Table of Contents
My Experience With Back Market
Who am I?
Hi there, I’m Diamondique. I’d describe myself as a seasoned content creator and a licenced cosmetologist. I have a Youtube channel where I share my thoughts on various products.
Why I purchased from Back Market
I initially purchased this product mainly because I was on a hunt for an affordable MacBook. I really did not feel like spending over $1000 on a laptop so I came across the website Back Market.
My Experience Shopping With Back Market
The website was really easy to navigate when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to buy first. I love how the brand gives you the option to choose which condition you would like your product.
Shipping
I’ve received my products within 3 to 5 days, which is amazing!
Packaging
The packaging was package very well done, no issues regarding to that. My laptop was packed neatly in a box.
First impressions
I was nervous, because I did not know what to expect. I feel like it was too good to be true but once I received my product, I felt relieved and glad that I trusted the company. It was a nice bonus that my order also came with a charger.
My Back Market Review
The items I received from Back Market literally look brand new. I liked how I was able to still get the same quality for a more affordable price. I got everything in excellent condition. I instantly fell in love.
Material
The material felt like the real thing my product does not look like it’s been refurbished. No scratches, no dents. For $590, that’s not bad at all.
Suggestions
I don’t have any suggestions for the brand at this time. I got everything I ordered without any complications.
Rating
I would rate Back Market 10/10, no complaints.
Would I recommend them to a friend?
I would 1,000% recommend the company to a friend.
About Back Market
Back Market is an online marketplace that sells revamped smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and more. Basically, the store offers an alternative option for those who don’t want to pay full price for the latest iPhone.
The company urges you to join their “Refurb Revolution” on social platforms like Instagram, where they’ve garnered an impressive 41.6k following. Additionally, in press releases, Back Market states that they’ve sold to over 5M customers around the world.
Does it all live up to the hype? By the end of this Back Market review, I intend to find out! Join me as I take a deep dive into the company’s process, best-selling refurbished items, customer ratings, FAQs, and more, so that you can decide if they’re worth checking out.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our mission is to help you make better, more informed purchase decisions. Our team spends hours researching, consulting with medical experts, gathering insight from expert professionals, reviewing customer feedback, and analyzing products to provide you with the information you need.
Overview of Back Market
Back Market launched in Paris in 2014. At the helm were co-founders Thibaud Hug de Larauze, Vianney Vaute, and Quentin Le Brouster. They started with a mission to “build trust and desire for renewed devices.”
The trio also wanted to create a company that helped reduce e-waste. With sustainable living on the rise, they wanted to help people realize how much waste new electronics produce.
Consumers value convenience. They want phones or appliances that work, especially those that are marketed at a reasonable price. So now, Back Market’s approach has adapted to offering fast shipping times and a competitive price tag.
They still emphasize the environmentally friendly practice of purchasing second-hand electronics but in a more subtle way. Plus, each device goes through a vetting process that I’ll discuss later in this Back Market review. For now, let’s go over some highlights of the store:
Highlights
- Refurbished electronics and appliances sold at reasonable prices
- More sustainable than purchasing brand new products
- One year warranty and protection plan*
- Mainly positive reception from customers
- Financing options available
- Free shipping on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Are you shopping for some affordable gadgets? From Back Market unlocked phones to secondhand laptops, you’ll be able to find what you need at this online store. Plus, most of these devices come with warranties and optional protection plans.
Keep reading my Back Market review to learn more about how the company works and what products they sell. As a side note, instalment payments are available with Affirm.
What is The Back Market Process?
Back Market refurbished iPhones and other devices go through a quality grading process that considers factors such as appearance and technical condition. The grades are Fair, Good, or Excellent. No matter what grade a device receives, it’s guaranteed to be totally functional.
Each Back Market seller also goes through a screening process to receive the Back Label. For example, a refurbisher has to answer a questionnaire about their practices and procedures. In addition, they’re asked to provide proof of those operations. Back Market states that 1 out of 3 sellers that want to join get approved.
The Back Market team is constantly keeping an eye on sellers’ performance. They do this through customer feedback and in-house quality control. If a refurbisher’s quality score decreases, they’re placed on probation.
