Review on Overseas Marketplace vs Local Refurbisher - Which is the UK's Better Choice for Your Next Phone?
Back Market and The Big Phone Store both sell refurbished phones - but how they do it is very different.
Backmarket is an international marketplace that connects you with independent sellers. The Big Phone Store is a UK-based refurbisher that restores and sells its own stock, direct to customers.
We both offer refurbished tech, but only one of us actually refurbishes the devices in-house. Here's how that difference affects quality, service, and value.
A comprehensive comparison of The Big Phone Store and Backmarket UK across all key features.
| Feature | The Big Phone Store | Back Market |
|---|---|---|
| Refurbished phones since 1999 | ✅ | ❌ |
| Trustpilot rating | Excellent (4.8★) | Great (4.2★) |
| Google reviews | 4.6★ | N/A |
| UK-owned and operated | ✅ | France |
| 12-Month Warranty | ✅ | ✅ |
| Daily price updates | ✅ | ✅ |
| Flexible payment options | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recommended by Which? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recommended by MoneySavingExpert | ✅ | ❌ |
| Refurbished and sold in-house | ✅ | ❌ |
| In-person store | ✅ | ❌ |
| UK customer service team | ✅ | ❌ |
| Free next working day delivery (£150+ orders) | ✅ | ❌ |
| 95% next-day delivery rate | ✅ | ❌ |
| Same-day dispatch (Mon–Fri before 3 pm) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Returns processed within 3 working days | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wide device range | ✅ | ❌ |
| Average battery health: 85%+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Certified 90-point quality checks | ✅ | ❌ |
| Over 5 million phones sold | ✅ | ❌ |
| Talk to a real person | ✅ | ❌ |
Back Market is a third-party platform. Seller standards and services can vary. Information correct as of Jan, 2026.
Back Market gives you access to a wide range of sellers, but that variety can mean different levels of service and quality. At The Big Phone Store, everything is done under one roof - so your experience stays consistent.
| Where Back Market Falls Short | How The Big Phone Store Does It Differently |
|---|---|
| No control over refurbisher | All phones refurbished in-house in Wolverhampton |
| Overseas-based support | UK team available by phone, email, or in person |
| No universal testing standard | 90-point inspections and PhoneCheck certification |
| Refunds can be slower or vary by seller | 98% of returns processed in 3 working days |
| No physical presence in the UK | Visit our Wolverhampton store anytime |
| Commission and fees in pricing | No marketplace fees - you buy direct |
| Battery condition varies by seller | Guaranteed 85%+ battery, 90% on Like New - 100% available as upgrade |
| Limited brand selection | Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, OnePlus, Oppo, and more |
| Communication varies by seller | Speak directly to our in-house support team |
| No same-day dispatch guarantee | Same-day dispatch before 3 pm, 95% arrive next day |
When you buy on Backmarket, your experience depends on the individual seller. With us, it's consistent from start to finish.
"At The Big Phone Store, every phone we touch is carefully tested, restored, and renewed until it feels new again, not replaced, but reborn. That's the difference you can feel the moment it's in your hands."
| The Big Phone Store | Back Market | |
|---|---|---|
| Dispatch time | Same-day (before 3 pm) | Depends on seller |
| Delivery speed | 95% next working day | Varies |
| Returns | Handled directly, refunded fast | May go through seller, delays |
You don't chase third parties. You get your money back fast - from the same company you bought from.
Back Market sellers each use their own methods. Standards may vary.
Backmarket Phones mostly offers Apple iPhones and Samsung models, depending on what sellers have. We stock:
Factory sealed, never opened, and covered by the full manufacturer's warranty.
Looks and feels new, with 90%+ battery health. The only thing missing is the original packaging.
Almost flawless. You'll barely notice any marks - thoroughly tested and performing like new.
Light signs of previous use, but every feature works perfectly. Reliable, smooth, and ready to go.
Pre-loved with visible wear, but 100% functional and fully tested. Great value, same dependable performance.
So you know exactly what you're getting.
Backmarket doesn't run trade-ins - individual sellers may or may not accept them. We offer:
These extras make your device feel closer to new - without the new price tag.
You can't walk into Backmarket - it doesn't have a UK storefront.
We're here:
📍 Wednesfield Business Park, Wolverhampton, WV11 3SF
🕘 Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5:30 pm
Come see our tech and talk to the team.
| The Big Phone Store | Back Market | |
|---|---|---|
| UK refurbisher | ✅ | ❌ |
| Global marketplace | ❌ | ✅ |
| Next-day delivery | ✅ | ❌ |
| 90-point testing | ✅ | ❌ |
| 85% or higher battery health | ✅ | ❌ |
| Real customer support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Fast, direct refunds | ✅ | ❌ |
| Transparent pricing | ✅ | ❌ |
If you're looking for reliable refurbished phones with UK support, fast delivery, and consistent quality, we've been doing it right since 1999.
A: No. Backmarket is a marketplace that lists devices from independent refurbishers and sellers. It doesn't refurbish or stock devices itself. The Big Phone Store restores and sells its own stock, all from its UK facility - so you know who refurbished your phone.
A: No. Back Market doesn't operate any physical stores in the UK - it's an online-only platform. The Big Phone Store has a retail location in Wolverhampton where you can browse refurbished tech and speak to the team face-to-face.
A: Returns and warranties on Backmarket are handled by the individual seller or refurbisher you buy from, with support coordinated through the platform. This can mean variable response times depending on who you purchased from. At The Big Phone Store, everything is handled in-house - most returns are processed and refunded within 3 working days.
Join thousands of satisfied customers who choose The Big Phone Store for quality refurbished phones, transparent pricing, and exceptional UK-based customer service.
