If you’re in the market for a new tablet or laptop, grabbing a refurbished device saves you money and can reduce electronic waste. Yet, when buying second-hand, there are some extra things you want to consider. To help you on your tech journey, we spoke to tech repair experts about how to shop for new-to-you gear.
First things first: Get clear about what you’re looking for. According to Mohammad Shaikh, owner of The Tech Guys in Richardson, Texas not all second-hand tech is equal. “Refurbished’ does not mean the same as ‘used,’” Shaikh told HuffPost. “Refurbished devices are professionally restored to a functional and cosmetic standard, often with warranties, whereas used devices are sold as-is.”
Within the refurbished world, you’ll likely see sellers or retailers classify quality in levels, which can differ from seller to seller. Harding notes that your local computer repair shop likely sells refurbished tech and even suggests checking out electronics recyclers (which he says you can find on Google). Amazon has created its own categorization for its refurbished product program, Amazon Renewed.
On Amazon Renewed, refurbished products are rated from “acceptable” (a fully functional device with potential light cosmetic damage and at least 80% of the original battery life) all the way up to “premium,” a superior functioning device with no scratches or signs of cosmetic damage and at least 90% of the original battery life. (If you’re shopping off Amazon, Andy Harding of Massachusetts Salem Techsperts advises to look out for “business-class” devices, which are “the best in the industry.”)
