It isn’t everyday that you buy a new laptop or a phone or for that matter need a brand new Xbox or PlayStation. This is especially the case if you need something good but don’t have the budget for a brand new item or simply don’t want to splurge $300 on a phone for your child. In such cases, refurbished devices work just as well and can provide huge cost savings. Most people, however, stay away from these refurbished electronics because they are unsure how well they work or simply don’t know where to get quality electronics for a discounted price.

Fear not, TechVise will tell you what you need to watch out for when buying used electronics and furthermore, where to get these.

Used Vs. Refurbished devices

Used devices are just that; used. They are being sold without warranty and may only cover returns if they are Dead on Arrival [DOA]. Never get used electronics. Used books are fine, but not electronics such as phones, laptops and gaming devices. Yes, memory cards and USB memory is fine when getting used.

On the other hand, refurbished devices have gone through the ringer and a pro has thoroughly checked out everything from Hard drive, ports, buttons and battery to screen / display.

What To Look Out For When Buying Refurbished Electronics

Whether you are buying from the manufacturer or, from a trusted site, there are some things to keep in mind when buying refurbished electronics online. First, confirm the warranty. You’ll want to know how long you have to exchange something if it doesn’t work. Secondly, see what the return policy is, if there is one at all. This will help you determine if you need to do any rigorous tests on the device to make sure it works. As a rule of thumb, refurbished electronics carry a 90 day to 1 year warranty period during which time any problems will be covered by them for free.

Also, check to see if the device is factory refurbished or not. Plenty of businesses fix electronics for re-sale, but a factory certification means it has been tried and tested by the manufacturer. If you want a guarantee on quality, make sure it is factory refurbished.

In the event you are looking to buy a refurbished device from an online store, then check how easy it is to claim warranty and understand what is covered and what isn’t during the warranty period. This is important since they will certify the device according to their standards and the claim will also be handled by their store or authorised outlet.

Always purchase keeping the worst case scenario in mind. It may seem like a lot of trouble but don’t forget the savings!

Where to Buy Refurbished Electronics

If you’re in the market for refurbished consumer electronics, make sure you get them from these services.

Original Equipment Manufacturer

Often manufacturers will sell refurbished electronics on their website. The most notable of these is Apple, who completely replace the battery and outer shell, as well as offer a one year warranty. Plus buyers can save up to 30%. Many manufacturers offer similar deals on their websites. Dell, HP, and Sony are some major ones, just to name a few. If you want to get a trustworthy refurbished electronics, the manufacturer is usually the best place to start with. They will have limited options, though, which is why we sometimes end up looking for reputable sellers.

Great Shops & Online Stores to Buy Refurbished Electronics From