Savvy consumers are choosing to buy refurbished devices today, just as they do used cars. They recognize that doing so will allow them to save money while protecting the planet from harm. A device’s carbon footprint is most significant during its manufacturing, so purchasing a refurbished device saves natural resources and keeps an item out of the landfill.
Many people, however, say refurbished devices aren’t as good as brand-new models. Plug lets consumers know that nothing could be further from the truth. When a person knows how to buy these devices, they can save money, protect the planet, and get a device they love and want to use regularly.
Defining Refurbished
One problem many people encounter when examining refurbished items is that there is no standard definition for the term ‘refurbishment’. Each retailer or refurbishment specialist has standards, but they may not share this information with buyers. People might assume the retailer has tested the device, made any necessary repairs, and cleaned it, but that isn’t always the case. When reading a product description, never overlook the fine print and avoid purchasing any device that is sold “as-is”. There is no way to know what will arrive when this phrase is included in the description.
Open-Box Items
Some consumers get extremely lucky and discover they have received an open-box item. Retailers cannot legally sell an item as new if a consumer has previously returned it. They must label it as open-box even if the buyer did nothing more than remove it from the packaging and put it back in. However, some items aren’t open-box, but the consumer would never know it because they are in pristine condition.
Buying Refurbished Items
Buyers should take specific steps when considering refurbished technology to ensure they are getting a good deal. They don’t want the item to arrive and look like it has been through two wars and more. The first step they need to take is to read the item description thoroughly.
Learn whether the item has undergone testing and works as expected. Many people fail to ask whether the device has been wiped and restored to its factory settings, but they should. Furthermore, they need to determine whether the battery in the item has been replaced and whether they will receive a guarantee regarding battery health.
The item description should include information about any cosmetic damage and what items and accessories will come with the device. Does it have a user manual? Will a charger be included with the device, or will one be needed to operate it? Nobody wants to receive an item only to learn they cannot use it until they purchase accessories.
Determine whether the item is eligible for return and under what conditions it is eligible. How long is the return period, and does the item come with a warranty? Reputable sellers will typically provide a warranty with all refurbished items they sell. The more a consumer knows before making a purchase, the happier they will be with the completed transaction.
When the item arrives, immediately test it to confirm it works as expected. If any problems are found, alert the seller and begin the return process. Never discard any packaging until the return period has ended or the warranty has expired. Having this packaging makes it easy to return the item, so a working one can be purchased. By following these steps, a consumer can obtain an excellent device they will love and use for a long time to come.
