If you’re looking for a deal on a computer, tv, digital camera, MP3 player, or any other type of electronic gizmo or gadget, have you considered buying a refurb? Refurbished (aka “reconditioned” or “remanufactured”) goods can be your best option for getting a great deal on an item that may or may not go on sale very often, or even when it does, it just doesn’t fit into your budget. Below, I will reveal the best websites for finding refurbished (refurbs) products.
Refurbished items are goods that have been returned and have supposedly been restored to good-as-new condition. Refurbs are a cause for concern and rightly so. Are you buying someone else’s headache? Apparently not according to Accenture, a techology consulting firm, that found more than two-thirds of returned electronics meet manufacturers specs but just don’t meet customer expectations. Their report says it may be because buyers just couldn’t get the item to work in 20 minutes or less!
The refurbished product market has come a long way. No longer do you have to worry about the “fly by night” operation that’s here today and gone tomorrow. Now, some of the largest retailers and manufacturers have their own “pre-owned” electronics department or website. This is good news for those of us that love electronics but don’t want to spend money on all the latest and greatest gadgets that become outdated in a matter of months.
Below are some websites you should check out before you throw your money at a brand new electronic item priced at retail, and also be sure to enter my contest for a new, refurbished Garmin Streetpilot c330 GPS System!
Target: Target has a selection of refurbished MP3 players and the seldom-discounted Apple ipods. If you’re in the market for an MP3 player or an ipod, Target has a wide selection to choose from!
Crutchfield: I found the easiest way to navigate this site to look for refurbished products was to use the search box. Just enter the product such as “MP3 refurbished” to see what comes up. They also have an outlet department you might want to check out. Crutchfield offers a full refund guarantee on refurbs returned within 30 days.
Warehouse Deals: This site is run by Amazon.com. Here you will find open-box, refurbished, and slightly damaged merchandise at reduced prices with the benefits of Amazon.com’s fulfillment and customer service. This website offers discounted electronics, books, tools, toys, sporting goods, home & garden, home and personal care items, and music. If you are an eBay seller, you may even find some things here that you can resell on eBay! Like Crutchfield, Amazon offers a full refund guarantee on refurbs returned within 30 days.
Amazon
Apple: Apple tests and certifies all Apple refurbished products AND includes a 1-year warranty. One deal I saw was a refurbished 16GB ipod touch for $219 plus free shipping. This product retails for $399. I also found a 32GB ipod touch for $319–a $60 savings. You can get refurbished ipod touch’s on eBay for about the same amount as you’ll find on the Apple deal site, but they most likely won’t be Apple certified or come with a 1-year warranty. In addition, Apple offers free shipping. Apple allows returns within 14 days, however, they charge a 10 percent restocking fee if the item is opened.
Dfsdirectsales: This website is Dell’s premium grade refurbished computers and accessories outlet website. You can shop this website to purchase off lease dell computer products. They often run “free shipping” specials and throw in “extras” like free software. Customer testimonials point to great customer service. In addition, customers seem to come back to shop for additional computers after being satisfied with their first one.
Sony: Sony refurbished products have been inspected by Sony technicians. Sony warns its’ buyers that refurbished products may have minor cosmetic blemishes that do not impact their performance. Sony’s factory certified refurbs come with a 90-day limited warranty covering parts and labor. The refurbished VAIO PCs now come with a free one year service plan option. In addition, Extended Service Plans and installation options are available on all eligible refurbished and clearance products. Plus, there is a 30-day return policy on all factory certified refurbs. One thing to keep in mind when buying a refurbished product, don’t rely on your credit card for extra protection; many don’t cover refurbs. That’s why shopping from a reputable retailer like the ones listed above is a safer option than buying from a website that you never heard of before. Again, don’t forget to enter my contest for a new, refurbished Garmin Streetpilot c330 GPS System!
You may also want to check out this Guide:
Reasons To Buy Refurbished Items
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Another great source for off-lease Dell, HP and other brand-name desktops, laptops and servers is Systime – http://www.systime.com
All products ship free and extended warranties of up to three years are available. 30-day money back guarantee as well.
Thanks for the additional resource, Bill!
Good list of companies from where you can buy refurbished products. Personally i feel that refurbished products might actually work better. Since they are tested again, to make sure that they work well. If i get a good deal, then maybe i could resell it on ebay.
I’d love to buy refurbished, not only to save money but to save the environment. Thanks for this list, I’ll definitely save it. I would like to know what kind of warrenty is available for these products. I love to save money, but its only saved if the product works.
I’ve always been skeptical to purchase refurbished products, but I guess a refurbished product may be a better investment than a brand new one. Brand new products may have manufacturer’s defects and bugs that arise when you need the product the most. Thanks for this post! I’ll definitely look into purchasing a refurbished Apple iPod as they tend to have a lot of issues.
This is new to me. I’ve never seen a list of just refurbished items. Great find! I’ll be checking them out!
Refurbs are the best!! this is the only way i buy video games and video game machines. To buy new is so very expensive but a great way. Sometimes you can almost double your money. (ie: getting two used/refurbed games for the cost of one new game). Eb Games or Gamestop is a great national chain that sells things new and used!
I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
Refurbished is the best thing that could have happened in this period of reccession as it cuts down the cost and makes thing swithin the easy reach of the common man.