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If you're in the market for refurbished electronics, what you find can be less important than where you find it. This page not only compiles an array of useful links for buying refurbs, but also outlines the possible pitfalls and advantages of buying from certain categories of retailers.
- For a in-depth guide to refurbs, see how to buy refurbished electronics.
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Introduction
- When shopping for a refurbished item, whether you're in the market for a compact digital camera or a tower server], it's crucial to know exactly what you're getting into, not just what you're getting. The type of retailer you're dealing with can be every bit as important as the make and model of the product. For a complete primer on refurbs, see how to buy refurbished electronics. To find out where to find them and what to expect, read on.
Step 1: Check Manufacturers' Outlets
- Many electronics manufacturers offer factory-certified refurbs directly from their own sales outlets. Though the discount can be less impressive than those given by independent outlets, a factory-direct refurb is your best bet for quality and customer support.
- If the manufacturer you're interested in appears in the list below, open the link in a separate window.
- If it doesn't appear, run a search for the name of the manufacturer, plus the phrase "store" or "outlet."
- If no official retail site comes up, try searching for the company's official site, then navigating to its webstore.
- Once you've located the manufacturer's webstore, select the category of the item you're looking for, or enter the exact model in the search bar. Results should include refurbs as well as new items.
- Sometimes the mainpage will contain links for "refurbs," "specials" or "open box items."
Step 2: Check Online Retailers
- Online retailers unaffiliated with the manufacturer sometimes offer better deals, but are a somewhat riskier proposition. Many of their products are factory refurbs complete with manufacturers' warranties, but some may be in-house repairs or open-box returns that haven't been tested by the manufacturer. Look for the phrases "factory refurbished," "recertified" and "manufacturer's warranty," so you'll know what to expect.
- Search online retailers known for selling refurbished electronics.
- Search shopbots for a direct price comparison between online retailers, but note that some retailers may not be listed. Enter the name of a product; results will include refurbs.
Step 3: Check Brick-and-Mortar Stores
- The following retailers carry refurbs and have actual stores as well as online stores. The advantages of lugging home that 65" plasma screen yourself include the obvious savings in shipping and the benefit of dealing with a flesh-and-blood human in case you need to make a return. On the other hand, there's always a broader selection online.
- Select a store:
- Search for desired product.
- Select "store locator" to find a physical store.
- Note that the online selection vastly exceeds that in any individual store location. You'll need to call the individual location to verify availability.
Step 4: Check eBay Stores
- Electronics dealers on eBay are a wildly mixed bag, ranging from major retail chains (Best Buy has its own eBay outlet) to grey-market importers operating from self-storage units. Do not assume that all smaller retailers are unscrupulous—many offer quality products and service—but be sure to do your homework. Depending on the retailer, you might find the best price for your item, but potentially not the best value.
- Browse eBay electronics stores for your desired product.
- Go to eBay and search for the names of the products on your list, plus the phrase "refurbished" or "refurb."
- Be sure to review the seller's eBay history.
- If you're not an experienced eBay buyer, see how to shop on eBay.
