Refurbished hardware, however, is not brand new, and buyers need to ensure that they are not being ripped off. While it is natural to forego a few accessories that would otherwise accompany the device or deal with a few dents or imperfections here and there, there are a few things to keep in mind before you leap to claim what you believe to be the best deal on a refurbished product.
Refurbished vs. Open Box
It is important to differentiate between refurbished and open-box when you buy a refurbished computer or device.
An open-box gadget is one that was returned right after the purchase. Such products were returned either because the buyer didn’t want them, found a better deal, or due to factors like damaged packaging or wrong color. These products were returned before they were ever used.
Refurbished products, however, have been used before you purchase them. It might have been cleaned, repaired, or spruced up to working condition again. This often includes “pre-owned” or “reconditioned” products and then repaired to work almost as good as new.
Watch Out For Warranty
Warranty is something you might have to compromise on for the savings you get from buying a refurbished product. Some products, especially if refurbished by the original manufacturer, come with a new warranty. In some cases, you might get a warranty that still has six months on the original one year. But you need to check in advance with the seller about the possibility of an extension and the length of the warranty. This is especially true if you intend on long-term use or use for a business.
Return Policy
While you may receive a refurbished product that looks too good to be true at first glance, problems may crop up after a few weeks of use. You need to ensure that the product in question can be returned if it does not work as expected. Make sure to read the fine print of the sale and figure out options in case the product is not as good as you hoped. Also, make sure to check out the system before payment is made to avoid any hassle in the future.
Who Refurbished the Device?
There are some cases in which the company that manufactured the product refurbished it. In such cases, you have very little to worry about, as they will most probably offer you a warranty, and you might even get accessories that are normally part of the package. Some retailers even offer good open-box and refurbished products.
You can even check with some refurb specialists for great offers. Wherever you check, make sure to keep in mind that the refurbished product is in decent condition and available for a good price. It is always a better option to shell out a few extra bucks for a refurbished product from a reputed or trustworthy specialist. Check with multiple sources until you figure out the best deal possible and make sure it is legitimate before making a choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, refurbished products are a great way to get your hands on a good product for a reasonable price. Make sure you are getting the best deal possible and keep the above factors in mind before going through with a purchase. If done right, refurbished products can save you a ton of money and give you great value addition.
