Denver-based photographer Karen Hoglund was banking on her pet photography business recovering from the pandemic and began updating her tools, including cameras, a desktop and software, in spring 2021. However, his budget didn't leave much room for the MacBook Pro laptop he wanted for home visits to clients. So he turned to OWC , a website he had previously used, where he found a refurbished model for half the price of a new model.
Refurbished products are becoming increasingly popular with price and environmentally conscious consumers. "Buying a refurbished device not only allows consumers to buy a good product at a great price, it is also a way to reduce their environmental impact by using a device that has been given a second life," says Serge Verdoux, commercial director of Back . Marketplace an online marketplace for refurbished electronics.
"Our raison d'être is to create an 'as new' used shopping experience," said Barruch Ben-Zekry, CEO and founder of Out&Back , an outdoor gear shopping platform. The trick to buying refurbished products is knowing what you want and who you are buying from. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Learn the jargon. A "Refurbished" item, sometimes referred to as refurbished, recertified, or remanufactured, is a product that has been used or used as a display model, then restored to working order and sold at a reduced price. "Open box" means someone bought the item and returned it to the store or manufacturer, barely touched. Renovations are generally rated as 'excellent', 'good' or 'fair' condition. Look for category definitions on the seller's website.
Know where to look. Visit backmarket.com , refurb.me or gazelle.com . These companies screen and select suppliers. Manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP and Dyson also sell refurbished products, although some websites make them difficult to find as they naturally want you to buy new. To save time, search for a company name and "renew". It's also worth checking out retailers like Amazon (under "Amazon Renewed"), Best Buy, and Target. (Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post.)
You can also find specialized refurbishment markets: Out&Back, for example, focuses on outdoor gear, while GoodBuy Gear focuses on baby and children's gear. Scott Henke of Onsite Consulting in Denver advises considering reputable local businesses with physical stores. "These are places you can go back to if something goes wrong, and you know that if you're not happy you'll get your money back," says Henke, whose company refurbished and sold more than 2,100 computers during the year . last three years.
Buy with confidence. Sure, you can bid on eBay or Craigslist, but buying from a professional manufacturer or finisher should ensure that the item and all accessories have been cleaned, parts replaced, and the item refurbished. . Data was erased from computers and keyboards, and batteries were checked. They are often loaded with updated software. If even one component cannot be repaired, it will not be offered for sale. In short: it is 100% functional.
Note if the refurbishment is "certified," meaning the product has passed rigorous testing and meets certain standards, such as products. Plus, you're protected by a warranty and return policy.
Make the most of your money. Discounts vary but can range from 15% to 60% or more depending on the age and cosmetic condition of the item. The newer the product, the lower the discount. "But a five-year-old computer is like new for a third to half the price," says Henke. "It may not be as fast as the latest model, but most consumers won't notice the difference between half a second and a second to complete a task." Back Market puts limits on the age of the products sold, says Verdoux. The sweet spot of many electronic devices is around five years, as much older computers and smartphones may no longer be compatible with current applications. However, when it comes to outdoor or baby items, you can make a lot of money off of older items that haven't been used much and are in like-new condition.
Please read the description carefully. As with any purchase, it's a matter of combing through the details. While websites can list featured items in an easy-to-read format, it's important to read the full description and review each image. If an item comes with a list of specifications, read that as well, as it can gather important information like a device's operating system and software. "It's okay to ask the seller questions," says Ben-Zekry. "For example, 'Tell me more about the condition.' "
Find out about your return options. If you're buying something refurbished, make sure the product has at least a year's warranty in case something goes wrong. No guarantee? Omitting. Henke warns that some computers look good in photos, but water could damage them and cause them to shut down after delivery. You also want to know the seller's return policy. Back Market has a 30 day no questions asked policy. Out&Back offers the same. Avoid products shipped from abroad as they can be difficult to return if something goes wrong, says Elalj.
Shop beyond electronics. Although smartphones and computers make up the bulk of the home improvement market, there are other options. You'll find premium Bluetooth headsets and headphones (carefully cleaned and disinfected), electric bikes and scooters, drones, GPS watches, air purifiers, security cameras and more. Out&Back offers refurbished tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and outdoor clothing such as insulated jackets, blankets and ski/snow pants. GoodBuy Gear carries strollers, nursery furniture and more. Hoglund even found factory-restored photographic lamps.
Take your time. Knowing the exact configuration and specs of the MacBook Pro he wanted, Hoglund could wait for the right one to come along. "Think carefully about what you want," she says. "You don't have to settle for the first object you see." Sites like RefurbMe allow you to set alerts when a particular item becomes available or drops in price. You can even set up alerts on multiple sites to compare products and prices.
Denver-based author Laura Daily specializes in consumer protection and travel strategy. Find her at dailywriter.net .
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