Where to buy used devices in bulk? At cell phone auctions! In this blog post, we will share the pros and cons of this method and will help you choose the best auction for your needs.
What Are Mobile Phone Auctions?
Imagine: you don't have to search the Net for the best price and can easily buy phones in bulk in one place. And make a good deal!
This actually exists and is called a mobile phone auction. It works like a regular auction: buyers compete for the phones by making bids. Whoever is ready to pay the highest price gets the bulk.
These auctions can be both online and offline. Meeting in person can be beneficial as you can find your potential partners and wholesale suppliers there. However, online auctions are incredibly convenient because you can participate in them from anywhere in the world.
What Are the Pros of Buying Mobile Phones at Auctions
Let's look closely at the potential advantages of cell phone auctions. The most obvious ones are the same as for traditional auctions — having lots of options in one place, meeting people from the industry and an opportunity to buy from different sellers at the same time and location.
In addition to these, here are three more advantages of used phone auctions:
Competitive Pricing
The main feature of any auction is the ability to bid, which usually means buying products cheaper than in shops. You can make a good deal by suggesting an acceptable price instead of choosing the seller's option.
Competitive bidding also lets you better understand the market: you will see what money buyers are willing to pay for which product. Knowing how the industry works and seeing the selling process in person is a significant experience for every entrepreneur.
Access to Rare Devices
These auctions are held for a specific audience, so you can often find some niche products there. Buying them in bulk usually means an appealing price and an attractive, not-that-common product.
Apart from the opportunity to purchase rare products you need, you will be able to discover some options you have yet to hear of. Auction sellers always have something to surprise you with!
Potential for Bulk Purchases
This is probably the most important advantage for any used device wholesaler. Instead of spending hours surfing the internet hoping to find the right number of devices, you can buy smartphones in bulk.
Buying many phones at once is highly beneficial for big businesses as it simplifies and scales up the process.
What Are the Cons of Buying Mobile Phones at Auctions
Despite being an extremely appealing opportunity, cell phones auctions have several drawbacks as well. They are the following:
Limited Warranty and Return Policy
Usually, when buying phones at auctions, you have no warranty coverage. Unfortunately, that is the risk you have to take in order to get a way lower price than from authorized retailers.
In addition to that, you may not be able to return the phones you bought. However, sometimes sellers offer some options to exchange products, so you should discuss the return policy in advance.
Authenticity Concerns
Buying used devices in bulk means taking the risk of purchasing phones with non-original parts or of low quality. Although big auctions ensure the quality of sold products, you should beware of this problem.
To quickly check the phones, use the NSYS Autograding solution. It automatically evaluates cosmetic conditions and sets the grade using an AI-driven automated system.
Bid Fluctuations
Competing for the best price of the right product at auction can be rather exciting. It is easy to get carried away by the bidding competition and spend more than expected. To avoid it, come prepared and be sure what amount of money you are ready to spend on the exact lot.
Remember that the primary goal of participating in the auction is to reduce spendings, so be cold-hearted and bid wisely.
The Best Cell Phone Auction Sites 2024
Now, you have decided whether to participate in cell phone auctions. But how to choose the right one? We have collected three most popular online auctions where you can find used devices:
- eBay. It is the first platform that comes to mind when looking for an auction of any kind. Although you can find a good deal there, you still need to search for the options. That makes eBay more like a shop rather than a traditional auction.
- B-Stock. This platform is widely popular for B2B deals with used phones (however, you can also find other products here). You can filter offers by grade, country, and shipping type. Despite the wide range of options, there is no possibility to filter batches by number of units.
- i-bidder. The site is primarily focused on single items rather than devices in a batch. However, you can make a good deal on some units by choosing from a vast range of smartphone models.
But don’t limit yourself to online options. Search for some offline events in your area to meet the community and suppliers that are close to you.
Conclusion
All in all, cell phones auctions might be an excellent option for those who operate with used devices. To ensure you are buying quality goods, use the testing software NSYS Diagnostics. It can detect over 100 defects, including non-original parts, and check whether the device was lost, stolen, or has any outstanding balance. The software is great for wholesalers, retailers, refurbishers, repair centers, and others.
To check it out, click the button below and arrange a demo!
