A key determining factor – Who did the refurbish work?
Factory Authorized Re-certified – The industry traditionally recognizes that refurbish work performed by the specific manufacturing company of each computer (HP, Acer, Apple, Dell and so on) earns a higher premium with consumers. The elevated status that “Factory Refurbished” or “Factory Certified,” generally involves major the rebuilding of a computer, monitor, or printer. This level of work has a higher level of consumer confidence. Again, do a bit of research. Amazon lists “Authorized Reseller,” and “Authorized Refurbished,” of large third-party vendors as well as companies such as Microsoft or Dell. Very approachable prices can also be found on specific “Refurbished,” or “Re-certified” websites of all the major vendors such as Dell, Acer, Apple, HP, and Microsoft. When visiting the sites of each vendor, you will notice that these firms also over substantial discounts on their full line of products. Printers, monitors, tablets, and other electronic devices are almost always listed with the more traditional laptop or desktop.
Third party re-certified – Do not shy away from third-party recertification sources. Amazon, Newegg, and eBay have extremely high requirements for. “eBay Certified Refurbished,” or “Amazon Authorized” sources of computers and other products. Traditionally these firms have a substantial track record that includes may years of computer rebuilding. Often their sources of hardware are large technology leasing companies. A leasing firm generally has a contract with large enterprise corporations who purchase hundreds, if not thousands of products – Desktops, Laptops, even networking and server equipment – via a three-year lease agreement. When these leases expire, the old equipment is often sold at discount to these third-party refurbishment firms. Who in turn inspect, rebuild, and repackage each device to factory “as new” condition?
Seller Refurbished – This category will probably not be found outside of an eBay listing. A product that has been rebuilt or “refurbed” by a non-factory technician may not have benefited from the same level of expertise as a factory trained technician. Although a buyer via eBay has multiple levels of consumer protection, products that are “seller refurbished” should be approached with a higher level of caution. That said, our multiple small business contacts have stated that quality computers – both laptops and desktop units – purchased on eBay from “seller refurbished” sources often deliver the level of service satisfaction that they experience with the more expensive factory authorized products.
Open-Box Returns
Also known as an OBR, an Open Box Return is a returned computer or other electronic device which may offer a particularly good buying option. Again, see what the merchant has for return criteria. Has the device been tested by a knowledgeable or certified technician? Is the packing material and product documentation included? Is the original factory warranty available? If not, what warranty is the vendor offering? Are all original parts included?
This latter item is particularly important. Missing power supplies, documentation, cables, or other needed components will significantly lower value and increase problems. Opening the laptop, or cell phone box would be very disappointing if the charger, cable, or other important items are missing. Take a close look at the “condition,” listing as well. New, or open box items should not have signs of use. Scratches, dings, dents, or other condition problems indicate that the product may not be as pristine as described. That said, vendors know that reputation is a critical part of doing business. In today’s incredibly competitive marketplace a merchant should quickly clarify any questions that you might have. On the plus side, acquiring an OBR could be an incredibly good option. The Open Box Return translated into acquiring a “new” laptop, or printer, with factory warranty, for anywhere from 25% – 40% off the retail price.
The Warranty – who, what, when?
In the bad old early days of the home office a warranty simply was never offered on refurbished products. Or if a warranty was offered, it was for a truly short time, or it only covered extremely basic features. Significant consumer coverage on rebuilt products simply did not exist until just a scant five or six years ago. Now major firms offer beneficial terms on refurbished products. Check each merchant to see the details of a warranty. Ideally the minimum should be for a one-year time frame from the purchase date.
A warranty should include some clear options for mail-in repair after either a phone or email diagnosis. Check out the criteria for repair. Who pays for shipping? Is there a separate charge for labor, and are parts included? Additionally, if a repair cannot be made (for whatever reason) will the vendor offer another device as a replacement? Read the agreement and understand all the options for providing estimates, time frame for repair, and types of repair that are offered.
Something else to mention. Many vendors offer Warranty Extensions. The cost of these options, even on older devices, is generally very approachable. Be certain to check on the vendor support web site to see if your laptop, or desktop computer qualifies for an extension. Do this research prior to purchase. Simply go to a vendor support page and search for “extended warranty,” or see if an online Chat session can be opened with a support agent. Be prepared to supply make, and model Parts and labor for out of warranty repair can be quite high. A warranty extension is a good, low-cost method of avoiding high repair bills, or being faced with other expensive alternatives.
Below is a short list of vendors that offer exceptionally good warranties on laptops, desktops, cell phones, and game consoles.
- Acer
- Apple
- Dell
- Lenovo
- HP
- Microsoft
- Nintendo
Many major retailers also offer rebuilt computers or other electronic devices.
- Amazon Renewed
- Amazon Wearhouse
- Best Buy
- eBay
- Overstock
- Walmart
- Verizon
There are several “refurbished-specific” vendors that you might want to investigate. In addition to selling computers, and other electronics they, offer options to sell any older devices that you might be thinking of off-loading. They are:
- BackMarket
- Gazell
- Decluttr
Never purchase these refurbished (Used) products
Sometimes when shopping a terrifically good deal on rebuilt or refurbished products might present itself. Regardless of the low cost, we suggest that these products be avoided.
- Any mechanical product (Keyboard)
- Mechanical or Solid State (SSD) Hard drives
- Anything that touches skin (Headphone, earbuds (wired or wireless)
- Television set – the precise age and quality of a TV can be hard to determine. Large screen flat panels are difficult to repair and install.
So – is it smart to always buy refurbished equipment?
In a word, no.
Refurbished products are not always available at an awesome low price. Vendors must calculate the labor-intensive costs of the refurbish process. Market factors such as popularity, availability of parts, shipping and storage also are also price factors. As mentioned earlier, large reseller and refurbish firms normally acquire equipment from large education, and enterprise corporations. Sometimes decisions are made within these entities to retain and use equipment well past the three-year lease agreement. The choice to keep, rather than refresh their organizations with new technology can cause shortfalls within the broader refurbishing community – a decision which can affect prices of existing inventory.