Electronics are expensive. A new TV easily costs several hundred francs, a laptop even more. No wonder free devices are tempting. But with electronics, caution is advised -- not everything that's free is actually good.
Over the years, I've scored some hits, but also made a few mistakes. Here's what I've learned along the way.
The Golden Rule: Always Test
With furniture, you can immediately see if something is broken. With electronics, you can't. A device can look perfect on the outside and still not work.
That's why: always test on site. Don't take anything you haven't turned on. This applies to TVs, monitors, household appliances -- basically everything.
Sometimes that's not possible -- the device is already unplugged, no outlet nearby. Then you have to weigh the risk. For small items like a toaster, the risk is low. For a TV that requires a van to transport, it's annoying if it doesn't work.
What Usually Works
Kitchen appliances are surprisingly reliable. Blenders, toasters, coffee machines -- these things are simply built and last a long time. When someone gives them away, it's usually because they bought an upgrade, not because they're broken.
Monitors and TVs are often usable when the reason for giving them away is clear. "We bought a bigger one" usually means the old device still works. "Makes strange noises sometimes" is a warning.
Printers are tricky. They often work, but the cartridges are empty. A printer without ink is like a car without gas -- technically fine, practically useless. Check if cartridges are included and calculate what new ones would cost.
What to Avoid
Laptops older than five years are usually more trouble than they're worth. The battery doesn't hold a charge, the operating system is outdated, software won't run. Maybe as a second device for browsing, but not for working.
Smartphones are almost never free -- and if they are, there's a reason. Either the display is cracked, the battery is dying, or it's so old that updates no longer come. I wouldn't waste time on them.
Anything with built-in batteries is problematic. Batteries degrade, and with older devices, this can be dangerous. Swollen batteries are a real safety risk.
Kettles and heating devices are safety-critical. If a kettle has a problem, you might not notice until it's on fire. With such devices, I'd rather buy new.
Ask Why It's Being Given Away
Always ask: why is it being given away? The answer tells you a lot.
"We're moving and not taking it with us" -- good, space reasons. "We bought a new one" -- good, upgrade reason. "Works most of the time" -- warning. "Would need to be repaired" -- strong warning. "No idea if it still works" -- risk.
People are usually honest when you ask directly. Nobody wants to go through the effort of giving away junk.
Security and Privacy
For computers and storage devices: formatting is mandatory. You don't know what the previous owner had on there. It's not just a privacy question -- there could also be viruses.
Before you use a second-hand computer, do a clean reinstall of the operating system. It takes an hour, but then you know what's on it.
The same applies to smartphones. Factory reset before first use. And change all default passwords, if any were set.
Disposing of E-Waste Properly
If you pick up electronics and they don't work after all -- don't throw them in the household trash. That's illegal and bad for the environment.
In Switzerland, you can return electronics for free: at any retailer that sells such devices, or at municipal collection points. The SENS recycling system works well.
I've made it a habit to say when picking up: "If it doesn't work, I'll take it to the collection point." That takes the pressure off.
What's Really Worth It
After all the warnings: there are real bargains out there. I got my current monitor for free -- 27 inches, works perfectly. The previous owner switched to dual monitors and had no more space.
Good speakers are sometimes given away because they're too big or don't fit the new decor. Sound quality doesn't age.
Older generation gaming consoles show up when people upgrade to the latest generation. A PS4 isn't junk just because the PS5 exists.
And cables. Always cables. HDMI, USB, power cables -- someone always has extras. They accumulate, and they're often still perfectly usable.
Conclusion
Free electronics can work if you're careful. Test on site, ask about the reason, be skeptical with critical devices. And if something doesn't work, dispose of it properly.
On PIKITUP, you regularly see electronics listings. Check it out -- but take the tips from this article with you.
Have you had luck or bad luck with free electronics? Tell me about it -- hello@pikitup.ch