You might lose a lot of money for a small mistake: buying a used amp that looks fine but hides trouble. Myth: If it powers on, it's fine Fact: Powering up is just the start. An amp that boots can still crackle, hum, or drop channels when you play. Check every input and output. Turn knobs and listen for static. Let the amp warm up for a few minutes and watch for odd noises. Myth: Cosmetic wear is only cosmetic Fact: Dents and paint loss can hide real trouble. A ding near vents

Did you buy a camera with a stuck shutter or cloudy sensor before? That shock is avoidable. Know the easy checks that catch most problems. Low risk: cheap older bodies (what to expect) Low-risk bodies are older entry-level cameras sold for parts or beginners. Expect wear on the grip, faded buttons, and a tired battery life. These often work but may need basic cleaning or a new battery. If price is very low, treat it as a parts buy. Medium risk: popular mid-range bodies (what

You can buy a neat gadget that locks you into trash in a few clicks—know how to avoid that trap. What did the "Worst in Show" at CES call out and why should you care? The award shows gadgets that are hard or impossible to fix. The winners are often sealed, glued, or full of one-use parts. That makes them fail sooner and harder to sell on the second-hand market. You lose time, money, and space when a device can’t be repaired. How does unfixable tech matter to a pawnshop buyer

Ever picked up a mic that looked fine but sounded thin or crackled under pressure? That surprise ruins a session fast. What’s going on Buying used mics can save you a lot. But mics are tools that age with use. Cables, capsules, switches, and mounts wear out. You need quick checks so you don’t pay for problems you can’t see. Why it matters A bad mic can hide problems until the first take. Then you lose time, money, and your mood. A few minutes of testing will tell you if the m

Got a phone or laptop that looks like a goner? The new iFixit app puts repair guides in your pocket and can change how you buy, sell, or trade. What's going on iFixit launched a mobile app that brings its repair guides to phones and tablets. The guides you used online are now formatted for touch screens. That matters because you can pull step-by-step repair info while you test gear on the spot. Why it matters to you You save time when you can check teardown steps during a mee

Who buys new when fixing works? A sharp question for anyone facing holiday pressure. What’s going on Repair is trending. People want less waste and more value. Shops, repair cafes, and parts sellers are busier. If you sell or trade used items, repair-focused gifts make sense for your customers. You can help them give something useful that saves money and keeps gear in play. Why it matters to your shop When a buyer brings gear for trade or sale, they often worry about repair c

Buying one more gadget can be the wrong kind of generous. Repair skills or a fixed item can mean more to the person who needs it. What’s going on A recent piece titled "If You Must Buy Gifts, Give the Gift of Repair: Black Friday 2025" argues that repair is the kinder holiday choice. The story says that, after no gift at all, a repair-themed present is the best option for people and the planet. That idea matters in the pawn and resale world because you deal with used goods ev

Think twice before buying another boxed gadget for someone who already has one. What's going on A growing push says repairs make better gifts than new stuff. The idea is simple: fix what someone already owns, or give help to do it. That saves waste and often means a more useful present. Why it matters for you You save money. The planet wins. And the person who gets the help keeps something they already like. For people who fix gear, repairs can be quick wins — a new battery,

Think twice before buying something that will fail in a year. What’s going on A growing push says the best present is the gift of repair, not more stuff. The idea is simple: teach someone to fix, or give items that are easy to keep alive. That is great for the planet and for your wallet. Why it matters to you You don’t need to be a tech nerd to make a better gift choice. A repair-friendly present saves money, cuts waste, and lasts longer. For small shops and pawn buyers, repa

You meet a seller at a coffee shop. The phone looks fine on the outside. The seller says it boots and the screen is perfect. You still ask to see the battery health and a quick boot test. Ask to see the device booting from cold power. Check battery health or charging indicator for sudden drops. Inspect ports for bent pins or heavy debris. Open the camera app and record a short clip to check stabilization. Look for uneven gaps or new screws that suggest prior work. Check speak