At Cash Converters UK, we believe that “second-hand” should never mean “second best.” When you buy a used smartphone, laptop, game console, or any other electronics from us, we want you to feel confident that it works and that we’ve got your back if it doesn’t. Below, we walk you through how we test, what checks we do, and how we guarantee your purchase. It’s our promise to you.
1. Accepting items. We start clean (even before testing).
The process begins at the moment someone brings an item into one of our stores (or we acquire it through trusted channels). Right away, we perform some crucial checks to ensure integrity and safety:
We inspect the device to see whether it powers on and whether anything is obviously missing, damaged, or malfunctioning.
We record the item’s make, model, condition (scratches, wear, missing parts, etc.), and serial numbers or unique identifiers.
We check those serial numbers against national and regional databases (including police-reported stolen item records, where available) to make sure we are not accepting goods already flagged as stolen or missing. (We take seriously our legal and moral obligation not to facilitate the sale of stolen or fraudulently obtained goods.)
We also capture seller identity, take valid ID, and record transaction details in line with our internal ID and traceability policies.
From that starting point, we establish a baseline so that what you see and what you get are in line. This is also so we have full traceability of what’s happened to the device before it reaches you.
2. Functional testing. Making sure it works.
Once accepted, each electronic item goes through a rigorous series of functional tests, which vary depending on the kind of device. Here are examples of what we check:
Power, boot & stability: We turn the device on, run it under load, and make sure it doesn’t crash or overheat.
Display and touch/inputs: Screens, buttons, touchpads. Every input must respond correctly.
Sensors, connectivity & ports: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB ports, charging, headphone socket, etc.
Battery/power health: We test battery capacity, whether it holds charge, and how it performs under use.
Storage, memory & performance: We check disk read/write, memory stress, and data integrity.
Audio & video: Speakers, microphones, and camera (if available) are thoroughly tested.
Software/firmware: We ensure the software is genuine, not corrupted, and reset it to factory state.
Safety/electrical tests: In many stores, we run PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) or electrical safety checks where applicable.
By the time it’s cleared these tests, it’s ready for you, and you can be confident it’s not faulty.
3. Refurbishment/repair (if needed)
If something is close to spec but not quite there (e.g., a battery is weak or a port is flaky), we’ll carry out repairs or refurbishment. We use trusted parts, authorised repairers, or in-house technicians where possible to bring the device up to a standard we’re happy to sell. Our goal is not “just working” but “working well.”
4. Final checks & quality control
After repair or refurbishment, every device is re-tested (same battery of tests) to ensure no new issues were introduced. Then we run a final “smoke test”—we use it like a customer would: install apps, browse, and use typical functions. If it passes, we tag it “ready to sell.”
We also photograph the actual device, document serial numbers, and log the final condition so you can see exactly what you’re getting.
5. Our guarantee to you. 12 months (in most cases).
We back all our electronics (sold in-store or online) with a 12-month warranty*.
What that means:
You have 30 days’ right to reject. If something is faulty, not as described, or unfit for purpose, you can ask for a refund.
After 30 days (and up to 12 months), we’ll attempt a repair or replacement if a fault arises that wasn’t caused by misuse.
For online purchases, you also have a 14-day cancellation window (for change of mind), provided the item is returned in a proper condition.
Of course, there are exceptions (e.g., consumables, battery wear, and software issues), and full terms are displayed in-store and online. But the bottom line is: we stand behind what we sell.
6. Your rights & what we expect from you
Because we sell second-hand items, you still have statutory consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The goods must be of “satisfactory quality,” “fit for purpose,” and “as described.”
Within the first six months, if something goes wrong, it’s generally up to us to prove it wasn’t faulty at the time of sale. After six months, the burden may shift, meaning you may need to show evidence. We do ask that:
You keep your receipt and proof of purchase.
You let us know as soon as you spot a problem.
You don’t try to repair it yourself (that can void warranties).
You treat the item reasonably (don’t drop it off a balcony and demand a repair!).
7. Why we do it this way
We don’t just want to shift used electronics off our shelves; we want you to feel happy, safe, and confident with your purchase. Quality control, honest testing, and a solid warranty are how we deliver that trust.
As a result, customers often tell us they’re pleasantly surprised by how reliable our pre-owned tech is. (Check out our Trustpilot reviews!)
