Why your ‘perfect’ phone might be worth less
You’ve cherished your iPhone or tablet for years and now you want to sell your phone. You’ve always kept it in a case, sometimes even with a screen protector, and it’s never taken a dive. So it’s only natural to think: “This is truly a perfect device.” But sometimes, when we receive the device, it turns out to be just not quite as ‘perfect’ as you expected. Disappointing for you as a customer, because then we can’t pay out your estimated price. But how is it possible that your device is not as perfect as you thought? Let’s go through it together.
1. Cases protect a lot, but not everything
A case and a screen protector are always a good idea. They absorb impacts and can definitely prevent major drop damage. But even with a case, scratches and wear can still occur. This is because even the best case can’t fully protect against dust and sand, which always find their way between your case and phone. Take your case off and see how much dirt still gets through. Over time, this causes damage. This is especially visible on shiny edges, cameras and buttons. Even a screen protector can sometimes let scratches through or even damage the glass underneath if dirt gets trapped.
Tip: Clean both your device and your case regularly. For example, take the case off once a month and wipe away dust and sand with a soft cloth.
2. Scratches sometimes only show up under bright light
In your living room, the screen might look perfect, but in our testing environment we use bright, focused light. This reveals tiny scratches or signs of wear that you don’t always notice in daily use and daylight. We don’t do this to be ‘extra picky’ or to make the price lower, but because future buyers of your device also deserve a fair price. Our goal is to always give a 100% honest description of the device, so everyone knows exactly what to expect.
3. Wear and tear goes beyond looks
A device can look great on the outside but still show signs of use in its technology. So, even if the outside looks fine, we can still find issues during our testing process. Think for example of:
- Battery capacity being lower than new
- Buttons responding a bit slower
- Speakers sounding less clear
- Ports showing slight wear or damage
- Other internal issues, like Bluetooth no longer working properly or problems with the camera.
This is part of normal use, but these things do affect the value of a phone. A phone with signs of use is simply no longer in "perfect condition", so our partners can’t sell it as "like new".
4. Our grading system is the same for everyone
We grade all devices based on fixed criteria. This ensures that:
- Everyone gets a fair price
- There’s no subjective judgement
- Our partners’ customers know exactly what they’re buying when a device is resold
Our categories (for example A-grade, B-grade and C-grade) are pre-agreed with our partners and the same for every device. This means your device might be graded as ‘lightly used’ while you consider it ‘perfect’.
5. Why we tell you this upfront
We don’t want unpleasant surprises, and we definitely don’t want to disappoint anyone. At Verkopen.nl, we think it’s important that our process is fair and transparent. That’s why we advise you, before requesting your price estimate, to first:
- Look at your phone critically, in daylight
- Check for small scratches or marks
- Don’t forget to check the battery condition, functions and buttons
- Be honest when giving your price estimate, so you don’t face unexpected surprises
The more critically you look at your own phone, the better your estimate of its value will be.
Conclusion
A case and careful use help a lot, but they rarely make a device truly like new. Our job is to assess every device honestly, so that sellers get a fair price and buyers get a device that works well. This way we can make sure every phone gets a second life and every buyer and seller experiences a fair process.
Curious about your device’s value?
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Frequently asked questions about your device’s condition and value
1. Why is my device worth less than the estimate I got?
The price estimate on our website is based on the condition you provide. During our inspection, we check under bright light and test all functions. If there are more signs of use or technical issues, we adjust the price accordingly. We do this to guarantee buyers an honest product description.
2. My device has always had a case and screen protector. How can it still have scratches?
Even the best case lets dust and sand through. This can build up between the case and your device, causing micro-scratches. A screen protector protects against a lot, but not against all damage.
3. Will my device be rejected if it doesn’t work or has signs of use?
No, we won’t reject a device just for light signs of use, and you can even sell defective phones to us. However, the value might be lower if the device is no longer in “like new” condition. Small scratches, wear or reduced battery capacity are normal, but they do affect resale value.
4. How do you test the technical condition of a phone or tablet?
We check battery capacity, button function, speaker sound, camera quality, the state of ports and any internal defects. This way, we make sure the buyer gets exactly what they expect.
5. What happens if I don’t agree with the adjusted price?
You’re never obliged to sell your device to us, even if we’ve already received it. If you don’t agree with our adjusted price, we’ll send your device back free of charge.
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