How to Get Great Deals on Refurbished Products

There are often trade-offs, such as minor cosmetic flaws like scratches and dings, a shorter battery life, outdated styles and not getting accessories that originally came with the product. But those drawbacks don’t typically affect performance. As Elalj puts it, “You’re trading that new-car smell for value.”

Refurbished products may be especially appealing if:

• You want reliable performance without paying for the latest model. Many refurbished devices are professionally tested, repaired and restored to full functionality, so you get dependable performance at a lower price.
• You prefer familiar devices to new models. As in, you want to replace your struggling fifth-generation iPad with a fresher fifth-generation iPad rather than learn a new interface.
• You care about reducing waste and extending product life cycles. Buying refurbished keeps used products out of landfills.

A checklist for buying refurbished products

1. Prioritize certified refurbished items

“Certified” or “factory-refurbished” products have been inspected and restored to standards approved by the original manufacturer. They typically cost 5 to 15 percent more than noncertified refurbished items, says Elalj, but “you’re paying for original replacement parts, rigorous testing, full warranties and the manufacturer’s seal of approval.”

2. Understand labels and condition grades

The biggest difference between shopping for a refurbished product and a new one is that refurbished items are graded by condition. In most cases, grades are based on cosmetic condition, not function, though a device’s battery capacity and included accessories can also affect grading.

Generally, refurbished product sellers use these grades:

• Excellent: No or minimal visible wear. 
• Very good: Minor cosmetic wear.
• Fair: Noticeable wear but fully functional.

3. Check battery health

When buying electronics, especially older models, check the device’s battery health. Signs of a failing or deteriorating battery include rapid power loss, slow charging times and overheating during use. 

4. Verify the warranty and return window

Elalj recommends purchasing refurbished items that come with at least a 90-day warranty, though a one-year warranty is ideal, he says.

Pay attention to whether return shipping or restocking fees apply. The best refurbished sellers offer free, no-questions-asked returns within a certain period (typically 15 to 30 days after purchase, though some offer up to 90 days); others offer a refund or replacement only if the product is not working as expected.

5. Maximize trade-ins and resale value

Many retailers allow you to trade in your current device when buying a refurbished one, offsetting the cost. While you’re at it, check your junk drawers for other electronics gathering dust. “The best thing you can do is keep something in circulation and prevent it from going to a landfill,” says Michel, noting the environmental cost of mining rare-earth minerals used in manufacturing electronics.

6. Test immediately

Inspect and test the product in person before buying, if you can. If buying online, Elalj recommends testing it as soon as it arrives.

Best places to buy refurbished products

If you’re after a specific model, consider using Google Shopping (include “refurbished” in your search terms), Refurb Tracker or Refurb.me (Apple products only) to comparison-shop among online retailers. These services don’t sell products directly, but they do earn commissions.

Manufacturers’ websites

Many brands, including Apple, Bose, Dell, Dyson, Ecobee, HP, KitchenAid, Lenovo, Microsoft, Nikon, Samsung, Sonos and Vitamix, sell certified refurbished products directly to consumers. (To find other dedicated sites, search for the company name and “refurbished” on a search engine.)

Many manufacturers offer the product’s original warranty. Some even come in a brand-new box. Apple’s refurbished iOS devices get new batteries and shells.

The savings vary. For example, Apple offers up to 15 percent off for refurbished products, while Dell offers up to 55 percent off and Microsoft up to 30 percent off.

It doesn’t end at electronics. More and more retailers, from home goods stores to fashion brands, are offering buy-back programs that let you trade in your used items from the brand for a discount; the companies then refurbish and resell them, or recycle the materials to make new products. I often purchase “renewed” Coyuchi sheets, Eileen Fisher basics and Patagonia gear to get deals on well-made textiles that don’t fit into my budget otherwise.

Refurbished marketplaces

Marketplaces like Amazon Renewed, Back Market, eBay Certified Refurbished and Reebelo don’t touch inventory directly. Instead, these platforms vet third-party refurbishers (requiring them to conduct multipoint inspections), standardize grading across all sellers, handle customer service and provide warranties.

Their inventories can run the gamut from laptops, speakers and smartwatches to power tools, vacuums and small kitchen appliances. Many manufacturers also have storefronts on these sites. No matter which refurbisher you end up buying from, you get the marketplace’s guarantee, whether that’s Amazon’s 90-day warranty, Back Market’s one-year warranty or eBay’s two-year warranty through Allstate.

Big-box retailers

Retailers such as Best Buy, Target and Walmart also sell refurbished electronics and appliances alongside open-box and clearance items. Many come with a warranty — Target’s certified refurbished products have a minimum six-month warranty; Best Buy’s and Walmart’s have warranties that vary by product.

Local repair shops and independent retailers

You can search for independent repair shops, appliance stores and electronics resellers near you that refurbish and sell products. Some businesses specialize in repairing and reselling specific product categories, such as smartphones, laptops, vacuums, small appliances, major appliances and fitness equipment.

The ability to inspect items in person before buying is certainly a benefit. And because local refurbishers often have deep knowledge of the products they sell, they can explain exactly what was repaired or replaced and why, which can be reassuring for shoppers.