Looking for a reliable place to buy refurbished tech? Back Market is one of the biggest online marketplace for refurbished electronics and here's a breakdown of whether it's legit, trustworthy and worth using.
What People Say
TrustPilot: Back Market has a whopping 4.2 star rating with over 26,000 reviews at the time of writing. Customers liked the "clear pricing, ease of ordering and how new the products looked upon arrival"
As you can see from the above ratings, most buyers report positive experiences and many say the devices work like new and that the warranty gives peace of mind.
Real-World Perspectives
Reddit users who've used Back Market offer some candid insights:
"I bought an iPhone 11 and have been really pleased with it, customer service was quick to respond when I wanted an invoice, they were actually really helpful." - bluetba
"I bought an iPhone 11 back in February 2023, it was all good for the first year, and I was really happy, but ever since that point, I’ve had a lot of weird issues on my phone." - luckynumbertwotwo
Bottom line according to Reddit is that quality can vary by individual seller, but Back Market themselves cover you with solid policies.
How it works
Marketplace Structure: Back Market isn't refurbishing devices itself, it vets and approves independent refurbish companies through an 80-point quality check.
30-day refund and 1 year warranty: If something is wrong, like battery issues or undisclosed repairs, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund, and you're also covered up to a year later by their warranty.
Quality Assurance: Back Market pulls random checks and requires sellers to meet strict diagnostics, turnaround times, and customer service standards.
Customer Support: Live chat and ticket systems help you resolve issues. According to reviews, typical response time is within 1 business day.
Misgrading: Some sellers may misgrade devices or miss details like previous repairs or battery wear.
Marketplace risks: As with any marketplace, managing expectations around condition and seller trustworthiness is key.
Smart Tips
Choose "Excellent" grade if you'd like close-to-new condition.
Check seller ratings because each refurbisher is rated by past buyers.
Read item descriptions and double-check photos, specifically things like battery health, replaced parts and blemishes.
Keep documentation such as your order ID, condition grade or minor blemishes.
Act fast if unhappy start returns within 30 days for the best support.
Use the warranty if issues appear after 30 days, you're still covered up to one year.
Verdict: Is Back Market Legit?
Yes. Back Market is a legitimate and widely trusted marketplace:
Strong Ratings across review sites
Protections such as warranties, returns and quality checks
Transparent complaints handling through Better Business Bureau and social media
That said, Back Market remains a marketplace, not a direct seller. So take care choosing reputable sellers and checking details. If you do, Back Market can offer significant savings with minimal risk.
Final Takeaway
If you do a bit of seller research and use the return/warranty system wisely, Back Market is a dependable platform for buying refurbished electronics. You'll likely save a bundle and reduce electronic waste.
I started at MyVoucherCodes as a Deal Expert, sourcing top deals and discount codes. I combined these skills with my passion for writing to become an Editor, helping readers save money. As a former student and homeowner, I understand the need to budget and provide shopping tips, especially for vegetarian and vegan diets. I've also written for publications like GamesRadar+, The Sun, My Weekly, iPaper and Pick Me Up!
I play video games, write reviews for GameReport in my spare time, and love trying out the latest tech gadgets. I also enjoy DIY projects, having worked in a tool store and renovated my home on a budget.
