Sometimes offers
for desktop and laptop computers seem to be priced too low to be real. In the
description of these products you might find the term refurbished. Both
manufacturers and retailers may be offering these systems below what a normal
PC costs, but what is a refurbished product and are they safe to buy?
Refurbished
computers typically fall into one of two categories. The first type have failed
a quality control check during manufacturing.
Rather than
simply disposing of these systems, the manufacturer will rebuild it to pass
quality control but sell it at a discounted price. The other type is a rebuilt
system from a customer return likely due to a component failure.
Now the
refurbishment of the product may be done by the manufacturer or a third party.
Manufacturers rebuild the system using the same parts used in the new PCs. A
third party that rebuilds the machine may use alternate parts to get it up and
running. These alternate parts may change the system from its original design.
This makes it important that the consumer read the specifications of the
refurbished system and compare them to the standard specs for the product.
Another type of
product that consumers will find discounted is an open box product. These
differ from a refurbished product as it has not been rebuilt. It is simply a
product that was returned by a customer but it has not been tested.
Consumers should
be very careful when purchasing any open box products.
Costs
Cost is the
primary reason people purchase refurbished desktops and laptops. They are often
priced below the average computer system currently sold. Of course the amount
of discount is only really relevant if you happen to be looking at the same
exact product.
Most refurbished
PCs available will typically be older products that are being compared to the
original suggested retail prices for the product when it was first released. As
a result, the deals may not always be the best.
When pricing a
refurbished computer, it is important to note if the system is still available
for sale new. If it is, this makes the price comparison very easy to determine.
PCs such as this generally can be found for modest discounts of between 10 and
25% off the retail prices. As long as they have similar warranties to the new
products these can be an excellent way to get a system for below retail.
The problem
comes from older systems that are no longer sold. Consumers are often tricked
into paying for a system that looks like a good deal but is not. This is where
the specifications become extremely important. With those in hand, try to find
a comparable brand new system. If one is available, then the same cost analysis
of 10 to 25% still holds. If a comparable system is not available, then look
for an equally priced new system and see what you get. Often times consumers in
this case will find that for the same price they can get a better, newer laptop
or desktop.
Warranties
The key to any
refurbished computer system is the warranty. These are products that typically
were returned or rejected due to a defect. While that defect may have been
corrected and no further problems may develop you want to make sure that some
coverage is included for potential faults. The problem is that warranties are
typically modified for refurbished products.
First and
foremost, the warranty should be a manufacturer one. If the warranty is not
provided by the manufacturer it should raise a red flag for consumers. A
manufacturer warranty will guarantee that the system will be repaired to the
original specifications with manufacturer parts or certified replacements can
be used with the system.
Third party
warranties can cause major problems as replacements parts may not be guaranteed
and it may take longer for the system to be repaired.
The next thing
to look at is the length of the warranty. It should provide the same length as
if it was purchased new. If the manufacturer is not offering the same coverage
consumers should once again beware. The lower cost of the system may be the
result of them not offering to support the product.
Finally, be wary
of extended warranties. If an optional warranty is offered for purchase with
the system, it should be a manufacturer extended warranty and not one through a
third party. Also be wary of the cost for extended warranties. If the cost of
the extended warranties makes the system cost more than buying it new, avoid
the purchase.
Return Policies
As with any
product, you may get the refurbished computer and find that it does not meet
your needs or has issues. Because of the nature of refurbished systems, you
want to be very careful of the return and exchange policies offered by the
seller. Most retailers tend to have more restrictive policies regarding
refurbished machines and they may be sold as it which means you have no recourse
for returning the product. Because of this, always read them carefully before
making a purchase. Manufacturer refurbs often have been options than third
party sellers.
Conclusions
Refurbished
laptops and desktops are one way consumers can find a good deal, but they have
to be much more informed before the purchase.
The key is to
ask several key questions to know if it is really a good and safe deal:
Ÿ Is it sold by the manufacturer or a retailer?
Ÿ What is the price relative to the same PC new?
Ÿ Is the system comparable to an equivalent priced new PC?
Ÿ What type of warranty comes with the PC?
Ÿ Who will handle warranty work?
Ÿ Is there the option for a return?
If all of these
can be answered satisfactorily, then consumers can generally feel secure in the
purchase of a refurbished PC.
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