While brand-new electronics are the most popular option, for obvious reasons, they’re far from the only choice.
Customers everywhere have the chance to make incredible savings and limit electronic waste by opting for refurbished products that have undergone an intensive refurbishment process, often walking away with a product just as good as one taken straight out of the box.
Not only can you save money, but you can enjoy laptops, gaming consoles, mobile devices and more, all from top brands, but at a fraction of the regular price. Assuming, of course, that everything is in good working condition.
However, given these refurbished items have often been used in the past, some trepidation is normal. This is why taking care with your purchase and adding some extra considerations is the best way to guarantee you’re leaving with a product that serves your needs perfectly.
At Grade A Technology, we’re renowned vendors of new and refurbished electronics – including refurbished commercial and signage displays, refurbished laptops, refurbished monitors and other electronics – so we like to think we know a thing or two about what to look out for!
With this in mind, here are a few things you should know when purchasing refurbished goods.
How to ensure quality when purchasing refurbished electronics
Buy from a reputable seller
This should always be your main priority.
There are plenty of shops – both online and in-person – that sell refurbished electronics. But because there are so many variables in play when refurbishing such items, there’s a lot that can go wrong.
Specifically, you may buy from a less-than-reputable seller and end up with a product that’s advertised as ‘like new’ only for it to break a couple of days later, leaving you out of pocket.
But when purchasing from an experienced, reliable vendor of refurbished electronics like Grade A Technology, you’ll have plenty of customer reviews to examine, offering a fantastic view of the level of service and quality of product you can expect.
So be sure to put in some research time before you click ‘Buy.’ It could save you a lot of time, and cash, later down the line.
Examine the aesthetics
Depending on your electronic item of choice, you may be very keen on choosing a product that looks just as appealing as a brand-new model.
Aesthetics are important to so many buyers, with perfectionists keen to avoid scuff marks, scratches, indentations and similar damage.
While many of these issues are so small that they’re hard to spot in the first place, it’s important to note whether they impact the performance of your tech in any way.
For instance, are there any dead pixels on your monitor that ruin the clean visual experience? Do you have clear, crisp audio despite markings around the speakers?
If you’re in a position to test your refurbished technology in advance, fantastic. If not, and if you’re working with a reliable vendor, anything problematic should be listed on the product page so you’re aware.
At Grade A Technology, all our items are fully refurbished to an exceptional standard, offering a look and feel that’s comparable to a completely new item, so you can shop with confidence.
For more information, feel free to speak to a member of the team today.
Check the warranty or returns status
Usually, by the time you pick up a refurbished item, the manufacturer’s original warranty will have expired.
This can be offputting for potential buyers, who like having the peace of mind that, should anything be at fault when the product arrives, they’re able to return their technology for repairs, trades or a refund.
If you’re looking at a specific refurbished item on a seller’s website and there’s no mention of a warranty or returns policy at all, you won’t feel very encouraged about adding it to your cart. Especially if the item is already a few years old.
At Grade A Technology, we offer a 14-day money-back guarantee on any Grade A, B or imperfect product you purchase. All you need to do is report any damage or other issues to us within 72 hours, and we’ll happily send you the returns address and any other information you may need.
Buy refurbished tech at Grade A Technology
If you’re looking for refurbished electronics at an affordable price, Grade A Technology is here for you.
Thanks to our independent grading system, in which technology is refurbished to the highest possible standard by our in-house team of professionals, you’ll always have a crystal-clear view of the level of quality you can expect in your purchase.
Better still, our ‘New-Opened Box’ items are exactly as described: Brand-new items that are not sold as ‘New’ due to the box being opened. This means you’re able to pick up an untouched product at a bargain price.
Take a look at our selection of new and refurbished technology at Grade A Technology at the links above, or get in touch with the team if you have any burning questions.
