Do you love high tech devices but hate paying full price to be on the cutting edge? Try using these budgeting and shopping tips to keep costs down!
In 2021, one thing that is abundantly clear is that having up-to-date tech is about more than just a simple fashion statement. In the era of WFH and digital transformation, having the latest high tech devices is now a necessity for much of humanity. However, that does not mean you should be paying through the nose just to cop the latest iPhone.
Tech prices for new items such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches are rising faster than ever before. Despite the increasing necessity of new tech, the big tech producers continue to jack up the prices far beyond inflation. That is why it pays to know the essential money-saving tips for buying tech gadgets. Read on to find out exactly how to save a stack of cash on your next tech purchase.
1. Go for Refurbished High Tech Devices
One of the most effective ways to save money is to buy refurbished tech instead of brand new products. Refurbished tech consists of items such as iPhones and laptops that have been scratched or damaged and have been sent back to the factory so that they are repaired to be good as new.
These refurbished items are then sold on through licensed vendors at steep discounts. You can learn everything you need to know about why buying a refurbished smartphone is the best way to access the latest tech for a fraction of the retail price.
2. Don’t Waste Money On Unnecessary Extras
New tech, much like any other product, often comes with expensive and unnecessary extras. The seller might try and convince you to fork out an extra $300 for 150GB of storage space. While this might sound handy, it is unlikely that you are actually going to use this, especially if you already have cloud storage.
In a similar vein, you probably do not need to shell out extra bucks for fancy business features or a souped-up camera. When comparison shopping for new tech, stick to the necessities and do not pay for anything you do not want or need.
3. Sell Your Old Tech
Another helpful way to reduce your tech spending is to sell or recycle your old items. Take your old iPhone to a vendor that specializes in trade-in devices and you will either get cash-in-hand or a substantial discount on a new phone.
You probably already have multiple old laptops, computers, tablets, watches, and hard drives just laying around the house. Sell them on and re-invest the money in a tech upgrade.
4. Use Your Discounts
Finally, it is important to remember that there is most likely a tech discount waiting for you that you do not even realize you are eligible for. For example, did you know that Apple offers incredibly steep discounts to any student looking to buy a MacBook for their schoolwork?
Did you know that government employees are often given steep discounts by companies such as Microsoft? Did you know that union members often get big tech discounts via their union? You might be surprised at the discounts that are waiting for you, so make sure to do your research.
Essential Tech Hacks at Your Fingertips
Understanding how to get the latest high tech devices for cheap is essential if you are looking to get the most out of your tech in 2021. For more essential tech hacks to see you through, make sure to look at our expertly-curated Life Hacks guide for more information and advice.