33 Top Electronics & Gadgets Companies

What to check before buying electronics online

Electronics are expensive, easy to damage in transit and often covered by more than one warranty. The difference between a smooth purchase and a long dispute is usually in the details the seller publishes, so read them before you add anything to the cart.

New, refurbished or grey import

• New from an authorized seller: normally comes with the manufacturer's full warranty and local support.
• Refurbished: grading terms such as "excellent" or "good" are set by each seller, not by an industry standard. Check what each grade means, how long the warranty runs and whether the battery has been tested or replaced.
• Imported or region-specific models: a phone or camera meant for another market may lack local warranty cover, use a different plug or charger, or support different mobile bands.

Warranty and returns

Find out who honors the warranty: the manufacturer, the retailer or a third party. Note the return window and whether opened items carry a restocking fee. If you are offered an extended warranty or protection plan at checkout, read what it excludes and who runs it before paying extra.

Repair shops

When you hand over a phone or laptop for repair, you are also handing over your data. Back up and, if possible, sign out of accounts first. Ask for a written quote, whether parts are original or third-party, and how long the repair is guaranteed. A shop that cannot tell you this up front may be hard to hold to account later.

Where electronics purchases go wrong

• Dead on arrival: test the item as soon as it arrives and report faults straight away. Some sellers set a short window for faulty-on-arrival claims.
• Missing accessories: refurbished and used devices sometimes ship without chargers or cables. The listing should say what is in the box.
• Locked devices: a used phone can be carrier-locked or still linked to a previous owner's account. Ask for confirmation before you buy.
• Prices well under market rate: new flagship devices are rarely discounted heavily by unknown stores. Check the domain age and contact details on the company page before paying.

CandorRated company pages list who runs the website where we could find it, how long the domain has been registered, and whether a phone number, email or address is published. You can filter by country or city if you prefer a seller with local warranty support.

Frequently asked questions

Is a refurbished device worth the saving?

It can be, if the seller gives a clear grade description, a warranty of a reasonable length and an easy return. Without those, the saving carries more risk.

What happens if the courier damages my order?

Photograph the packaging and the item, keep everything, and report it to the seller quickly. The seller usually deals with the carrier, not you.

Should I buy the extended warranty?

That depends on what the standard warranty and your local consumer law already cover. Compare the extra cost with the likely repair cost and read the exclusions.