As time passes, many people have started to exclusively buy refurbished goods, especially electronics and electronic devices, and they seem happy and satisfied with the products they receive. But what does it mean to buy refurbished electronics, and how do they work? If a product is labeled as refurbished, does that mean that the device was previously used?
The simple answer is no, but then these two phrases are somewhat related to each other. Used electronics is a term we refer to when we are looking to buy a product that another person previously used. A popular term for these pre-owned items is second-hand products.
On the other hand, refurbished electronics, commonly known as remanufactured or reconditioned items, are electronics that other individuals bought, and for personal reasons, they decided to restore them to their supplier.
So if you’re in the market for a tablet, a laptop, or a smartphone and willing to purchase something that’s both budget-friendly and advanced in technology, refurbished electronics may be just what you need. They offer great value, remarkably lower prices than new ones, and at the same time, come with a much lower risk of malfunction than buying a second-hand product.
If you’re intrigued by the possibility of buying a refurbished item instead of a brand-new one, please continue reading and find out why refurbished electronics are absolutely worth purchasing.
Refurbished Items Offer The Best From Both Worlds: They Are Low Risk And Low Price
People say it is good to be patient when it comes to spending money, but in reality, all you need to know are your options. The most noticeable benefit or advantage of buying refurbished items instead of new ones is, of course, the price of the products. While the prices for new devices are continuously growing and reach new heights with each new product, refurbished goods can come with a hefty discount of up to 50% from their original price.
All these products are as good as new and perfect for both personal use and businesses of all sizes and companies that use many gadgets in their everyday business operations. Purchasing refurbished electronics for your company can free an excellent proportion of your company budget, which you can allocate to other sectors of your company instead of buying the latest phones, computers, and printers and paying the top price for them.
Besides, all refurbished items purchased from trusted marketplaces and experienced retailers come with like-new conditions, and they are a relatively low-risk investment. However, if you experience any problem with your refurbished device, keep in mind that all professionally refurbished electronic devices come with a warranty that comes into effect if there is even the slightest problem with the item.
Warranty And Technical Support
It is pretty natural to be careful when buying different gadgets, especially when you don’t know the history of the electronics you are interested in purchasing. Naturally, every one of us wants to make sure the product is in good condition before making the purchase official, and sellers of refurbished electronics know these things.
Buying refurbished electronics from a reliable marketplace is the key to a successful mission and purchasing a good product. In most cases, the manufacturers and retailers provide access to identical technical support you would get with a brand-new item. This means that if you face any problem, you can ask the manufacturer or the supplier for their support at all times.
Another thing you should take care of is the warranty. Most refurbished electronics go with a guarantee or warranty, but there may be a difference in its length. Actually, it depends on where the “refurbishing process” was made. If an original manufacturer repairs a product and resells it, the warranty will likely be valid for a minimum of one year. On the other hand, items that stores repair usually have a shorter guarantee. Depending on the store, the warranty can be valid from 30 to 90 days.
4 Out Of 5 Refurbished Electronics Are Returned Simply Because Of Their Looks
According to a study by Iowa State University, 4 out of 5 refurbished electronics are returned simply because of the looks, which means that over $100 billion worth of products is restored from customers to manufacturers and retailers annually. Put differently, there are many reasons for returning the product and making it refurbished, and their functionality isn’t one of them. Usually, it is about minor problems like damaged packaging or just one simple “I changed my mind” after buying the product.
Before returning to sale once again, the product is reviewed by the manufacturer or retailer. All refurbished products are 100% verified by the retailer or the manufacturer that they are functional and operative as brand-new products. Anyway, if there is even the slightest kind of damage, the manufacturer conducts complete repair of the part that was not functioning correctly.
The usual procedure is cleaning the product, software resetting, data wiping, and repackaging. After the process, all units are thoroughly tested once again, so you will hardly notice any difference from a new product.
Buying Refurbished Electronics Is Eco-Friendly
The creation of electronic devices is an intensive process that utilizes many different types of energy for the production of the materials used for the device. Also, many devices end up as waste or put differently – the energy spent to source and produce the materials for each device ends up being exploited only to end up as electronic waste.
Electronic waste or e-waste is one of the most significant problems of today’s society. For that reason, more and more consumers grow cautious when it comes to sustainability and buying eco-friendly products. Being environmentally responsible is a real thing nowadays. Many people turn to “being green” and are becoming increasingly concerned about their impact on the planet with their buying behavior.
Buying a refurbished electronic is a way of repurposing the product that otherwise would have been trashed. Green consumers who want to make an ecological impact are welcome to buy refurbishing electronics because it’s safe to say that the companies and marketplaces that work with refurbished products share these environmental and social goals and values. Besides, the idea of “green technology” makes the devices more affordable and accessible than ever.
Final Words
Refurbished electronics are a new and growing source for customers to meet their needs. Trying new items from your preferred or favorite brand, being more sustainable with your choices, and aware of spending habits is a good starts for a better everyday life. It is important to keep in mind the various available choices, calculate your budget and make the best of it.
