As demand for sustainable, budget-friendly tech grows, refurbished electronics retailers are thriving.

Two prominent names in the UK market—Apple Mac Repairs London, a North London independent refurbisher, and Back Market, a global refurbished tech marketplace—offer distinct approaches.

We compare their credentials, customer experience, and value to help buyers make informed choices.

1. Company Experience & Reputation

Apple Mac Repairs London

30+ Years in Business: Established in 1993, this family-run shop specialises in Mac repairs and refurbishments. Its longevity reflects deep technical expertise.

Google Reviews: 4.9/5 stars (250+ reviews), praised for transparency, personalised service, and post-purchase support.

Independent Refurbisher: Sells its own refurbished devices, ensuring direct control over quality.

Back Market

Founded in 2014: A France-based marketplace connecting buyers to third-party refurbishers.

Trustpilot Rating: 4.3/5 (70,000+ reviews), though experiences vary by seller. Some users report inconsistent quality.

Marketplace Model: Relies on external vendors, meaning standards differ between sellers.

2. Ownership & Operations

Apple Mac Repairs London: UK-owned and operated, with a physical store in Crouch End. Combines in-person service with mail-order options.

Back Market: Owned by French parent company. Purely online, with no physical stores.

3. Sales Model: Independent vs. Marketplace

Apple Mac Repairs London: A certified independent refurbisher. All devices are restored in-house, tested, and sold directly. Offers a 12-month warranty.

Back Market: A third-party marketplace. Devices are sourced from global sellers, with varying refurbishment standards. Warranties depend on the seller.

4. Purchasing Options

In-Person Buying:

Apple Mac Repairs London: Yes. Customers can inspect devices at their North London store.

Back Market: No. Online-only.

Mail Order:

Both offer nationwide delivery.

5. Customer Service

Apple Mac Repairs London: UK-based team with direct phone/email support. Reviewers highlight rapid, empathetic issue resolution.

Back Market: Mixed feedback. While the platform offers a help centre, complaints cite slow responses due to reliance on third-party sellers.

6. Device Quality & Certification

Battery Health:

Apple Mac Repairs London: Guarantees 85%+ battery health on all refurbished MacBooks and a clear grading system, plus full warranty

Back Market: Average battery health varies by seller; some listings fall below 80%.

Refurbishment Standards:

Apple Mac Repairs London: Devices are "Grade A" (as-new condition), with new screens/components where needed. Includes a 90-day free support line.

Back Market: Offers "Certified Refurbished" badges, but quality checks depend on individual sellers.

7. Price Comparison

Apple Mac Repairs London: Prices are typically 10-15% higher than Back Market’s lowest listings, reflecting stricter quality control and local service with physical location plus ability to view and test devices.

Back Market: Wider price range (from budget to premium), but buyers risk inconsistency for lower costs.

The Verdict

Choose Apple Mac Repairs London if:

You prioritise in-person inspections, UK-based support, and guaranteed battery health.

Transparency and decades of expertise matter.

Choose Back Market if:

You’re comfortable trading hands-off convenience for lower prices, and are willing to vet third-party sellers.

Final Note: For eco-conscious buyers, both options extend device lifespans. However, Apple Mac Repairs London’s hands-on approach and local reputation make it a standout for reliability, while Back Market suits risk-tolerant bargain hunters.