The world we live in is very much a wireless, electronic one, and thanks to routers and WIFI, we can perform seemingly impossible tasks from the comfort of our own homes! Unfortunately, everybody from time to time will experience some difficulties with their router and need to replace one. So the question is, can you buy a used router, and is it safe to buy one from Marketplace?
It is safe to buy a used router on Marketplace, but it must be done carefully, and precautions should be taken. The router should be tested if possible to make sure it works properly. Online shopping always comes with a risk, so steps must be taken to ensure cyber and personal security.
It takes a good amount of expertise to buy a router, so it stands to reason that twice the expertise would be needed to buy a used one. You will need to make sure you know what you’re doing before buying anything, especially if you have chosen to do your shopping on Marketplace; most online shopping is just a tad risky. If you are in the process of looking for a used router on Marketplace, then read on for more information.
Used Routers: Pros, Cons, and Safe Shopping Tips
Buying a used internet router comes with some risks, whether you’re buying it off Marketplace or not. There are pros and cons to doing so, and both should be carefully considered before you buy anything. Here are some basic pros and cons that everybody should know about buying a used internet router on the internet:
Pros
The biggest upside to buying a used router is the price. Networking equipment can be pretty expensive, especially if you are buying multiple components at once. Many routers will still work fairly well after they’ve been used, which means you can get a decent one at a fairly affordable price. If you’re on a tight budget, buying a used router is probably the best course of action to take.
The second piece of good news is that when you’re shopping for used routers, there are plenty of options. It is, of course, important to remember that not all of these options are created equally, but you might be surprised at how many good routers you’ll find online, even if they’ve been used already.
You can help limit waste by buying a used router. Routers are in no short supply, and you won’t ever have trouble finding one. However, what’s the use of getting rid of a perfectly good router that still has several years of life left in it? If you buy a used router, that’s one more router that is used until it dies and has no more power left. Waste not, want not!
Cons
Unfortunately, the list of cons could very well outweigh the list of pros. According to several users, buying used equipment comes with quite a few risks. One of these risks is not knowing whether or not you are getting high-quality equipment. Of course, if you have the opportunity to inspect the router before buying it, that is less of a problem, but that often isn’t an option with an online purchase.
Similarly, it’s really easy to get ripped off online. You can see pictures and descriptions of the item, and everything might look all fine and dandy, but really, you may be getting a raw deal on whatever it is you’re buying. If you have good judgment, and you know how to pick out good routers, then this might not intimidate you, but just keep in mind that shopping for used items online is almost always a gamble.
Buying a used router is a risky business in general, regardless of whether you buy it online or not. Many used ones are in excellent condition, but some are not. And besides, used is still used, which means the time might come that you’ll have to replace it sooner than later. So, the question to ask yourself is whether or not it’s even worth it.
Safe and Smart Shopping
According to several users and buyers, there’s nothing particularly unsafe about buying a used router online, other than you might be disappointed by what you end up with. If you want to buy a used router online, there are a few things you ought to know before you do.
First, you should check the brand of whatever router you’re looking to buy used. You’re probably thinking: why on earth would I do that if I’m buying it used? The truth of the matter is that you can look and see what price the company would be asking for a brand new router and compare that price to the one you are considering purchasing. If whoever you’re purchasing from is asking for around the same price, you’ll know you’re getting ripped off.
Another good thing is to check the reviews of that particular product. This can help you to determine whether or not the product you’re looking at is any good at all, even when it’s brand new.
If nothing else, be sure to do a lot of thorough research on the product that you’re looking at before you give the seller money. This will help you to determine if the product is worth it.
Check out this forum for more info.
Using Marketplace: Pros, Cons, and Safe Shopping Tips
As with buying a used router, you are going to have to use plenty of caution when you use it, but there are still good things about doing so. There are pros and cons to using Marketplace for sure, so make sure you are fully acquainted with what those are before you make a habit out of it.
Pros
First of all, using Marketplace is extremely easy. It takes mere minutes for people to post ads and get their items up for sale. All you need to know when you use Facebook Marketplace is how to use Facebook, which means anybody can quickly learn how to use Marketplace with absolutely no problem. It’s easy to use, plus it greatly simplifies the buying and selling process.
