You see a great price for a laptop with the specs you’re looking for but then notice it’s a refurbished computer. After biting your lip, you may have thought you couldn’t take on the risk and decide to pass on it in favor of a brand new computer.
This probably sounds familiar for your home, office, or business computer shopping experience. As a business owner, can you rely on refurbished computers?
The short answer is yes, but you need to know why this $10 billion industry has the value it does. Before long, you’ll see the benefits expanding your computer options gives you.
Keep reading to find out why the next time you buy a computer it may be a refurbished one.
What Is a Refurbished Computer?
A refurbished computer is available at most places that have laptops for sale. But the crux of the problem isn’t availability. It’s that most people don’t know what a refurbished computer is.
A refurbished computer is not the same as a used computer — although it likely was used at least once.
A refurbished computer is a computer someone unboxed and tried to use. Then, for whatever reason, returned the item because it didn’t work. Instead of trashing the whole computer — laptop or desktop — manufacturers can replace components that aren’t soldered in.
Even some components that are soldered can get removed and replaced with a steady hand. They’re tested to see if they operate within “as new” tolerances and sometimes even upgraded with better components.
The Main Benefits of Buying a Refurbished Computer
There are four main benefits to buying refurbished computers. Almost all other points fall under one of these. They are:
- Cost savings
- Ecologically responsible
- Certified for resale
- The latest technology at a discount
The same report cited earlier also tells us that at least 96% of consumers of refurbished computers and other devices report cost savings. It’s best to look for at least 15% cost savings, but you could find as much as 50% cost reductions.
Because these computers would otherwise get scavenged for parts or tossed away, buying refurbished computers saves on costly recycling and disposal costs. This includes components with lead, nickel, and cobalt in them such as in batteries and solder. For these reasons and more, it’s actually an energy-saving “green” purchasing decision.
These computers have almost all been inspected for quality, as defective components got replaced or they got returned without even getting turned on once. Some components have even gotten replaced with upgraded parts if the original part isn’t available anymore.
This gives you the latest technology, individually tested for quality rather than batch tested in a factory, at a major discount. In the end, it helps you to determine an upgrade path for the future with less risk.
Buying Refurbished Devices: A Smart Choice
For these reasons and more, buying a refurbished computer or other device is a smart choice. It’s green, it’s economical, and (generally) as safe to buy refurbished devices from reputable sellers as new equipment.
Need more tips to save money around the house or for your business? Keep browsing our articles to get practical tips and advice for electronics and more!
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