Buzz
Our essential advice for purchasing authentic products from Back Market
Back Market serves as an online marketplace where independent vendors offer refurbished gadgets at affordable prices. It might sound almost too good to be true, raising the question, is Back Market a scam? The answer is no—Back Market is legitimate. However, there are things you should be cautious of when purchasing a device there. In this guide, we cover everything you need to understand about Back Market, including why they collect so much personal information and how they manage to offer such low prices.
Is Back Market a Reliable Platform?
As stated on their website, Back Market is “one of the world’s leading platforms for refurbished electronics, operating in 18 countries.” Like other online marketplaces, however, it carries certain risks due to the presence of independent sellers on the platform.
How to Navigate Back Market Safely
Is Back Market trustworthy?
Yes, Back Market is a legitimate online marketplace. Back Market implements strict quality controls to ensure that the products you purchase are reliable. Their seller support team collaborates closely with sellers to maintain high standards. As with any e-commerce platform, it's important to check a seller's reviews since some independent resellers may engage in fraudulent activities.
- The Better Business Bureau has awarded Back Market an A rating.
- Trustpilot has rated Back Market 4.4/5 stars, reflecting its age and customer feedback.
Why does Back Market request so much personal information?
Back Market requires your information to authenticate your identity for transactions. When you sell a product, their payment system uses your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) to confirm your identity. This step is essential before processing any payments to you.
- After your identity is verified and you receive your first payment, Back Market deletes your personal details to protect your privacy and security.
How does Back Market offer such low prices?
Back Market offers low prices because they sell refurbished items. Refurbished products function just like new ones, but they cannot be sold as new due to prior use. The refurbishing process includes thorough testing and repairs to restore the products to their original condition. As a result, refurbished products are priced lower than new ones.
- Refurbished products are not the same as second-hand items. They undergo professional testing and repairs to meet specific standards, unlike second-hand products, which are not subjected to such checks.
- While some customers have reported faulty batteries, Back Market ensures that products retain at least 85% of their original battery life (80% for smartphones). If you encounter any issues, contact Back Market for a resolution.
How to Request a Refund from Back Market
Contact Customer Support within 30 days of your purchase. To reach Customer Support, log into your Back Market account and click “Ask for help” next to the order you wish to return. This will guide you through a series of questions about the return, and once completed, you'll receive a confirmation screen and an email with a return label and further steps.
Get your item ready for return. First, confirm that your item is still covered by warranty. Once verified, take clear photos of the item from all angles to prevent any disputes. Then, pack the item, include your order details, and ship it back to the seller. After the return is processed, you'll receive a refund.
- Back Market offers a one-year warranty starting from the delivery date. As long as the return falls within that period, you're good to go.
- If you're returning an item, remember to back up your data and remove your SIM card to avoid complications.
How to Shop Securely on Back Market
To ensure your safety on Back Market, take steps before making a purchase. Review the seller’s profile for positive feedback and a history of successful sales to confirm their legitimacy. Additionally, communicate with the seller about the product you're interested in. If there’s a mismatch between the product description and what the seller tells you, proceed cautiously.
- If you feel uncomfortable at any point, don’t hesitate to back out and consider another seller.
- Legitimate sellers won’t request payment outside of Back Market. If a seller asks for off-platform payment, do not buy from them as they are likely trying to scam you.
- Only provide the necessary information required by Back Market. Don’t share extra personal details with the seller.
- Back Market typically takes 3-7 days to deliver your item, depending on the seller, its origin, and your location. If delivery takes longer, contact Customer Care for help.
Purchasing an iPhone from Back Market
Buying a refurbished iPhone is a great way to save money, but it comes with some risks. There's a possibility of receiving a defective device, so it’s important to vet the seller beforehand to ensure their reliability. Look for good reviews and a proven sales history as indicators of trustworthiness. Avoid purchasing an iPhone that’s Activation Locked, as this usually means it was lost or stolen.
- Refurbished iPhones might have a lower battery capacity compared to new models, but they offer the same features as new devices.
- Upon receiving your iPhone, inspect it for any damages such as scratches, malfunctioning buttons, or a damaged Lightning connector. If you find any issues, contact Back Market’s Customer Care to begin the return process.
Purchasing a MacBook from Back Market
Research the seller thoroughly before buying a MacBook on Back Market. Many customers have had positive experiences purchasing MacBooks, but some have received faulty items. To ensure your MacBook is in good condition, check the seller's reviews for signs of reliability.
- Confirm that your device doesn't have a Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile. An MDM profile indicates the device is remotely managed by a company or organization, which is often a sign that it’s stolen.
- If your device has an MDM profile, immediately contact Back Market to initiate a return and get a refund.
