Technological products such as mobiles, tablets and computers are becoming more expensive. When before we put our hands to our heads for spending more than 100 euros on a mobile phone, now we come to spend more than 1,000 euros on these devices. But, if you want to save some money on your next purchase, you could buy a reconditioned product . Today we explain everything you need to know about them.
What is a reconditioned product?
This question may be the first thing that comes to mind. A general definition of reconditioned , or refurbished , equipment is that which, without being new, meets the necessary conditions to be sold again.
Something very important when purchasing one of these devices is that, generally, there are different types:
- Reconditioned by the manufacturer: it is a piece of equipment that, after presenting a technical problem, has been repaired by the manufacturer itself and has the appropriate conditions for its new sale. This type of equipment carries a lower risk that the problem will recur, since it is the manufacturer who has repaired it.
- Restored by a third-party company: in this case, the repair has been carried out by a technical service unrelated to the manufacturer. As they are not official technicians, this type of product may carry a greater risk that this or another fault may appear on the product.
- Open box product: sometimes consumers make a purchase and, using the 14-day money-back guarantee, they return the product. In these cases, we are dealing with equipment that has not been used or has been used 1 or 2 times. Therefore, it is in conditions very close to its factory exit but, according to the law, it cannot be sold as “new”.
But, even if you are clear about the types of refurbished products that you can find on the market, it is logical that you ask yourself certain questions: does the equipment have a guarantee? Has it really been renewed by the manufacturer or by an external company? physical is like new or seems used?
Many people are reluctant to pay for one of these devices and prefer to spend their money on a completely new one because of the insecurity that acquiring them generates. For this reason, we are going to explain some important tips that you should take into account when purchasing a reconditioned product and some reliable stores where you can do it.
Tips for Buying Refurbished Products
It is true that, when buying such equipment, we are going to save part of the amount of buying new. But, as you can imagine, everything has a cost.
It is important to know the key details that can affect these teams and, of course, ask the right questions:
- Physical state: the exterior of a product is one of the first indications that reveal the treatment that has been given to it. If you have the opportunity to see it in person, evaluate this aspect in detail and, if you are making an online purchase, pay attention to the description of these equipment. When in doubt, always ask the seller before making a decision.
- Accessories and original documents: there are times when certain equipment is cheaper than normal simply because they lack the accessories or original documentation. Pay attention to this because, although some of these accessories can be purchased separately, it is sometimes impossible or quite expensive.
- Warranty: one of the key aspects when buying refurbished equipment. Check out how much warranty is available on this equipment after your purchase and, of course, who is responsible for giving it. Normally, if you make a purchase from an official store, this guarantee is given by the manufacturer itself and can vary between 6 months and 2 years.
Now that you know the keys or, better said, the correct questions to ask yourself before purchasing one of these devices, it is time to see some recommended stores for your purchase.
Where to buy reconditioned products?
Before going on to tell you about some of the shops to buy restored products, we need to clarify. These are not the only points of sale where you can buy one of these equipments, nor do we want to imply that they are the only reliable shops to do. Under our experience, and taking into account the trajectory of these companies, we can say that if you make your purchase in any of them, it is very likely that you will get a good service.
Having clarified this, these are some companies (with information about their guarantee) in which you can buy restored products:
- El Corte Inglés: two-year guarantee after purchase. Products tested by the technical team of El Corte Inglés or by an external one to check their correct physical condition and operation. It has different levels of the state of said equipment that you can consult within the conditions of the restored devices.
- Amazon: in this company we can find two different types: the Renewed (they have been repaired and have undergone a set-up by a technical team) and the Warehouse (they have been returned by customers, who have the box open or who have been slightly damaged during warehouse handling). While the former have their usual warranty, warehouses do not have this but they have a two-year return period for any equipment purchased from this store. They have different levels of product evaluation that you can consult on their website.
- Fnac: they have a one-year warranty after their purchase.
- Worten: They have a two-year warranty, except for smartphones and computers that only have one year . This seller differentiates between “open box” or reconditioned product . You can check the status of each one on their website.
- PC Components: All of your reconditioned products carry a two-year warranty.
- Apple: one year warranty after purchase. Products tested by the manufacturer’s technical service.
What products should I not buy reconditioned?
Before finishing, we want to want to give you one last tip. Although you can buy any equipment as a refurbished product, our recommendation is that you put certain restrictions.
When it comes to intimate use products like hygiene kits or headphones, we don’t know to what extent they have been meticulously sterilized. Therefore, and taking into account the situation in which we find ourselves, perhaps you should avoid acquiring restored products of this type.
