Certified refurbished, meaning a product has been tested and repaired to an “as new” standard, is a way of giving shoppers the confidence to commit to a new phone, tablet or laptop. And yet, there’s a level of skepticism around refurbished electronics that can deter people from savings upwards of 60% vs the cost of a new device.
Here, we’re going to separate facts from fiction, clarify “certified refurbished” and discuss refurbished pros and cons so you can snap up a great offer the next time you see one.
What Does “Certified Refurbished” Actually Mean?
So, the big question: what does certified refurbished mean?
A refurbished device, such as a phone or laptop, is one that has been thoroughly tested, repaired, cleaned and restored to full working order. Only established, reputable sellers with the experience to undertake this can define their electronic goods as being refurbished or refurbed. These professionals check all components and put the devices through grading systems to ensure they’re fully functional.
When it comes to the question “is refurbished reliable”, leading sellers will offer a refurbished electronics warranty. Wisetek Market, for example, provides a free 12-month warranty on all refurbished devices, with extended warranties of +2 years and +3 years also available. This not only shows the belief we have in our products, but it also gives you peace of mind that you can rely on your new device.
Is It Safe to Buy Refurbished Electronics?
When searching for a new electronic device, we all question cost, capability, longevity, etc., Another common concern when it comes to refurbished devices is safety.
Within safety, shoppers look at the likes of data wiping, faulty components and counterfeit parts. They may have concerns that the previous owner’s data is still attached to the phone or that the battery, chips, etc., will be past their best. This is a fair but unnecessary worry as certified refurbished electronics have undergone rigorous tests and repairs to return them to “as new” status. Not only that, but you have the back-up of a warranty should you feel the device isn’t up to scratch, or you’re simply in need of something different.
Is Refurbished Reliable in the Long Term?
The common, and usually correct, assumption is that new electronic devices will last as long as we take care of them. With refurbished devices, the same is true, only the device may already be a year or two old.
In these cases, it’s still likely that your refurbed device will last 5+ years. In fact, when properly cared for, you could have the device for upwards of 10 years. Your needs will likely change in that time, too, so when you consider the initial savings, you make on the cost vs new, the return on investment is fantastic.
In the event you’re buying laptops for business purposes, you’ll have to factor in the amount of usage they go through. Used almost constantly, you may need to update systems and software from time to time, and eventually, some of those may become obsolete. Again, an understandable upgrade may be in order.
But let’s not forget the warranty we’ve mentioned already. Having back-up in place protects you from unexpected faults, giving you a safety net that’s hard to put a price on.
So, if you’re still asking, “is refurbished reliable”, the short answer is yes.
Refurbished Pros and Cons
There are pros and cons to every purchase, be it a car or television, and refurbished electronics are no different. Common points that make the usual refurbished pros and cons list include:
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Cost savings: Refurbished electronics are often available at up to 60% less than the cost of a new model.
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Sustainability: A major benefit of buying refurbed, these devices ensure that e-waste doesn’t end up in landfills and that the Earth’s resources are reused.
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Minor cosmetic wear: Refurbished phones and laptops may display slight aesthetic wear. However, this doesn’t affect how well it operates.
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Shorter lifecycle than brand new: Refurbished devices may have a shorter lifespan than their brand-new counterparts. This is mostly due to its age and not its repair.
Certified Refurbished vs Used: What’s the Difference?
When shopping for your new device, you might begin to wonder what the difference is between certified refurbished vs used. It can be hard to tell, especially if you’re checking both marketplaces and certified seller platforms. Still, the distinction is important and could make all the difference in the long-term.
A certified refurbished device will have been professionally tested, repaired and restored to near new condition, and should be accompanied by a warranty. A used device, on the other hand, is usually sold in as-is condition and without a warranty. A used device may come from an individual who is simply looking to sell an old phone or laptop, so it’s unlikely that it’s been tested.
So, when searching for a new device, be mindful of where it’s coming from and exactly what you’re buying. It might turn out that your used device doesn’t perform or last as long as you had hoped, and if that happens, you could find yourself back a square one.
Certified, Safe and Cost-Effective
When looking for a new electronic device, it’s only natural that you’ll want assurances before parting with your hard-earned money. The good news is that certified refurbished devices are a safe option that give as much as a new model, only you can save money to use elsewhere.