Is Buying Refurbished Products a Good Idea?

Refurbished electronics give consumers brand-name products at low prices. computer image by fotografiche.eu from Fotolia.com

Buying Refurbished Products

Buying refurbished products, and electronics in particular, is the best way to land a brand-name item for a fraction of what it would cost at a regular retail store. Refurbished items contain most of the same parts and are tested using the same standards that apply to brand-new items.

Buying New Products

Refurbished products come with short warranties, often lasting no more than 90 days. A new product will come with a much longer warranty, with most offering at least one year of coverage. There's no way of knowing what is inside a refurbished item, but new products are made using new parts. Additionally, refurbished items often contain scratches or dents.

Bottom Line

If you don't mind the odd ding or scuff, buying a refurbished product is a great way to save money and still wind up with quality. With the product testing now the same for new and refurbished items, it's rare that you will wind up with a lemon.

References

• HP: Why Buy Refurbished?
• Refurbished Electronics Guide: Refurbished Electronics Advantages