Got tech guilt? I hear ya. I will avoid upgrading my phone for as long as possible. I’ve put up with glitchy software, poor network coverage and even a smashed screen.
So, when my current phone reached the critical point of no return, I knew it was time for an upgrade. Obviously I’d be buying a refurbished phone, because – well, y’know, the planet is on fire and everything.
The vast majority of people who upgrade their phone don’t do it because it is either broken or not functioning. They do it because they like to be seen with the latest shiny gadget. Which means there’s no shortage of 3-4 year old phones out there with plenty of life left in them. If you’re thinking about upgrading, please explore your options for refurbished tech first.
Perks of Choosing refurbished tech
Buying a refurbished phone used for 2 years instead of buying new and using it for 3 years saves roughly 50kg CO₂e per device. And refurbished phones require extraction of about 76.9kg less raw materials than new phones. If you’re feeling guilty about the state of the planet, this is a great way to tackle the guilt.
I found Raylo while exploring options for purchasing a refurbished phone. I wasn’t even aware you could rent the phone rather than buying outright.
I was initially sceptical. It was cheap. It was fast. The leasing model terms looked reasonable. I did my due diligence and looked at various review sites to make sure I wasn’t about to get scammed.
I chose an iPhone with a device protection plan on a subscription term of 12 months. At the end of this, I can either continue my contract on a rolling month-to-month basis, upgrade to a newer model, or return the phone and say goodbye.
In terms of costs, it’s a helluva lot cheaper for me to pay the £18 a month for this phone than it would be to purchase a refurbished phone outright. I’m also covered for manufacturer faults, loss, theft and accidental damage. Small business owners know how valuable it is to be able to spread the cost and enjoy peace of mind that their tech is protected.
I don’t have an issue with never owning the phone, since we all know that the trade-in option when you’re done with your device is never that lucrative. And I have a drawer full of old phones I never got round to recycling that tells me I’m probably not about to start doing this now.
The application process was really simple. I applied for a business account and was approved in about 5 minutes, after connecting my bank to a tool called Plaid. While it is a business account, you obviously need to complete the credit checks as an individual. But thankfully, this only shows up as a soft credit check on your credit report.
Why I Think Raylo Is Great for Small Businesses
If you’re a small business trying to keep costs manageable, Raylo is a smart alternative to buying new devices outright. You can lease phones, laptops, and tablets for a monthly subscription that is a fraction of the upfront price, which means less cash flow stress. Monthly payments are great for business owners, as it keeps things predictable. It’s also a simple way to make your business more sustainable.
I’ve found the process refreshingly simple: no long contracts, no hidden fees, and the refurbished devices are in excellent condition. Plus, at the end of your lease, you can either upgrade or return the tech. It’s also a great way to stay current without contributing to waste.
It’s also hugely reassuring that I’m pre-approved for tech. So if my laptop gives up on me on a random Tuesday, I can order a replacement and be up and running the next day. The flexible rental terms mean that I can opt for a one-month contract if my laptop needs to go in for repairs, or a 12, 24 or 36 months if I need something for the long term. There’s also a 2 week cooling off period, with no cancellation fee if you return the device during this time, so plenty of time to decide if it’s right for you.
I ordered an iPhone 13, because there hasn’t been a significant upgrade in the quality since this one was released. Maybe in 12 months I’ll go for the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, but I can see myself replacing my MacBook Air before we reach that point.
The handset is pristine, and it even came with a free screen protector and clear case. No issues so far, but we’ll see how things go. I haven’t had a reason to contact customer service yet, and that always feels like a good sign.
If you’re thinking of giving Raylo a try, you can use my referral link – with this Raylo offer, you can get £30 towards your order when you sign up for a personal account.
Business customers can use the code “hllkw2” to enjoy £150 towards their chosen tech.
Enjoy!