Who can’t reach anybody on the internet nowadays? When you use Marketplace, you’ll be able to access people from across the country or even outside of the country if you wish. And not only that, but there are people of all ages with different preferences that you’ll be able to reach as well. This means you’ll likely have an easy time finding customers as well as plenty of options.
There are not a lot of fees charged by Marketplace. You will likely be charged a 5% fee for shipping and other, similar transactions. If you’re looking for a place to not spend more money on fees than you really should have to, then check out Marketplace. You won’t usually be overcharged there!
Cons
Sadly, Facebook Marketplace also comes with quite a few risks. First of all, nothing is perfectly safe or secure. Facebook does not finalize or take charge of any shipping and delivery responsibilities, which means you’ll have to facilitate all of it yourself. This also means you could end up having to give a stranger your address, or at the very least arrange a meeting. This makes a lot of people uncomfortable.
Plus, you won’t be “protected.” Facebook covers the items you ship specifically from any Facebook shops using the checkout system. However, if you have to pay any other way (Venmo, PayPal, etc.) you will not be covered. This is another thing that shoppers feel puts them at risk somewhat.
You can read more about Marketplace here.
Safe and Secure Shopping
As mentioned earlier, there’s no shopping on Marketplace without a little bit of risk. However, if you know what you’re doing, the risk will be minimal and might even be avoided altogether. There are tips and practices that everybody should use when shopping on Marketplace because those practices will ensure your safety and the safety of others. Here are a few of them:
Many people on the internet are honest and willing to make a fair trade, but other people are willing to lure others into a false sense of security if they’re determined to make money. That being said, you should be extremely cautious about who you buy from. Check their online profile thoroughly before contacting them in any way. Being thorough is never a bad thing!
You should also be careful never to share personal data of any kind online. This could include addresses, phone numbers, bank account numbers, emails, SSNs, or anything else. If a buyer or seller should ask for any of it, don’t feel obligated to share. It’s none of their business!
And speaking of addresses, don’t share yours unless it’s absolutely necessary. Many items need to be exchanged between buyers and sellers in person, but make sure you’re doing it in a public place. This can be a grocery store, a restaurant, or some people may even feel more comfortable doing it in the lobby of their local police department. You can never be too careful.
It might also be wise of you to bring somebody you know and trust with you when you’re making an exchange with somebody. This will add to the sense of security you may need to be out with a stranger exchanging items. This is also true of when exchanges happen right on your front lawn.
If you’re having items delivered that are too large to be given in a public setting, make sure you take every precaution. As mentioned before, you should have somebody with you (or multiple people) when the seller comes to make the drop. If you’re worried enough about it, you could even have a police car drive by your house when the exchange is made. That will give you peace of mind if nothing else will.
Trusting your gut is important as well. If you’re going to make the exchange in a public area, there is a small likelihood of anything going sour. However, if you’re experiencing doubts or unease of any kind, there is nothing wrong with you canceling the meeting. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Negotiation Tactics
Negotiating is an important part of shopping on Marketplace. While many would prefer to avoid conflict and just get through the process quickly, others feel the need to buy down just a little bit. You might be surprised at how willing people are to politely and civilly negotiate, so don’t be afraid to give it a try.
All you have to do is take a look at the price of the item in question and message the seller. Ask them if their item’s price is negotiable. You could also just message them with an alternative offer right away. They could say no, or they could accept, and you’ll be able to save a few dollars on your purchase. It may sound like a waste of time, but you’d be surprised at how effective it can be if you’re willing to give it a try!
You might be worried about a rude seller, but the nice thing about online shopping is that you don’t have to meet face to face with this person until you’re for sure ready to buy and pick up their item. You can message them without needing to feel attacked or uneasy in any way. Plus, the worst they can really do is say no, and you’ll have to spend the full amount for a product or look elsewhere.
Are All Routers Compatible with My Provider?
Now we’ve gone through the motions of learning how to buy, sell, and negotiate safely, there’s the matter of asking whether or not your router is or will be compatible with your modem and internet provider. The short answer is that most routers are compatible with pretty much all providers and modems.
Check out Affordable Routers for Spectrum Broadband Plans
Some companies even make combined router/modem models to make that question of compatibility less of a concern. If you’re in doubt, or you have discovered that the router you have is not compatible with your modem, the best thing you can do is call your provider. They will be able to help you figure out any bugs or quirks, and they can even recommend a different model if necessary.