Who Can Sell To Back Market?
Professional sellers of renewed devices and appliances can sell on Back Market. As said in the previous section, you also need to go through a vetting process with proof of professional operations and procedures. Sellers must also include a defect warranty on their devices.
Additionally, a seller needs its own customer service team for after-sales inquiries. The seller is responsible for drop-shipping directly to the customer. Finally, becoming a Back Label refurbisher allows a business to start selling overseas, exposing them to wider audiences.
What Does Back Market Sell?
Back Market sells devices and appliances from several different refurbishers. This includes smartphones, laptops, iPads, tablets, smartwatches, audio devices, cameras, and more.
Are you trying to get the last iPhone model for about 70% cheaper? Or maybe you’re updating your home theatre. Back Market has everything you need to do so for a lower price tag. Note that shipping times may vary depending on where the seller is located.
Back Market Cell Phones Review
Back Market carries a wide selection of smartphones, home phones, and regular cell phones. From Apple and Android to Verizon flip phones, the options are endless.
Having Back Market unlocked phones basically means that you’re able to pop out your SIM card and put in a different one when you need to switch services. For example, they have phones that work with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Additionally, the Back Market grade is disclosed on every product page so you know exactly what you’re getting and what condition it’s in. Depending on the model and brand, prices can range between $23 and $1,400.
Back Market Laptops & Computers Review
Tired of doing your work from your smartphone? While I can’t argue the versatility factor, it may be time to invest in a larger screen.
With that in mind, Back Market offers Windows laptops, Chromebooks, Macbooks, and even gaming laptops. You can also browse desktop computers, monitors, and other computer accessories for your home office needs.
One of the most popular items on the website is a Back Market Macbook Pro used. These second-hand Apple laptops can range between $200 and $1,600. Evidently, Chromebooks and Back Market used laptops retail for much cheaper, starting at $50. The highest PC is an Acer laptop for $730.
Of course, desktop computers, including the iMac, come at a higher price, but Back Market holds frequent flash sales to help shoppers get a good deal for Christmas.
Back Market iPad & Tablets Review
If you need a more lightweight option for busy workdays, Back Market offers refurbished iPads and tablets. The refurbishers test each device for functions like Touch and Face ID, WiFi connections, speaker function, and more. Additionally, the older Apple iPads are part of the brand’s best-selling list, with newer models being more expensive.
In this category, model release dates go back as far as 2011. While doing my research for this Back Market review, I found that these tablets and iPads are among the cheapest and usually start at about $32. Similar to the laptop selection, you can choose between Android and Apple tablets.
Back Market Smart Watches Review
Reading traditional watches is so yesterday. So, check out Back Market’s smartwatch selection. You can get Apple or Samsung watches, Fitbits, and Garmin smartwatches at discounted prices. Some of their items might come with a few physical flaws, but they’ll still be able to function correctly due to expert restoration.
One of the watches customers are drawn to is the Garmin Smart Watch. An ‘Excellent’ condition model will run you about $190 at checkout. This watch has GPS capabilities, health trackers, and more. Honestly, it comes with everything you’d expect in a smartwatch for a fraction of the price.
Overall, the costs for Back Market smartwatches range from $20 to $320. Of course, this is dependent on the model and series.
Back Market Headphones & Earbuds Review
Your favorite playlist or a relaxing podcast are great ways to get up and motivated on a Monday. Of course, having a good pair of headphones or earbuds doesn’t hurt either. The Back Market restored headphones selection includes noise-canceling earbuds, wireless headphones, and Apple earphones.
Back Market deems the Sennheiser CX Noise Cancelling earphones as one of their very best. They sell them for $70 with the original price being about $200. Some of their other bestsellers include the Apple Airpods and Beats Buds by Dr. Dre. The cheapest headphones start at about $6, and the most expensive ones can run you about $400 to $1,600.
Back Market Consoles & Gaming Review
During the pandemic, it’s been a bit more challenging to find stuff to do when you’re stuck at home. But, maybe a Back Market used Nintendo Switch can relieve some boredom? They offer other gaming consoles, too, including the Xbox, PlayStation, and even the Nintendo Wii for nostalgic players.
