Refurbished vs. Brand New Phones Which Sells Faster on Amazon & eBay?

The Growing Debate Among Resellers

For entrepreneurs in the mobile reselling business, one of the biggest decisions is whether to focus on refurbished phones or brand-new models. Both categories have strong demand, but they attract different types of buyers and generate different profit margins. Platforms like Amazon and eBay are highly competitive, and understanding which type of phone sells faster can make the difference between slow-moving inventory and a thriving business.

Why Refurbished Phones Are in High Demand

Refurbished phones have become one of the fastest-growing segments of e-commerce. Buyers are increasingly drawn to refurbished devices because they offer premium features at affordable prices. Many customers want the experience of using an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy but don’t want to pay flagship-level prices. Refurbished phones also appeal to eco-conscious buyers who prefer sustainable choices over contributing to electronic waste. On eBay in particular, refurbished phones dominate because buyers expect discounted, reliable devices with warranties.

The Appeal of Brand New Phones

Despite the rise of refurbished models, brand-new phones still hold enormous value in the market. Many buyers are drawn to the latest releases, especially Apple’s newest iPhones and Samsung’s flagship Galaxy devices. On Amazon, new phones often outsell refurbished ones due to buyer trust and the convenience of Prime delivery. While profit margins on brand-new models are typically smaller, they drive high sales volumes and help resellers establish credibility.

Sales Speed on Amazon

Amazon’s platform favors new devices because customers associate the site with reliability and fast shipping. The iPhone 15 and newer Samsung models often sell quickly, even with tighter margins, because buyers are willing to pay for the latest technology. Refurbished phones still sell well on Amazon, but they tend to move fastest when paired with Prime delivery or sold by highly rated sellers.

Sales Speed on eBay

eBay is the clear leader when it comes to refurbished phone sales. Buyers visit eBay specifically looking for discounted devices, and they are comfortable purchasing refurbished models as long as warranties and clear descriptions are provided. For resellers, refurbished phones often sell faster on eBay than new ones, and they deliver higher margins thanks to lower sourcing costs.

Finding the Right Balance

The most successful resellers in 2025 are those who balance both categories. New phones build trust, attract buyers, and create consistent sales volume, while refurbished phones deliver stronger margins and appeal to a broader audience. Entrepreneurs who combine the two can take advantage of both fast-moving inventory and higher profitability.

Why BulkMobiles Makes Both Options Easy

With access to both brand-new and refurbished devices, BulkMobiles allows resellers to offer a wide product range that meets every buyer’s needs. Certified refurbished stock ensures quality and reliability, while competitive pricing on new phones makes it possible to compete in high-demand categories. This flexibility gives resellers the advantage of catering to multiple markets simultaneously.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to which sells faster, the answer depends on the platform. Brand-new phones often move faster on Amazon due to buyer trust and demand for the latest releases, while refurbished phones dominate eBay thanks to price-conscious customers and higher margins. By offering both, resellers can maximize profits and sales speed across multiple marketplaces. With BulkMobiles as a reliable supplier, entrepreneurs can confidently grow their businesses in both categories throughout 2025.