In an ever changing world where new tech is being released almost daily, there is a lot of pressure on consumers to keep up with the latest trend, or fear social rejection. It is for this reason that there has been an enormous boom in the number of people buying refurbished and second hand items. Refurbished items are those which have been released commercially and sold, before being returned as faulty, repaired by the original manufacturer and then resold at a lower price as refurbished products. The big question when it comes to these types of devices however, is whether or not purchasing one is worth it, let’s take a look.
Pros of Refurbished Goods
To understand whether or not it is in fact worth it, let’s first take a look at what the benefits are of buying such a device.
– Cost Saving
Buying these goods will cost you significantly less than buying them brand new, often with discounts as high as 50%
– Fully Tested
These devices are tested in the exact same way as new products are, by the same experts and given the same level of certification.
– Eco Friendly
Buying a refurbished product saves on landfill which is causing a huge problem to the environment. Because of the demand for refurbished devices, companies like iPad Recycle focus more on giving these products a second life rather than getting rid.
Cons of Refurbished Goods
Let’s take a look now at the downsides of buying these refurbished products.
– Short Warranty
Unlike a new product you will not receive a lengthy warranty on a refurbished item, often they will give no more than a year, or sometimes as low as 100 days.
– Unknown Lifespan
There is no indication which can help you to know how long the product will last, it could be months, it could be years.
Is Buying a Refurbished Item Really Wroth It?
The answer to this question really comes down to your personal situation and the product that you are looking for. If you are short on cash and looking for Dell refurbished laptops for example, then yes, this will be a smart move which can guarantee you a great quality Dell laptop without having to pay full price. If you are looking to upgrade your phone regularly to keep up with the Jones’ then this can also be a great option for you. If however you are looking to invest in a high quality and premium product regardless of cost then the recommendation would always be that you invest in a brand new product, with a lengthy warranty and the knowledge that all of the parts of the device are brand new, and that you are the sole and first owner of it.
Refurbished devices are a brilliant idea for those on a budget or those looking to support the environment, in terms of whether you should or shouldn’t buy them, that choice really is based on you.