Refurbished Electronic devices
Buying refurbished electronic devices like computers can feel a little risky if you’ve never done it before. But surprisingly, buying refurbished can be a smart and low-risk way to save a lot of money on a computer purchase. So, should you buy a refurbished computer, and is it okay to do so?
It saves you money. Opting for a refurb instead of a new PC can save you anywhere from 20% to 80% off of what it would cost you to buy a new computer.
Guarantee The quality and reliability of refurbished PCs are guaranteed by the manufacturer. Most computers aren’t returned because they are defective. They are actually returned due to either buyer remorse or the inability of the user to learn how to use it correctly.
Re repaired The systems that are indeed returned due to a real problem are repaired, cleaned and thoroughly tested before being put up for re-sale. In fact, statistics show that your chance of receiving a defective refurbished unit is actually less than receiving a defective new one because of the extra stress tests the refurbs are subjected to.
Warranty Refurbished computers often come with the same warranty protection as you’d get with a brand new one. This means if a problem does occur you’ll be “covered”, at least under the warranty period. Check the details on the sales page for the warranty info.
Typical Refurbishment Involves Quality Assurance Testing, Cleaning, and Repair if Required
So what exactly does it mean when a computer is ‘refurbished’? As far as we know, there’s no real standard, but usually a refurbishment would involve a factory reset, cleaning, and testing of the machine at a minimum.
If the unit was faulty or damaged, a typical refurbishment process would include repairs or replacement of the faulty components before the unit is re-tested ensure the entire computer functions correctly again. Of course, such computers cannot legally be sold as ‘new’ items, and so they are returned to the market as a ‘refurbished’ computer and sold at a discounted price.
In some cases, a ‘refurbished’ computer may not have even been opened; it may have simply been returned or the order canceled by the customer. In these cases the item is essentially new, but again, legally it may not be able to be sold as a ‘new’ item so it makes its way to the ‘refurbished’ shelf for resale. Keep an eye out for these deals, which are often referred to as ‘open box’.
The refurbishment process can vary depending on who is doing the refurbishment, so you’ll need to do a little research into who is selling the refurbished goods to make sure you know what you’re getting.
You’ll want to ensure that any refurbished item has undergone the appropriate level of testing, quality assurance, cleaning and/or repair if relevant. Purchasing from larger, reputable manufacturers rather than third-party sellers is the best way to minimize your risk when purchasing a refurbished PC.