Marketplace or new: there is a third option
You're scrolling through Marktplaats. Another iPhone for a suspiciously low price. Is it real? Or are you being scammed? You know the stories: fake phones, hidden defects, sellers who disappear after payment. The risk feels too great. So you buy a new one. For the full price.
But here's what no one tells you: most people who fear Marktplaats scams are making one crucial mistake. They think the only choice is between a brand-new iPhone or a risky Marktplaats deal. But there's a third option that combines the best of both worlds.
Buying a refurbished iPhone from a trusted source gives you the same peace of mind as buying new, but at the price of a used one. No hassle with unknown sellers. No worries about hidden defects. And above all: no regrets. The selection of refurbished iPhones is larger than you think.
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The pitfalls of Marktplaats
Marktplaats seems like the ideal place to find a cheap iPhone. Thousands of ads, competitive prices, and direct contact with sellers. But behind those attractive offers lie risks you only discover when it's too late.
The most common problems? Hidden defects like a weak battery, cracks that don't show up in photos, or water damage that only causes problems later. Then there are sellers who disappear as soon as they have your money. Or worse: counterfeit iPhones that look real but stop working after a week.
Even experienced buyers run into problems. That iPhone 13 for €400? Probably stolen or defective. That "almost new" iPhone 12? Possibly already repaired three times with cheap parts. You simply don't know for sure.
Why refurbished is the smart choice
A refurbished iPhone combines the best of both worlds. You pay less than for a new phone, but you get the peace of mind you miss with Marktplaats. These devices have been professionally inspected, repaired where necessary, and come with a warranty.
The difference compared to any other used phone? Huge. Refurbished devices have batteries tested and replaced if necessary. The screen has been checked for pixel errors. The buttons work as they should. In short: you get a phone that's technically sound.
Prices are on average 30 to 50 percent lower than new, depending on the model and condition. An iPhone 14 that costs €1,000 new can be found refurbished starting at around €650. That's a significant saving, without compromising on quality or reliability.
Still going through Marktplaats? Here's what you need to know.
If you do decide to buy through Marktplaats, there are ways to minimize the risks. Always ask for the original receipt. Check the IMEI number to ensure the device isn't registered as stolen. Test all functions on-site: cameras, speakers, microphone, and charging.
Meet the seller in a public place. Never pay upfront without seeing the product. Preferably use a payment method that offers a refund if something goes wrong. And trust your gut: if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Pay particular attention to the battery health. You can find this in the settings under "Battery" and then "Battery Health." Anything below 80 percent means you'll likely need a new battery soon. That can easily cost an extra 75 to 100 euros.
The financial comparison
Let's crunch the numbers. A new iPhone 15 costs around €970. You can find them on Marktplaats starting at €750, but without a warranty. A refurbished one from a reputable retailer costs around €850, including the warranty.
That extra 100 euros compared to Marktplaats gives you:
- Minimum one year warranty
- Professional pre-check
- Right of return within 14 days
- Customer service in case of problems
- Certainty about the origin
Also, keep in mind that a defect after purchase can quickly cost you more. A screen repair? €200. A new battery? €100. A broken camera? €150. Those "bargains" on Marktplaats suddenly become a lot more expensive.
Sustainability as a bonus
Besides the financial and practical benefits, there's another argument for refurbished: sustainability. By giving an existing device a second life, you prevent the unnecessary production of new phones. This saves raw materials, energy, and electronic waste.
A refurbished iPhone saves an average of 70 kilograms of CO2 emissions compared to a new one. That's comparable to driving 350 kilometers in an average car. For those who want to live an environmentally conscious lifestyle but also simply want a good phone, it's a logical choice.
Conclusion: make the smart choice
Marktplaats can be tempting with low prices, but the risks are real. From hidden defects to outright scams, the chances of regretting it later are high. A refurbished iPhone from a reliable provider gives you the savings you're looking for, without the hassle.
You'll pay a bit more than the cheapest Marktplaats offer, but in return you'll get a warranty, peace of mind, and service. In the long run, you'll likely save money, and you'll have a phone you can rely on from day one.
Security for a few tens of euros extra
The choice is actually simple. Buying an iPhone through Marktplaats is still gambling with your money , no matter how careful you are. For a few tens of euros more, you get the peace of mind of a refurbished iPhone . Warranty, return policy, a device that has been inspected – that's what eliminates your risk.
You'll still save significantly compared to buying new, but without the hassle and worry of selling privately. Browse our complete selection and discover that buying safely secondhand is a reality.