The regular retail price for a brand new Nintendo Switch is about $300. Well, Back Market can offer you a refurbished Switch for a 20% discount. So, your total would come to $240 instead.
The retailer also provides controllers and accessories, which start at about $20. Some devices might be more expensive, depending on the model and specs.
Back Market Home Appliances Review
For all of your cleaning and other home needs, you can find refurbished appliances at Back Market. This list contains products like Roombas, vacuums, coffee grinders, and more. You can even get cooking appliances, including a Betty Crocker Fryer for about $40.
This section of Back Market isn’t as extensive as the others. Still, you’re bound to find something useful for a fraction of the original retail price.
Back Market TV & Home Theatre Review
Shacking up for a movie night can be easy with Back Market’s TVs and Home Theatre selection. From restored sound systems to projectors, your Netflix movie marathons can be even bigger and better. At the time of writing, the retailer is featuring a Samsung 50-inch TV for about $575.
There are also soundbars and Apple TVs. A 3rd Generation Apple TV can run you about $37 from a professional seller. Many customers cite that it works like new despite being a 9-year-old model.
Back Market Cameras Review
Next up in my Back Market review are the cameras. Digital and DSLR cameras can carry hefty price tags when bought in store. Back Market’s refurbished cameras can take that perfect family snapshot. You can also keep an eye on your little one with the Video Baby Monitor by Motorola.
Other brands in this category include Canon, Sony, Olympus, and Lumix. The Hybrid Olympus is their most expensive item—it starts at $1,200. Without a doubt, it’s also one of their bestsellers. The regular digital cameras vary between $200 and $900, and the webcams start at $78.
Of course, these devices also include a one-year warranty.
What is Back Market Certified Renewed?
Certified Renewed electronics have been tested, restored, and cleaned by the manufacturer or by a certified partner. These items also come in the official packaging and accessories. So your device will look and feel just like new.
Back Market Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
We’ve gotten to the exciting part of this Back Market review: What do customers think about their purchases? I searched the internet for feedback and found some on the main site, Trustpilot, and Better Business Bureau.
The reception on and off the website is generally positive, with a few criticisms mixed in (I’ll get to those later). Here’s the general Back Market rating for some of the categories in this review:
- Cell Phones and Smartphones: 4.3/5 stars from 28k reviews
- iPads and Tablets: 4.4/5 stars from 2.7k reviews
- Smart Watches: 4.4/5 stars from 2.3k reviews
- Headphones and Earbuds: 4.4/5 stars from 1.6k reviews
- Home Appliances: 4.2/5 stars from 25 reviews
- TV and Home Theatre: 4.8/5 stars from 42 reviews
- Cameras: 3.3/5 stars from 7 reviews
Back Market used phones receive a warm reception from buyers. One customer writes, “So when they said minor scratches, they really meant minor scratches. When I buy a phone that’s refurbished, I’m always going to look here at Back Market. The phone works great, holds its charge, and it’s fully updated. I have had no issues with my Google Pixel 2. Thank you.”
The restored watches get some love too. One reviewer says, “I bought a reconditioned Apple Watch for my mom. It looks brand new and is working perfectly. It came with a charger and a brand new band. It arrived exactly when they said it would. I would buy from them again.”
Additionally, the Headphones and Earbuds category gets high praise. One customer loves the Sennheisers, stating, “Great price for Sennheisers. If I didn’t know they were refurbished, I would have thought they were brand new. They came from Sennheiser in a new box with everything that you would get when new. The sound is great, which is why I bought Sennheiser in the first place.”
To add to the rave reviews, here’s how the Back Market rates on third-party sites:
- Trustpilot: 4.6/5 stars from 8.9k reviews
- BBB: 4.19/5 from 393 reviews
Like the central website reviews, customers praise refurbishers for the ‘brand new’ feel they get from second-hand items.
Back Market’s customer service also gets good reviews, with a Trustpilot user writing, “This company does a fantastic job of showing their products with full information stated. They are supportive of the customer, and that is tops in my book!”
