Buying refurbished tech is already a smart move. It’s better for your wallet, better for the planet. But if you time it right, you can make your money go even further.
From big sales events like Black Friday, to quieter times when stock levels are high, some parts of the year offer more choice, better prices, or exclusive offers on refurbished phones, laptops, consoles and more.
Whether you’re a bargain hunter, a budget-savvy student, or just after great tech without the brand-new price tag, here’s when to keep your eyes peeled for the best refurbished tech sales.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday: The biggest savings of the year
It’s no surprise that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are peak times for tech deals, and refurbished tech is no exception.
If you’re looking for the best time to buy refurbished phones, tablets or MacBooks, this is when you’ll find some of the lowest prices and biggest refurbished tech sales of the year.
At the iOutlet, we usually run sitewide deals during this period, with amazing refurbished deals on top brands like Apple, Samsung, Nintendo and more.
January: New Year, new gadgets
January is a great time to buy refurbished because loads of people upgrade over Christmas, which means a fresh wave of tech hits the refurb market in the new year.
More stock means better availability — especially for recent models — and often some decent offers as retailers try to clear stock after the festive rush.
Back-to-school season (August–September)
With the new school year around the corner, August and September are perfect for finding great deals on refurbished iPads, laptops, and smartphones that won’t blow the student budget.
Whether you’re heading to uni or just need something reliable for school or college, this time of year often brings great seasonal deals.
New product launches: Upgrade time = more trade-ins
When big brands like Apple or Samsung launch new devices (usually around March and September), many people trade in their old phones, which means more refurbished models become available soon after.
This is the perfect time to snap up a lightly used, recent-generation device for a fraction of the price.
Year-round savings to watch for
Big sales are great, but you don’t have to wait for them to grab a bargain. The iOutlet runs Hot Deals all year round, offering serious savings on everything from refurbished phones to consoles, bundles and accessories.
You’ll also spot seasonal flash sales during Easter, summer and Bank Holidays, plus end-of-line clearances when older models are phased out. These offers don’t always stick around for long, so it’s worth checking in regularly to catch the best deals as they drop.
Refurbished tech already gives you more for your money, but with thoughtful timing, you can stretch your budget even further.
Whether you’re hunting for Black Friday refurbished deals, shopping the January wave of trade-ins, or waiting for back-to-school offers, there’s always a smart time to buy
Explore our full range of refurbished phones, tablets, consoles and more — and grab a bargain when the time’s right for you.
