When It Comes to Electronics, What Does 'Refurbished' Mean?
We cover the meaning of refurbished products and where to get the best deals.
With inflation creeping up and money getting tighter, shoppers are looking for more deals. It's not always easy to find great deals on appliances or electronics. However, there is another option for these types of products. You may have seen items for sale at retailers or online that are listed as refurbished. The discounted price tag may look attractive, but could leave you wondering what refurbished actually means.
There are all types of merchandise that can simply be purchased as used. From clothing to dishes to sports equipment, shopping used can be a huge money saver. However, electronic items or small appliances are another story. After all, you don't want to spend any money at all on something that may not work as intended.
With refurbished merchandise, you have more of a guarantee that the item you are purchasing will operate like new. We'll explain the pros and cons of buying refurbished and exactly what refurbished means.
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What Does Refurbished Mean?
A product that has been refurbished is one that goes through an inspection process and is then repaired as needed. Most of the time, this results in a product that is in like-new condition.
Normally, the products have either been returned, were pre-owned and traded in, or had been used as a display model in the store. To be resold, they will go through the same testing that any new product goes through to ensure quality. Not only are the products repaired, but they also are cleaned and worn exterior parts will be replaced as well.
These overhauled products could also be called "reconditioned" or "renewed." However, all three terms mean the same thing.
Are Refurbished Products the Same as Used?
No, refurbished products are not the same as used ones. The difference is that the refurbished products have gone through the testing and repair process and should be just like new.
Used products are simply products that have been pre-owned and are now being sold as is. There is no guarantee at all for the buyer and you should exercise caution when purchasing any used electronics.
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Is It Good To Buy Refurbished?
Buying a refurbished product can definitely have a few benefits that make it a good option. First, the product should be in good working order since it was inspected and repaired. Second, you can normally buy a refurbished product at a huge discount than what it would cost new.
A big bonus is if the seller also gives a warranty on the refurbished product. If so, it will be listed as a certified refurbished product.
Plus, you know that you're getting use out of something that has a second chance, instead of it being thrown out or wasted!
Does Refurbished Always Mean Like-New?
Depending on who did the refurbishing, the like-new status could have different meanings. It's best to buy any refurbished product that was repaired directly by the manufacturer. After all, they obviously know the product inside and out and will have all of the necessary replacement parts available to them.
This doesn't necessarily mean that products repaired by a different seller are bad—they could be like-new as well. One way to tell how confident the seller is would be if they offer a good warranty.
Just a warning—it's always a little risky to purchase refurbished products from a third-party seller such as eBay. This is especially true if there isn't a warranty included or the ability to return the product if something still doesn't work properly.
Sometimes the refurbished product will be given a grade that determines the extent of the refurbishment.
Grading System
A - best quality in function and looks
B - decent quality but may have some surface blemishes
C - product might work ok but will have apparent signs of use
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How To Find Out Who Refurbished the Product
In the product listing description, it should state if it's either manufacturer-refurbished or seller-refurbished. Another sign would be the packaging. If the refurbished product comes in a branded box, it most likely was repaired by the manufacturer. If not, it was probably a seller's refurbishment.
What Items Can Be Purchased as Refurbished?
Typically, electronics and small appliances can be resold as refurbished. Things like phones, laptops, mixers and blenders are a few popular items. You may even find TVs, vacuums, game consoles or coffee makers.
When you're thinking about purchasing a refurbished product, just keep in mind the technology aspect of the item as well. With new technology, product updates happen so frequently. It may not be worthwhile to purchase a refurbished product that is quite a bit older than the new models—just one piece to consider depending on what type of product you're looking into.
Are Refurbished Products Hard To Find?
Refurbished products are usually quite easy to find. The first place to check is the manufacturer's website for the brand you are looking for. For instance, on the Kitchenaid website, they have a "Certified Refurbished" section you can scroll through.
Other brands that typically have refurbished items are Apple, Samsung, Dyson and HP. Many refurbished brands are also for sale on Amazon, under the category "Amazon Renewed." Just search refurbished in general for a list or search manufacturer name plus refurbished for a more specific list.
Again watch out for third-party sellers unless they have been vetted by places such as refurb.me.
Shop Now: Examples of Refurbished Products You Can Buy
These are just some of the many available items you can find when searching for refurbished products.
Refurbished Professional 600 Series 6 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer, $219.99 (Originally $399.99) at Kitchenaid
You can save $180 on this refurbished mixer that is 45 percent off at Kitchenaid. Refurbished Professional 600 Series 6 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer, $219.99 (Originally $399.99) at Kitchenaid
Refurbished Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener, $349.99 (Originally $449.99) at Dyson
This popular hair straightener is marked down $100 as a refurbished option. Refurbished Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener, $349.99 (Originally $449.99) at Dyson
Certified Refurbished Fire HD 10 Tablet
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According to Amazon, "A Certified Refurbished Fire HD 10 Tablet is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device."
Certified Refurbished Ring Video Doorbell Pro
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In the product details, it's explained that "this device was tested by Amazon," and its software was updated during testing as well. Plus, the same warranty is available that's offered with a new device.
Certified Refurbished Fire TV Stick 4K
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This refurbished Fire TV Stick has been tested by Amazon and deemed "fully functional." It includes the same warranty as a new device.
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