When consumers think of refurbished products, they often associate it with inferior goods. While it’s true that you can save a good deal of money buying refurbished brands, you can land a great deal that could possibly be even better than new. You’ll just need to shop wisely to get maximum value for your money.
Here are some common myths that are connected with refurbished items.
It’s easy to categorize refurbished along with the used pile. Sellers, electronics shops and manufacturers wouldn’t want to explain the concept of refurbished, so they tag it as used or pre-owned. The truth is, refurbished appliances, devices and electronics are usually in better condition than used and are offered at lower prices than their brand new counterparts.
You wouldn’t call a particular electronic device unless it’s no longer useful. Refurbished products aren’t junk as they can function as well as, or even better than the ones that are brand new and wrapped in plastic.
Gadgets that are “refurbished” are reinforced in a way that inherent product weaknesses are removed. As such, they can withstand heavy use by consumers and tout a longer end-shelf lifespan.
This is a refurbished myth that simply isn’t true. In fact, most businesses, even top-ranking and global ones use refurbished electronics as part of their daily operation to save money and the environment. There’s no indication that these goods slow down work, efficiency or productivity as compared to the brand new ones.
To some, the words “refurbished” means overruns or electronics that have failed industry standards or quality checks, or ones that have broke before and were fixed. Truth is, prior owners may have simply returned the electronic device due to buyer’s remorse or having bought the wrong model.
Refurbished, or otherwise known as reconditioned goods are items that have been initially bought by an owner, then returned for various reasons.
Before going on shelves, products usually undergo a routine check to ensure it works. Minor adjustments can be made during this time, i.e., changing batteries to a fresher one or wrapping it with a new shrink plastic. Refurbished can mean that a customer who bought the product returned it without ever opening the box or using it.
Due to governing laws and restrictions, merchants can’t simply put it back on the shelf and sell it as “brand new”. So they go to the refurbished pile and sold at a lower price.
Exterior or Shipping Damage. There could be minor dents or scratches as it goes on transit.
Demo Units. Units that are displayed on trade shows, retail stores and come from product reviews are resold as refurbished.
Opened Box. Anytime the box is opened the electronic product is immediately classified under the “refurbished” status.
Production Defects. Manufacturers are tasked with repairing defective items before putting it back on the shelves.
Individuals who consider buying refurbished items are usually the ones who want to save a good deal of money. Today, there are all kinds of refurbished products you can buy, including TVs, digital cameras, smart phones, laptops and large appliances. These come with a significant price cut or a discount that makes them truly affordable.
It’s considered good business practice to opt for refurbished electronics for office, corporate and commercial use than getting brand new ones. There’s little to no reason why startups would specifically need new devices when they can get items that are priced lower and spend what they save somewhere else.
Where Can You Buy Refurbished Products?
Refurbished items aren’t strictly sold on brick-and-mortar shops or giant retailers like Walmart. Today, you’ll be able to see a variety of available items on the internet. If you aren’t keen on spotting genuine refurbs online, you can find out where the nearest manufacturer facility or factory is and go from there. For example, Apple has their refurbished goods stored in the same location as their new ones. Companies like Dell have even set up outlets where consumers can buy refurbished goods straight from the source.
Everyone needs to consider buying refurbished to save the environment and their wallets.
There are more than 160 million laptops being manufactured by companies every year. In the EU alone, around 160,000 laptops are being disposed of everyday. When individuals show that they are willing to buy refurbished items, companies won’t rush into creating new models, thereby slowing the IT lifecycle process.
The fewer electronics made, the lesser its impact in the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, landfill and usage of natural resources such as water, gas and minerals. For consumers, they get peace of mind knowing the products they buy are just as good as the brand new ones and they save Mother Nature in their own way.
By now you should know that refurbished doesn’t mean inferior. By shopping smart, you can get what you need at a lower price and enjoy your investment for the long-term without having a negative impact on the environment.