40s
    Back Market uses three grades to describe a device's cosmetic appearance: "Excellent" means little to no visible wear — the device looks nearly new; "Good" means minor scratches or scuffs visible up close but not distracting during normal use; "Fair" means more noticeable cosmetic wear — still fully functional, but the exterior shows its age. All three grades receive the same 1-year warranty and 30-day returns. Choosing "Good" or "Fair" saves more money if cosmetic appearance is not a priority for you.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: Back Market sellers are required to replace a battery that holds less than 80% of its original capacity. If you are buying a phone primarily for battery life, look for listings that mention a new or replaced battery in the description.

    2

    Browse and filter for the right device

    ~27s
    Go to backmarket.com and use the search bar to find the type of device you want — for example, "iPhone 14" or "MacBook Air." Use the filter options on the left side of the search results to narrow by condition grade, storage size, color, and price range. Each listing shows which refurbisher is selling it along with their seller rating (out of 5 stars, based on real customer reviews). You can click on the seller's profile to see their full review history.
    3

    Review the listing details before buying

    ~25s
    Click on a listing to see the full product page. Look for the "What's included" section — most Back Market listings include the device itself and a generic charging cable. Original accessories like Apple EarPods or the original box are rarely included in refurbished purchases, which is partly why the price is lower. The listing also shows exactly which refurbisher is selling it, their return rate, and how long they typically take to ship.
    4

    Place your order and track shipping

    ~28s
    Add the device to your cart and check out using a credit card or PayPal. Back Market stores your order history and handles the warranty and return process for you. Most orders ship within 1 to 3 business days and arrive within 5 to 7 days. You will receive a tracking number by email. When the package arrives, inspect the device carefully within the first few days — if anything looks wrong or does not work, contact Back Market within the 30-day return window.
    5

    Know your warranty and return rights

    ~36s
    Every Back Market purchase includes a 1-year warranty covering defects — meaning if the screen stops working, the battery fails, or a button breaks through normal use, Back Market will arrange a repair or replacement at no cost. The 30-day return window covers situations where you are simply unhappy with the purchase or the condition does not match the listing description. To initiate a return, log into your Back Market account and go to "My Orders," then "Get Help."

    Warning

    Back Market's warranty does not cover physical damage caused after purchase — for example, if you drop the device and crack the screen. Consider purchasing a protective case immediately after receiving your device.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: Buy Certified Refurbished Electronics Safely with Back Market

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    Back Market is an online store where you can buy smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronics that have been professionally refurbished. "Refurbished" means a used device was inspected, repaired, cleaned, and tested by a professional technician to make sure it works properly. This is different from buying a used phone on Craigslist, where there is no inspection or guarantee.

    On Back Market, every seller is a professional refurbishing company — not an individual person. These companies typically purchase devices returned to carriers or manufacturers, fix whatever is worn out or broken (screens, batteries, buttons), and resell them with a warranty. Back Market vets and rates each seller based on customer reviews and quality standards.

    The savings can be significant. A refurbished iPhone that originally sold for $999 new might be available on Back Market for $499 to $649, depending on the condition grade. You are getting the same phone with the same features — often with a new battery installed — for hundreds of dollars less.

    Every purchase on Back Market comes with a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back return period. If the device has a problem, you work with Back Market's customer service team, not directly with the seller. This structure makes it feel much safer than peer-to-peer marketplaces.

    This guide explains Back Market's condition grades, how to browse for a good deal, and what to expect when your device arrives.

    Was this guide helpful?

    Your feedback helps us make TekSure better for everyone.

    Want to rate with stars?

    Still have questions?

    Ask TekBrain a follow-up question about this guide. It’s free, no sign-up needed, and the answer will be in plain English.

    Ask TekBrain a follow-upBrowse common questions
    Back Market
    refurbished
    certified refurbished
    used electronics
    save money

    Official Resources

    Consumer Financial Protection BureauFTC — Identity TheftAnnualCreditReport.com

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    Buy or Sell a Used Phone Safely with Swappa

    Next →

    Sell Your Old Phone, CDs, and Games with Decluttr

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    Our verified technicians can fix this issue for you — remotely or in person.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Related Guides

    More from Money & Banking

    How to Set Up Mobile Check Deposit on Your Phone

    Deposit checks from your phone using your bank's app — no trip to the branch or ATM required.

    2 min read

    How to Send Money with Zelle

    Send money to friends and family in minutes using Zelle — built into most major bank apps, with no fees.

    2 min read

    How to Use Venmo Safely

    Set up Venmo, send payments to friends, and adjust privacy settings to keep your transactions private.

    2 min read

    Buy Certified Refurbished Electronics Safely with Back Market — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure