4 Comprehensive Tips for Buying Refurbished Computers
How buying refurbished computers can save you money
If buying a laptop or desktop PC is outside your budget, consider purchasing a refurbished computer. Refurbished computers generally cost about 30 to 50 percent less than the retail price of a new computer. The best places to buy refurbished computers.
If you’re intrigued at the prospect of saving money and buying refurbished but aren’t clear on what that even means, then you’re not alone. It can sometimes be confusing to parse out what you’re getting with a refurb product. Still, as we’ll detail later, there are certain standards and grading systems that many electronics manufacturers and sellers adhere to when selling refurbished PCs and other devices.
As for the actual meaning of refurbished, the term is generally used to denote a product that has been returned, inspected, repaired if necessary, and then resold. In the case of refurbished computers and mobile devices, the device also has its data wiped and is restored back to factory settings.
Buying refurbished stuff may make you feel uncomfortable, especially if it’s your first time doing so. But surprisingly, refurbished devices provide a smart and low-risk way of saving a ton of money when buying computers.
Refurbished computers aren’t necessarily inferior to their new counterparts. In fact, you can get refurbished laptops for less money than you’d pay for a new one.
Information in this article applies broadly to all refurbished laptop and desktop computers. This article covers everything you should look for in refurbished electronics and the best places to buy refurbished computers.
If you see a computer marked as refurnished, that generally means:
- It was a customer return, and the store can’t sell it as new.
- It failed to meet the manufacturer’s quality tests, and the seller rebuilt it.
- It came from a canceled order.
If you’re thinking about the best places to buy refurbished computers, keep these tips in mind:
1. Think About How You’re Going To Use The DeviceHow you’re going to use it plays a key role when purchasing a used computer. If you’re just going to use it for sending emails, web browsing, and watching videos, then you can just opt for older models with decent specs.
One thing that’s the same whether you’re buying new or refurbished is that it’s important to make a list of your requirements. Ask yourself what you need your new laptop or PC to do, and then make sure that any item of kit you purchase meets these criteria. Suppliers who offer plenty of choice are most likely to have something to suit you, and those who are reputable should be able to make you a recommendation based on the factors you outline to them.
As long as the machine has a speedy processor and plenty of storage space on the hard drive, a used office desktop can provide all the functions you need from it.
But if you’re going to do a lot of gaming or streaming, you may need to find refurbished PCs, computers, laptops & Macs that have more powerful specs. There are used gaming systems available that you can snag for a very good price.
Before you buy a refurbished computer, it’s important to have an idea of what you’re looking for. There are a variety of features available, but make sure you’re getting one that meets your specific needs. Start by making a list of your requirements: the size of the hard drive, how much RAM you want, and the type of processor you’ll need. Keep in mind that you’re not saving money if you buy a second-hand computer that doesn’t cater to your needs.
2. Buy Them From A Reputable SellerBe wary of buying from sellers with little to no feedback when you’re buying used computers. Although many used computers are safe, you never know who has used them or what the machine has gone through. Make sure to ask whether the computer still has the parts that you expect. Good sellers will disclose any downgraded parts so you can avoid any unnecessary surprises.
If you have to buy used PCs, be cautious when purchasing them online. Reputable retail stores are more likely to clean and test computers before selling them. It’s possible to find computers at low prices online. Look for computer sellers who have high-quality assurance policies, refurbishment procedures, and good return policies.
If you don’t know where to start, simply perform a Google search and you’ll find hundreds of websites offering refurbished products. Before you buy, though, be sure to read reviews online. You can also compare the reviews of different sellers to ensure you make a good choice.
3. Check The QualityRefurbished PCs and electronics undergo rigorous testing before being certified. Most refurbished PCs and electronics are almost as good as new when they leave the refurbishing facility, and they deliver comparable performance levels to brand-new models.
Although second-hand units are always inspected for damage, it’s still a good idea to check the quality of the unit yourself before purchasing it. In most cases, refurbished PCs may have some minor damage such as scratches or dents on the monitor or the tower. Also, it’s worth noting that used PCs are usually wiped to their factory settings, so don’t expect them to arrive with lots of installed apps and software.
4. Check The Warranty And Return PolicyBuying refurbished PCs has several advantages, but there are also a few things to look for before you buy them. Make sure the seller is reputable and has quality assurance policies. Moreover, check out their return policy and warranty.
How you’re going to use it plays a key role when purchasing a used computer. If you’re just going to use it for sending emails, web browsing, and watching videos, then you can just opt for older models with decent specs. As long as the machine has a speedy processor and plenty of storage space on the hard drive, a used office desktop can provide all the functions you need from it.
But if you’re going to do a lot of gaming or streaming, you may need to find refurbished PCs, computers, laptops & Macs that have more powerful specs. There are used gaming systems available that you can snag for a very good price.
Before you buy a refurbished computer, it’s important to have an idea of what you’re looking for. There are a variety of features available, but make sure you’re getting one that meets your specific needs. Start by making a list of your requirements: the size of the hard drive, how much RAM you want, and the type of processor you’ll need. Keep in mind that you’re not saving money if you buy a second-hand computer that doesn’t cater to your needs.
If you decide to buy refurbished computers online, be sure to look for a company that offers a good return policy. Many refurbished products will still come with a warranty, but you want to make sure that you know the conditions of the return policy. Some companies will allow you to return the device for a full refund within 90 days. This way, you can try out the new PC and see if it works well.
Last but not least, it’s really important that you make sure any company you buy from has a returns policy that you’re happy with. If you’re not comfortable with the terms that are on offer, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere – you deserve to have full confidence in the product you’re purchasing and the retailer you’re granting your custom to.
What Comes With a Refurbished Computer?Many refurbished PCs don’t come with a monitor, an operating system (software like Windows 10), a DVD or Blu-ray player, a wireless network card, or a power cord. Get the specifics of what you’re buying and figure out how much it will cost to add the necessary peripherals, hardware, and software to get your new PC running as you want.
Should You Buy a Refurbished Computer?Refurbished devices typically lack the latest features available in new computers. If you use the computer mostly for surfing the web, checking email, and word processing, you can likely settle for an older PC. However, playing online games requires a lot of memory (RAM) and processing (CPU) power, so a refurbished computer might not be adequate for gamers.
When it comes to buying refurbished PCs, there is quite a bit on the line. You want to ensure the product you are getting is legitimate, properly prepped, reliable, and just like new from an operational standpoint. MAR stands for Microsoft Authorized Refurbished, which is a title granted to refurbishers by Microsoft, guaranteeing the product’s legitimacy. There are only 16 MARs in the United States to date, which speaks to the stringency of the regulation.
To become certified as a MAR, products and refurbishers must adhere to a strict policy regarding the asset collection, data wiping, and loading of a valid version of the Microsoft OS onto a refurbished desktop or notebook before it is sold to the customer. Additionally, MAR products come with a Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity (C.O.A.) label slapped on the machine, letting you know you have a genuine product with the Microsoft name backing it up immediately. We had some hands-on time with MAR machines from Arrow Electronics in the past and found them to work as well as any new computer.
A refurbished computer may come directly from the manufacturer or a third party. If a third party restores the machine, you may find that they used whatever available parts were on hand. In other words, the parts may not match the original specifications.
It’s helpful to compare the specifications of the refurbished product with the new product to see how it matches up. Stick with reputable retailers and manufacturers authorized to sell new products rather than buying from online auctions or Craigslist.
Some of the more well-known companies selling refurbished computers include:
Not All Deals Are Good DealsRetailers sometimes list the refurbished price alongside the original suggested retail price. However, this practice can be misleading since retail prices drop over time.
To ensure that the refurbished price is a good deal, search online for the computer using the model number. In some cases, you can find an older budget computer for cheaper than a refurbished one, and it will come with a longer warranty.
Always check for online coupon codes before you buy. Online coupons, free shipping offers, and special discounts are often available for refurbished computers.
While the overall price of a refurbished computer is important for saving money, the warranty is what counts in the long run. Many refurbished PCs come with limited warranties, so take the time to understand the fine print.
The manufacturer, and not a third party, should provide the warranty. Ideally, the length of time refurbished computers have coverage should be the same as the new models, but that’s usually not the case. For example, reputable companies selling refurbished computers may offer a three-month manufacturer’s warranty with extended service plans at an additional cost.
It is also important to know how quickly the company fixes refurbished computers you return under warranty. An online search for the seller’s name should help you determine this information.
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Refurbished computers are cheaper and offer better value than new PCs. They still look and perform like new, but are available at a significant discount. They make it easier for you to keep up with technology without breaking the bank. Refurbished PCs are often certified for higher quality, so you can rest assured that they’ll work well and last a long time. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you plan and prepare.
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