What Is “Refurbished” Technology?

With advancements in technology and sky-high demand, certain electronics can be out of reach budget-wise for most individuals. Luckily, there’s an entire refurbished technology market where consumers can purchase electronics at discounted costs. However, most people don’t exactly know what refurbished means and if these products are safe to buy.

Although steeply discounted refurbished products bring a lot of temptation and excitement, it’s essential to understand what refurbished technology is.

Used vs. Refurbished Technology

First of all, “used” and “refurbished” technology mean completely different things. The main difference between the two terms is that refurbished technology has been tested and verified to work properly. Used products are second-hand or pre-owned products that are sold again without being checked for defects.  Refurbished means that the product was used, deemed defective, recycled or returned for some reason, then tested and repaired by the manufacturer or a third party before being sold again.

To sum it up, all refurbished products are used, but not all used electronics are refurbished. Refurbished technology is safer to purchase than used technology because it’s been repaired.

What Does Refurbished Mean?

Although the reason for the product recall varies, all refurbished products are revamped and repaired by the manufacturer or a third party. The goal of refurbishment is to restore the product to a like-new condition. Common refurbishment practices include swapping out old defective parts for new ones and replacing cracked screens. However, any number of fixes can be applied during refurbishment, depending on the product’s condition.

Here’s a list of common reasons why products are refurbished:

• Demo items used for display in retail stores and events
• Products returned without being used (Open Box items)
• Products scratched or cracked during shipment
• Products returned due to damage or defect

“Re-certified” and “reconditioned” are also terms that describe refurbished technology.

The manufacturer or third party will thoroughly test the device during the refurbishment process and make any necessary repairs. They’ll also clean the product, reset the software to factory conditions, and repackage it.

In most cases, you can expect a product that’s as good as new.

Are All Refurbished Products the Same?

Either the original manufacturer or a third party conducts the refurbishment, so not all refurbished products are alike. It’s generally recommended to go with the manufacturer or a highly reputable third party for refurbished products.

If using a third party, look at the quanitity and quality of their verified consumer reviews to help you determine if they are a reputable reseller or not. Always check the refurbished product’s reviews, what’s included, the warranty, and that the return policy is at least 30 days.

Find the Best Deals on Your Refurbished Technology

SEAM specializes in value recovery and getting the most out of used and unwanted equipment in South Dakota. SEAM’s certified technicians assess the equipment and then fully refurbish it to the best possible functionality. Give us a call today to find the best deals on refurbished technology.