There are a few complaints. A few customers had gripes with Back Market’s refurbishers as some of them don’t honor warranties or answer inquiries. A number of buyers also received damaged items and claimed that the warranty wasn’t implemented.
From what I can see on the Better Business Bureau though, Back Market responds to any issues customers may have and the company keeps their communication lines open. Plus, the positive reviews outweigh the negatives. All in all, it’s two thumbs up from us.
Is Back Market Worth It?
Electronics and appliances can be investment purchases. But, when it comes to the latest Apple or Android products, it seems that people hop on every release just to avoid planned obsolescence. Back Market helps combat this policy with their refurbished devices.
Based on this Back Market Review, I believe that their items are worth the buy. You’ll be able to find 100% functional gadgets within your budget on the e-commerce site. What can I say? I can’t pass up a good deal on a functioning TV or Macbook.
Plus, purchasing second-hand, restored electronics can help reduce the amount of e-waste produced every few years.
Back Market Promotions & Discounts
Saving up for a Back Market iPhone? You can take advantage of the brand’s 5% student discount by signing up for an account and filling in some information to receive a code.
Back Market also holds frequent flash sales, so signing up for an account can also keep you in the loop with future promotions.
Where to Buy Back Market
Is it time to upgrade your brick of a phone? Back Market’s refurbished electronics and appliances can be purchased exclusively at backmarket.com.
FAQ
Who owns Back Market?
Thibaud Hug de Larauze, Vianney Vaute, and Quentin La Brouster are the founders and owners of Back Market.
Is Back Market legit?
After considering on-site and off-site reviews, it appears that Back Market is indeed legit. The company has also received approval from publications like Forbes and TechCrunch. Regardless, customers should always be careful when dealing with resellers.
Does Back Market only sell refurbished tablets and smartphones?
Back Market does not only sell refurbished tablets and smartphones. They also offer laptops, computers, gaming consoles, home appliances, and more.
Why does Back Market charge a quality assurance fee?
Back Market charges a Quality Assurance fee to invest into quality control. This helps the company ensure that consumers receive items of the best possible quality, as well as a positive shopping experience via refurbishers.
Where do Back Market orders ship from?
Back Market has sellers across the continental US. So, when it comes to origins, they can ship from anywhere in the States.
How does Back Market verify accessories?
While doing my research for this Back Market review, I found that the marketplace analyzes “the performance, quality, and security” of suppliers’ products. The process includes reviewing controls, performing tests, constant audits, and evaluating the product’s construction.
Why do I need to make a Back Market customer account?
Making a customer account allows you to track your orders and get access to sales on other devices. You can also contact sellers through your account and refer your friends to earn discounts.
Does Black Market offer product warranties?
Back Market does offer product warranties. Additionally, they advertise a protection plan that covers accidents from handling (for example, spills, drops, or cracked screens). This also extends the benefits of the 1-year limited warranty by two years.
What are the exclusions of the Back Market warranty?
The warranty only covers malfunctions that are separate from your use. This means that accidents such as dropping or losing your phone will not be accounted for.
Can I renew or cancel my Back Market protection plan?
Unfortunately, I discovered that buyers cannot renew the protection plan. You can cancel it within 30 days through a Back Market request form. Any requests made after that time should be directed to Asurion.
What is Back Market’s Shipping Policy?
Back Market offers free shipping on all of its devices. Unfortunately, they only ship within the continental United States and select countries in Europe.
Delivery times are disclosed on each product page as estimated arrival times vary based on the refurbisher’s location. Don’t fret, though! Back Market will send you a tracking number within 24 hours of purchasing.
As the holidays are coming up, Back Market notes that there may be delays due to inclement weather and high demand.
What is Back Market’s Return Policy?
Back Market has a 30-day return policy and money-back guarantee in case you are unhappy with your product. In case of any issues, defects, or problems with warranty, shipping costs are covered by the original vendor. To initiate the process, I recommend getting in touch with the company directly.
How to Contact Back Market
I hope you enjoyed this Back Market review! For any other questions, you can submit a request form online or contact the brand from a customer account.
Check out other related brands we’ve reviewed:
Ask the community or leave a comment
WRITE A REVIEWCustomer Reviews
Leave a review