A 2021 survey by Wakefield Research found that 62% of respondents were considering buying refurbished electronics while 84% were okay with receiving them as gifts.
Established sellers say that buying refurbished electronics can save you hundreds of dollars, up to 70%, compared to new ones.
You also help the environment by extending product lives.
According to the UN, 62 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2022 – 82% more than in 2010—but only 22.3% were documented as collected and recycled. Think of the toxic chemicals contaminating our soil and the unclaimed gold, copper and other metals lost to waste.
“Refurbished” electronics aren’t the same as “Used.” They are used, store-displayed, defective or returned products that have been tested and repaired when necessary. Buy from reputable refurbishers, and you might expect some cosmetic blemishes but not cracked screens or defective buttons.
Before you buy, consider these tips from Consumers Report, AARP, Wirecutter and other respected sources. Also, read the online reviews of refurbishers who interest you.
- Buy from manufacturers or authorized third parties – Apple, HP, Dell, Microsoft, Samsung and other name brands sell their own refurbished products that they’ve extensively inspected, cleaned and tested. They typically refer to them as “Certified Renewed” or “Refurbished.” Firms like Apple, Samsung and Microsoft install new batteries and replacement parts and ship in new boxes. They also allow you to purchase extended warranties. Many offer their refurbished products on third-party selling sites such as Amazon, Best Buy, eBay and Walmart.
- 90-day warranties minimum – Experts advise considering only retailers offering at least a 90-day warranty. Apple and Samsung offer one-year limited warranties as does Microsoft on its Surface laptops. Dell offers 100 days. Authorized third-party refurbishers also offer warranties. The longer the better.
- Easy returns and refunds – Apple gives you 10 days to try out refurbished products, which can be returned for a full refund. Microsoft says you have 60 days to return a refurbished Surface laptop for a full refund. Dell offers 30 days on its refurbished consumer computers. Check the policies of the brand you’re considering. Avoid retailers who deduct restocking, handling or other fees from refunds. (Dell charges for handling and reserves the right to deduct 15% for restocking on non-defective computers.)
- Your credit cards and extended warranties – Search online for your credit cards’ terms. Some cards, like a number from American Express and Citi, offer extended warranties when you use them to purchase warrantied refurbished products. According to WalletHub, the best extended warranty cards from American Express are the Centurion, Platinum, Blue Cash Preferred, Gold, Green, Amex Every Day Preferred and Blue cards. Citi’s best are the Strata Premier, Simplicity, Rewards+ and Diamond Preferred cards.
Where to buy refurbished
There are many third-party certified refurbishers in addition to manufacturers. Some also buy used electronics, such as smartphones and laptops. Here’s a list of frequently recommended merchants.
• Apple aficionados – go to refurb.me/refurbishers for a list of 12 third-party sellers, including their warranty and return policies and site links. To get notified about specific Apple refurbished products as they become available on the market, go to: refurb-tracker.com.
• For all brands – google their names
• Gazelle
• Back Market
• Swappa
• Amazon Renewed
• eBay Refurbished
Good luck saving money and helping the environment!