How to spot tech that will die on your shelf after the Worst in Show at CES

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 or seller?

If you buy it, you may not be able to test or repair it. If you sell it, buyers may avoid it or only pay pennies. You want items that stay useful and that other people can also fix. That keeps value and makes your shelf move faster.

What quick checks tell you if a gadget is likely unfixable?

Openability: look for visible screws or a seam you can pry without damage. If it’s glued shut, that’s a red flag. Port variety: does it use common ports and batteries? Obscure or one-off connectors cut resale.

Battery access: a removable battery is a big plus. If the battery is glued or internal, expect short useful life. Repair parts: note if parts are common (screens, buttons) or custom. Common parts are easier and cheaper to replace.

What are practical red flags to check in person? (quick checklist)

• Heavily glued seams or no obvious screws

• Nonstandard or one-off charging ports

• No removable battery or visible battery compartment

• Proprietary batteries or chargers with odd pins

• No service menu or hidden reset option

• Obvious signs of water damage or corrosion

What should you test right there before you buy or accept an item?

Power on it and let it boot fully. Check every button and port for function. If it has a screen, look for dead pixels and backlight issues. Try charging it and then unplugging to see if the battery holds power.

Micro-moment: You meet a seller who hands over an impressively small smart speaker. You plug it in and it boots, but the battery dies in ten minutes. That ten-minute test just saved you a drawer full of headaches.

How to price and negotiate when a device might be unfixable?

Price for parts or cores. If a device won’t open or has rare parts, price it lower and make the reason clear to buyers. Negotiate using the cost and time of a potential repair. Ask the seller for any receipts, spare parts, or original chargers. These increase what you can get for it.

When is it worth taking on a risky, hard-to-repair item?

You might take it when the asking price is very low and you can fix it quickly for little cost. Or when a single, inexpensive part makes it work again. If you have trusted repair contacts or a steady stream of buyers who want spare parts, a risky item can be a decent flip.

How should you describe such items to buyers to keep trust and avoid returns?

Always be clear in your listing or in-person pitch. Say if the case won’t open, whether the battery is glued, or if parts are custom. Offer photos of the exact item and any test notes. That honesty reduces returns and builds repeat buyers.

If anything feels off, pause. Electronics that "mostly work" usually cost more than the discount.

Today’s takeaway: Check how a gadget opens, how the battery behaves, and whether its parts are common before you pay or accept it.