Buying Refurbished Products - Why It Makes Sense
While some people hear the word "refurbished" and instantly think "great savings," others may hesitate a bit, thinking that they're paying less because they're buying something that was sent back to the manufacturer with problems. But what many people don't realize is that refurbished products are often items that never had any problems at all, but simply cannot be sold as "new" anymore, due to law.
What is a refurbished product?
Any time a product is sent back to the manufacturer, for whatever reason, it can no longer be sold as "new." In order to sell the item, the manufacturer will inspect it, restore it (if necessary) to original specifications, and test it again to ensure that it meets all the standards as a new product. It can then be sold as "refurbished," and is typically priced at a much lower cost than the same "new" item. Refurbished items may also be called "refurbs" for short, or "factory reconditioned," or "remanufactured" products.
Any time a product is sent back to the manufacturer, for whatever reason, it can no longer be sold as "new." In order to sell the item, the manufacturer will inspect it, restore it (if necessary) to original specifications, and test it again to ensure that it meets all the standards as a new product. It can then be sold as "refurbished," and is typically priced at a much lower cost than the same "new" item. Refurbished items may also be called "refurbs" for short, or "factory reconditioned," or "remanufactured" products.
Where do refurbished products come from?
Manufacturers may recondition products from a variety of sources:
Manufacturers may recondition products from a variety of sources:
- customer returns
products returned by customers for any reason within the return period, even if the product in perfect shape
products returned by customers for any reason within the return period, even if the product in perfect shape
- products with cosmetic flaws or damage
products that may be scratched, dented or otherwise minimally damaged in transit
- overstocked items
products that have been returned by a merchant to make room for other items
- demo, display or leased products
products that have been used as demos or displays, or have been leased out for short periods
How are products reconditioned by the factory?
Each product that is factory refurbished is first inspected for any flaws, then repaired to full factory standards, and then tested for compliance. Refurbished products have a very low return rate because they are so fully tested before being sold again. And because the manufacturer wants to assure customers that refurbished products are fully functional, most reconditioned goods come with a manufacturer warranty.
What kinds of refurbished products can I buy?
The Internet has made it easy for people to find more refurbished products that aren't always available at brick and mortar stores. Popular reconditioned items include computers, digital cameras, printers, and other electronics, but you can also find many other reconditioned items such as refurbished paintball guns, exercise equipment, golf clubs, small appliances and much more.
Tips for Buying Refurbished Electronics and Other Products
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1. Do your homework. Read reviews, check out the specs and compare prices, just as you would for a new product. Don't settle for something less than you want simply to get a refurbished model.
2. Read the fine print and make sure you understand the warranty. Factory refurbished products may have the same warranty as a new product or they may have a shorter warranty. Be sure you know what you're getting before you purchase.
3. Inspect the product after you receive it, just as you would a new item. If there are any problems, contact the merchant right away.
We hope this information is helpful. Happy shopping!