5 Ways To Get Good Deals on Quality Refurbished Tech, According to Consumer Experts
Written by
Sean Bryant
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Did you know, according to Statistica, the price of electronics in the U.S. rose by almost 300% between 2023 and 2024? With prices skyrocketing in every industry, finding ways to cut costs in your everyday life is more critical than ever to stay within your budget. One of the easiest ways to save money is to invest in refurbished tech products.
Refurbished tech products are precisely what they sound like — they’re electronic products that stopped working and were sent back. Technicians then work on the damaged product to make it operational and resell it as a refurbished product. They usually work just as well as a brand-new product — but you’ll still want to take certain precautions to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
Keep reading as we cover five tips for getting a good deal on quality refurbished technology.
On the other hand, here are six used electronics to stay away from.
Always Buy From a Reputable Retailer
Buying from a reputable retailer is one of the best way to get a good deal on refurbished technology. Restorations are not all the same. If the original manufacturer fixed the item, you can likely expect a better working product. Typically, the product will still come with some type of guarantee. This protects buyers in case the product doesn’t work.
If you use a third party, you won’t necessarily know the quality of the product until it arrives — which can be risky. However, they’ll usually have a more attractive price point, making people more likely to go this route. We say buyers beware — if you’re not careful, you could end up with a bad product and no way to get your money back.
“It can be tempting to peruse Craigslist or private sellers on eBay, but there are no guarantees that what you get will work or where those phones came from,” said Brian Tepfer, senior vice president of aales at ecoATM Gazelle. “Stores like Gazelle responsibly source all our devices, inspect all our own inventory and offer money back guarantees in case anything goes wrong.”
Check the Return Policy and Warranty
As mentioned above, some products will come with a warranty or a return policy. This means that if you receive the product and it doesn’t work, you can return it or exchange it within a certain period of time.
Having some sort of return or exchange policy is important because you won’t know how well a product works until you receive it. Not every refurbished tech supplier will offer this type of guarantee — so it’s important to check the fine print before purchasing. If it’s a non-refundable purchase, you could end up losing money.
“The most important factor to pay attention to when buying any used item is the return policy and warranty,” said Destiny Chatman, consumer expert at TopCashback.com. “Even if the product appears problem-free, it may have hidden issues. A solid return policy and warranty provides reassurance, avoiding the risk of losing money you aimed to save.”
Focus on the Features, Not the Model
You’ll want to compare the features instead of focusing only on the model type. Some older models will have similar features to newer ones but at a much different price point. For example, instead of looking for the newest laptop model, compare models based on storage capacity or processor speed. This will let you find a refurbished model with similar features to the newer one but at a fraction of the cost.
“An iPhone 12 Pro and an iPhone 14, for example, both have a 12 [megapixel] camera and can run the most current iOS,” Tepfer said. “If you’re willing to look past the model number, you can get great deals on older phones that will check all of your boxes and don’t break the bank.”
Set Your Budget and Compare Prices
By setting your budget before looking for refurbished tech, you can narrow down your options and make a more informed decision. Pricing on refurbished products can vary drastically depending on the retailer you choose. Make sure to compare pricing to make sure it’s a good deal. If it’s dramatically below market price, there’s usually a reason for that.
“While shopping with major brands can ensure you get a decent refurbished product, it can also be costly,” Chatman said. “Research the product’s price to estimate the refurbished version’s value. Compare prices across retailers and look for special deals, sales and discounts to maximize savings.”
Check What Is Included
Before purchasing, you’ll want to see what is actually included with your product. For example, if you’re buying a phone, make sure it includes the charging cables. If you’re buying a laptop, make sure the battery is also included.
Some refurbished products might not include every component that a new product would, so you’ll have to buy them separately. Chargers can cost anywhere from $10 to $150, depending on the product, which may mean you’ll spend more than you had originally budgeted.
Buying refurbished tech products is a great way to save money while still being able to own the items you want. However, it’s not always cheaper. This is why it’s so important to compare pricing of both new and refurbished items first before deciding if a refurbished tech product is the right choice. If you decide to buy refurbished, follow our tips above to get the best deal.
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