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

Are you trying to sell a guitar this week and unsure what number to put on the tag? A small price mistake can keep it on the shelf for months. What’s going on Used guitars move faster when the price looks fair at a glance. Buyers often scroll past listings that need too much explaining. If you want a quick sale, you must be clear, honest, and shovel away doubt. Why price matters more than you think A small drop in price can double interest. Many buyers are comparison shopping

You picked up a guitar that looks fine at a glance. A quick miss can cost you days of repair or months of regret. Myth vs fact: A scratch is cosmetic only Myth: Small dings and scratches don’t matter. Fact: Surface marks may hide bigger problems. A deep ding near the bridge or neck joint can mean a cracked top or loose glue. Light finish wear is mostly cosmetic. But investigate any damage near structural points. Myth vs fact: New strings prove the guitar is healthy Myth: New

Mistake: you pick a top price and then are shocked no one calls. Low-risk (fast sale) — what this means Low-risk means you want cash in a day or two. You accept getting less than top market value. Aim here if the laptop has wear, older parts, or a niche model. Set a clear bottom price before you list. Be honest about scratches and battery life. Buyers paying quickly expect simple, working gear. Medium-risk (days to a week) — the balance point Medium-risk is for most sellers.