Introduction
Back Market is a US online marketplace specializing in refurbished electronics and tech devices. Founded in France in 2014, the company now operates in many countries, including the US. Back Market connects buyers with third-party refurbishers and independent sellers who sell used, refurbished, or refurbished devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.). The appeal is clear: lower-cost tech while providing an environmental benefit through longer device lifespans and less e-waste.
Back Market promotes quality standards, warranties, and condition ratings so customers know what to expect.
Brand Mission
Back Market’s mission is to make refurbished tech trustworthy, accessible, and environmentally friendly. Its guiding values include:
Sustainability – encouraging the reuse of electronics and reducing waste.
Trust and Quality – adhering to condition standards and testing to ensure optimal device performance.
Transparency – Clear descriptions of item condition, warranties, and buyer protection.
Affordability – We offer premium devices at lower costs than new devices.
Market Access – We provide a platform for refurbishers to reach customers in various countries, including the US.
The catalog includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and more. Each item is assigned a condition rating (e.g., “Good,” “Very Good,” “Excellent”) so you know what level of wear and tear or cosmetic defects to expect.
Buyer protection is available: If a device isn’t delivered or doesn’t match the description, you’ll receive a refund or replacement. Customer service will handle any disputes or issues via email or support channels.
Devices are inspected and evaluated based on various criteria (battery, display, functionality). There are also policies in place to enforce quality standards across all sellers.
Highlights
Many customers report that devices “look like new” or exceed expectations in condition when ordered in “very good” or “excellent” quality.
Significant savings compared to new.
Buyers often appreciate the environmental benefits – less e-waste and longer device lifespan.
Large marketplace with many models, often older models or models that are no longer easily available for new purchase.
Reliable shipping and packaging are the subject of many positive reviews.
Transparent condition descriptions and options: You can choose how much cosmetic wear and tear you’d accept for a lower price.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Significant cost savings: Refurbished tech can be significantly cheaper than new.
Good condition ratings and warranties give you peace of mind.
Wide selection, including discontinued models or older models.
Environmentally friendly approach – reusing tech and reducing waste.
Transparent return and refund policies in many cases.
Cons:
Some reports of items not matching the description: worse condition than stated, cosmetic defects, lower battery life than expected.
Customer service is sometimes slow or unhelpful in resolving warranty/return issues.
Occasionally, delivery delays or missing components (such as chargers, etc.) occur.
Because third-party remanufacturers are involved, reliability can vary from seller to seller. Your experience will depend greatly on the remanufacturer you purchase from.
The return process can be cumbersome for some users, especially if you need to return a defective item.
Customer Reviews
Frequent Customer Opinions:
Many are satisfied: The product arrived as described or better, worked perfectly, the battery life was sufficient, and the packaging was sturdy.
They appreciate the savings and the fact that refurbished technology can be a practical alternative to buying new.
There is also positive feedback regarding environmental sustainability.
Contrary:
Some customers received devices with more wear and tear than expected, with battery problems, or defective parts.
Some had issues with returns or warranty service and felt pushed back by the company or seller.
There were also complaints about slow customer service responses, especially for issues outside of the usual return periods.
FAQs
Is Back Market reputable?
Yes. The company is established, represented in many countries, and has high customer reviews. It offers warranty and buyer protection policies.
Do refurbished devices from Back Market work perfectly?
In most cases, yes. Most customers report satisfactory performance, especially when selecting “excellent” or “very good” condition. However, since the devices aren’t brand new, there’s a certain risk of variability.
What happens if the device doesn't match the description?
Back Market offers returns or refunds if the item doesn’t match the promised condition or has functional issues. Be sure to inspect the item upon receipt and report any problems promptly.
How long is the warranty?
Typically about one year, but the exact terms vary depending on the device and seller.
Is Back Market's customer service good?
A mixed bag. Many report smooth support, while others report delays or frustration, especially with warranty/return issues.
Final Verdict
Back Market US is a solid option if you’re shopping for electronics but want to save money and reduce waste. Those comfortable with used/refurbished tech and carefully review condition ratings and seller reviews can find good value here.
If you’re looking for something guaranteed perfect, pristine, or like-new, the risk is higher and you should proceed with caution. Overall, however, Back Market is one of the better options in the refurbished tech space due to the cost savings, environmental friendliness, and availability of older models.
