Should I be worried about buying a second hand safe?

Need to buy a safe on a limited budget?

New models tend to have a pretty hefty price tag. Which means, to get a safe that meets your requirements, your only option may be to purchase a second hand safe instead.

But is that really a good idea?

Customers often come to us with a lot of concerns about pre-used and reconditioned safes.

However, there’s no need to worry. As specialists in security, here at eSafes, we can say with absolute certainty that second hand doesn’t mean second best. Most of the concerns that people have are misconceptions, and they often result in them missing out on some great products.

So here, we attempt to debunk those misconceptions once and for all.

4 common concerns about second hand safes

1. It won’t be as secure as a new model

Most people assume that a pre-used safe will be like a pre-used piece of furniture – old, worn and not really up to the job anymore. But that’s simply not the case. Modern safes are built to stand the test of time. And there are only two things that affect the level of security they offer:

• the security features they were originally fitted with
• how well they have been maintained

The age of the model is irrelevant.

Even if a safe is 5-10 years old or more, as long as it has been properly looked after, it will be just as tough and durable as it was when it first rolled off the production line. And it’s security features will be just as reliable at protecting your valuables as they ever were.

New or used, a quality safe will successfully keep would-be thieves at bay.

2. The previous owners may retain access

If you purchase a used safe from a private seller, yes, this may be a valid concern. After all, how can you be sure the previous owner hasn’t retained some form of access? There’s no guarantee that a master combination hasn’t been programmed or another key been made.

However, there is a very easy way to avoid this issue.

Simply shop at a trusted, licenced retailer – such as eSafes – instead. That way, you can be sure the safe has been reconditioned to the highest standards. All the necessary quality checks will be conducted, and there’s absolutely no need to worry about unknown keys staying in the wrong hands.

3. It won’t have the latest security features

Unlike the latest models, reconditioned safes don’t have the most up-to-date and advanced security features – such as biometric security and multi-level digital access. As a result, most people conclude they won’t be as effective – but again, this isn’t true.

No decent safe will ever have been built without adequate security features.

However ‘dated’ those features may be, they will still successfully do the job they’re intended to do. A safe is a safe, at the end of the day. As long as it keeps your valuables secure, it doesn’t really matter which specific features it has. Just read through the specifications, and if that model provides an appropriate level of protection for your needs, there’s no need to worry.

4. There will be ‘hidden’ wear and tear

Concerns often arise regarding the quality of the product. On the surface, a second hand safe may appear in good condition – but how can you be sure there aren’t any ‘hidden’ issues? Such as wear and tear on the locking mechanism or beneath the casing?

Again, this comes down to buying from the right retailer.

The condition of the unit may be an issue if you buy from a private seller. But as long as you shop with a reputable and knowledgeable supplier, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Here at eSafes, we guarantee that all of our second hand safes are fully reconditioned to the highest standards. We have a team of expert locksmiths, who evaluate the safety of each unit, replacing security features wherever necessary and ensuring it’s rigorously tried and tested.

So, when you buy from us, you can be confident that no issues will be lurking beneath the surface.

Ensure you’re in safe hands

The bottom line?

There’s absolutely no need to worry about purchasing a pre-used safe, as long as you shop with a trusted, licenced retailer – rather than just picking one up on eBay!

In fact, in many cases, we recommend opting for a reconditioned unit. That way, you get to benefit from a fantastic high-specification product – by a reputable security manufacturer such as Chubbsafes or Dudley – whilst saving yourself a bit of money in the process.

Why not take a look and see which second hand safes we have for sale at the moment?

If you’re still on the fence, and perhaps have a few questions about the used safes available, you’re welcome to contact us at any time. Either give us a call on 0800 783 2328, or send an email to info@esafes.co.uk and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.