Electronics technology is moving forward at a rapid pace. As a result, it can be a challenge to keep up with the latest and most efficient devices on the market. Luckily, you don’t have to buy a newly released device to stay up to date. Instead, you can take advantage of refurbished electronics.
What are Refurbished Electronics
Refurbished electronics are older or used technological devices that have undergone a replacement or restructuring process. They are technological devices whose hardware have been replaced and updated with new and improved features, thus, making them newer, faster, and better than their original version.
Bear in mind, however, that refurbished electronics aren’t always the go-to devices. The reason is that they often have inferior specifications when compared to their new counterparts.
Pros of Refurbished Electronics
Buying refurbished electronics has a number of benefits, including the following:
- They save costs
This is perhaps the primary benefit of buying refurbished electronics. Remember that they are essentially old technological products that have undergone a restructuring process before they are resold. Consequently, they cost less than new electronics. In fact, some refurbished electronics cost up to 50% lesser than the newer counterparts they are modeled after.
- They undergo certified testing
Every refurbished electronic device on the market is subjected to certified testing. Manufacturers and refurbishing experts do this both before and after the device is repaired and/or updated. Additionally, this certified testing aims to ensure the device is improved upon before it is put on the market to be resold.
Further, refurbished electronics are double-checked to ensure that the technological device can perform optimally. Because of the testing these devices are subjected to, you can rest assured they are in excellent condition.
- They are reliable
If you are buying refurbished electronics directly from the manufacturer or an authorized refurbishing expert, you can rest easy about their reliability. The reason is connected to the above factor: manufacturers and refurbishing experts have a name to protect. As a result, they will ensure a device is fit for use before they put it up for sale.
Conversely, buying refurbished gadgets from third-parties is a risky endeavor. If you are doing this, ensure you get additional warranty on the product.
- They include older models
Some people would rather use older models of some devices to the new ones. The primary reason for this is that these older models meet their requirements better than the new ones. Unfortunately, manufacturing companies of products like desktop and laptop computers, android smart phones, iPhone, feature phone, tablets and iPad, etc., often limit the supply of older versions as they launch newer ones. What’s more? They often discontinue the production of these devices once a new version is out.
In such cases, you are better off sourcing for the device from a refurbished expert than looking for a new one, which might not exist anymore.
- They are environmentally friendly
When electronics are refurbished instead of discarded, the amount of waste per electronics reduces significantly. This is because the materials used in producing these devices are repurposed and reused, instead of being thrown in a dump. Examples of such material sare lithium-ion batteries, plastics, glass screens, and aluminum outer casings, among others.
When you buy refurbished electronics, you are actively contributing to Improving environmental health. The reason is simple, you place one less demand on the resources required to manufacture a new product. Even better is the fact that you reduce the volume of inorganic wastes.
- They can be as efficient as the new models
Older gadgets can be updated to perform the functions they originally couldn’t and which newer models can, if you need them to. Besides, there are older refurbished devices that, even without being upgraded, can be just as fast and efficient as newer models.
So, if you are buying a new device for improved performance, you could easily get the same thing by purchasing a refurbished product and even save some money.
- There are numerous reviews to peruse
When you want to buy a new technological product, you are likely to find only a few user reviews on it. As such, you need to rely on the wave the product is making and its brand and manufacturer’s reliability. However, buying refurbished electronics means there are several reviews available on the device since it’s not new and many people have used and experienced it.
Its only fair to talk about the Cons next, but if you want to buy refurbished electronics and don’t know where to, here are suggestions on the best places to buy refurbished or used electronics.
Cons of Refurbished Electronics
Below are some of the disadvantages of buying refurbished electronics.
- They have short-term warranty
Similar to new technological devices, refurbished electronics also have warranties. These warranties are, however, short-term.
For example, Dell offers a100-day warranty for its refurbished products. Similarly, Apple offers alone-year warranty with a 14-day return policy. Many third-party refurbishes offer less to no warranty at all.
Because of this, we advise you keep an eye out for the warranty period available on a device before purchasing it.
- Their Lifespan is Unknown
With every new gadget you buy, you know you have a minimum of one or two years to enjoy it. However, this is not the case with refurbished electronics as their manufacturers or refurbishing experts don’t specify a lifespan. Consequently, you never know how long the product will last.
- The major parts and accessories may not be authentic
With new technological devices, you are certain that their parts and accessories are new and original. However, this is not the same with refurbished electronics. This is because the original parts or accessories that are damaged can be replaced by duplicate counterparts. And since you can’t check through the different electronic parts, you can’t be certain of their authenticity and quality.
- They may have minor scratches
Remember that someone used the refurbished device before you. As such, you are likely tofind a few dings, scratches, and dents on it. Although the manufacturer or refurbishing expert may attempt to remove these marks during refurbishing; they might not be able to remove them all.
Fortunately, these marks do not affect the efficiency of the device, in terms of speed, quality, and functionality. And if you are lucky, or a good negotiator, you can get a discount on the device because of it.
Conclusion
Choosing to buy refurbished electronics is a decision that will save you a lot of money while ensuring you can get the same specifications and functions you need. Like almost every product, it has associated advantages and disadvantages. While we believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, the choice is yours on whether to buy refurbished products or not.
Once again, a great listicle for the best places to buy refurbished or used electronics.
