If it's a webcam, it better make you look good on that Zoom meeting. If it's a laptop, it better boot up and go on the internet. If it's a phone, it better make calls (phones still do that, so I'm told). A product has to be able to do what it was designed to do, even if sold used. The reason you may see the "as-is" clause is that used products in many states get an implied warranty by law. Simply because a device starts doesn't mean it can go online, get a signal, etc. The buyer risks getting a product that may not even work properly. It's possible you could get the product in something close to the original packaging, if that's important to you.ĭon't buy any product, refurbed or brand new, that is advertised "as-is" because that takes away any implied warranty a product might have. That goes for things like software that might ship with a PC as well, even though that’s more likely to come as a code for a download nowadays. You're more likely to get all the accessories in the box. That's another reason to look at refurbs mainly from the direct vendor. After all, someone who returns or sells their iPhone doesn't usually send in the earbuds, because, ew. Not having accessories is entirely likely with a refurbed purchase. Opening an iPhone box and not finding a charger and some earbuds is a sad experience (especially if the item is brand new, but that's a different problem). (Photo: Zhang Peng/LightRocket/Getty Images) Despite the fact that it's an arena described by some as, at best, the Wild West, and there's no real way to determine product quality until you're already out the money. That said, you can see real savings from a third-party refurbish. Look for "factory-certified" or similar nomenclature. They'll have the right packaging and parts to make the product as close to new as possible. In general, sticking with the original company is the smart move. It could be performed by the original manufacturer, but it's possible a third party did the work and is reselling it. Because once the "stink" of refurbishment is on a product, the price should go way down.Īsk the seller about a product’s origin and hope for an open-box product you may not be the first owner, but you could be the first user. Thankfully, there are laws in place in the US (Opens in a new window) that prevent companies from selling returned products as if they're brand new. All returned products that get resold again tend to get lumped together, no matter the condition. You may also see terms like "pre-owned" and "reconditioned," which are synonyms.until they're not. Legally, there's no real definition of "refurbished.” It can signify whatever a vendor or seller wants it to mean. Technically, I'd argue that to be a true refurb, a device needs some kind of repair, cleaning, or sprucing up. Maybe the buyer or recipient didn't want it, or maybe the packaging was damaged so it was returned as a precaution, even though the contents worked fine. (And if you're looking for gift ideas, check out our full Holiday Gift Guide.)Ī typical open-box product is one that was purchased and opened, but returned before it was ever used. If you can't get these questions answered to your satisfaction, stick with purchasing brand new, if you can. Here's the quick rundown of what you should know before you click the buy button on a renewed/revamped piece of hardware. You may also have to forego the original accessories and deal with a few physical imperfections. That all happened under the original product warranty-a warranty you may not receive when giving that product a second chance. It was enough of a life that the product was sent back and given an overhaul to make it workable again, or at least a once-over to make sure it still delivers. Maybe it was a short existence that brought few tribulations with the original owner, but maybe not. The problem is that refurbed products likely had a life before they came to you. If you go for a refurbished product, it won't be subject to shipping delays, because it's already there to buy. Plus, there's the continued worldwide processor shortage. And there's the added bonus this holiday season: Brand new products are in short supply due to ongoing issues with the supply chain and distributing goods to stores is getting more and more difficult. It's also nice to avoid sending a gadget to the landfill. There's a simple reason to buy refurbished tech instead of a brand new device-saving money. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.
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