Factory Refurbished: buy electronics cheap, and with a guarantee

In the comments to one of the articles of the blog there was a question about buying restored equipment from abroad. I ask — answer.

The term "refurbished" ("restored") is firmly established in the lexicon of geeks. Of the restored machinery was heard. Of course, the discount for the coveted electronic device attracts – and it can be from 15 to 50%. But although heard it all, many still do not dare to buy "refurbished" gadget. Too many issues they cause. Why such a large range of discounts after recovery? Why is it so cheap? Whether the restored device will not disappoint?

The logical questions, but the answers are not always obvious. The algorithm of occurrence of "refurbished" is quite simple: electronics returns to the production, is cosmetic and not only the procedure, and then re-sold. Here lies the first pitfall.

The restoration can be performed in two ways: Manufacturer (Factory) Refurbishment Refurbishment and Seller. Today let's deal with the first category, the most reliable to purchase.

Manufacturer (Factory) Refurbishment


Like this status gets technician after ANY return the equipment to the manufacturer. Recovery and presentation in this case is made at the factory or authorized service center. In this case, the device is subjected to a thorough inspection before repair and after. Corrective use official parts and the appropriate tools. Oh and don't forget that the staff of such enterprises is highly qualified.

Reason for repair:

1. Refund after purchase (defect, return within the specified time) color;
2. Return within warranty period;
3. Display copies;
4. Damaged packaging;
5. Damage to the device during transportation;
6. Mass defects or the need for updates.

How is the repair?

• demo samples get a fresh package and updated the elements of the case;
• opened and the packing replaced;
• damaged gadgets are repaired using original spare parts;
• rejected parties are in the process of replacing the failed units and communicated to production, functional modification.

After recovery of such devices, in compliance with U.S. trade rules, or get on a standard packaging stamp or packaged in special boxes with the appropriate labels "Refurbished" or "Refreshed". If the logo is missing – any chance of a non-certified repair.

How not to run into a defective product
First and foremost, you should purchase equipment only from reliable sellers. It is worth remembering that the return of the purchased goods after recovery is possible. But the average is not more than 90 days for large trading floors. Apple offers the option of refund within 14 days, and Amazon and Sony — for 30 days.

If a trading platform that is not the direct representative of the company (read – the official store like the Apple Store) does not indicate (or deny the possibility of a return or the availability of warranty of the goods purchased – the purchase should be abandoned.

Where to buy manufacturer refurbished equipment


© macrumors.com

Purchase restored equipment in most online stores. The warranty on such equipment is given necessarily, as a rule, 90 days. Some official stores and private brands give one year warranty. It is very individual. Ironically, the more consistently profitable way to purchase are the official sites of the manufacturer. Their brief (and probably incomplete) list with additional conditions:

1. Drain the Apple – year warranty.
2. Dell Outlet – one year warranty. Offer three categories of product: "new" (cancelled or returned orders), certified refurbished" (restored, factory tested OTK), and "scratch and dent" (with cosmetic imperfections).
3. HP standard warranty with no restrictions.
4. Sony – warranty of 90 days.
5. Canon
6. Epson – sold as is, without warranty.
7. DJI – 85% of the initial value, standard warranty, but the exchange is only possible on the restored copies
8. Microsoft – a year on the product and 90 days for accessories
9. Corsair – 1 year warranty
10. GoPro – 30 days for a refund
11. Nintendo
12. Nikon

After reading lots of noticeable discount there – especially on the example of the Dell Outlet. The cost of different instances may vary. And if you are lucky enough you can catch a good package a great laptop for 50-60% of the standard value.

Restored equipment on Amazon
If you do not want to chase the Ghost discounts, it is best to use Amazon. On the site you can always find the basic models of goods in all States: New, Refurbished, Used. Restored by the manufacturer or authorized service the device on Amazon be sure are marked as Certified Refurbished. Besides, do not forget about serving on the court a mandatory warranty program for a period of not less than 90 days.

In addition to the main cost reduction because of the logo "Refurbished" in the main American online store you can take advantage of additional bonuses and offers. Some of them can be accessed through the Prime account. The easiest way to purchase at a preferential price to use the service "Full support" Pochtoy.com (you will still use the services of mailforwarding), about which we already wrote.

If you want to take advantage of additional discounts by yourself, there are several ways to get a Prime account for free. But more about that in next article.

Source: geektimes.ru/company/pochtoy/blog/280284/