Refurbished vs new—what’s the difference? Reclaimed. Reconditioned. Renewed. Used. There’s a lot of terms floating around about previously owned devices. What do they all mean?
Understanding these terms can be a challenge as there is no firm universal standard in the electronics industry. Each seller seems to define them differently.
However, these terms can be generalized to better understand their meaning. Here is what you should know about refurbished vs new devices.
New
New come straight from the manufacturer to the seller, are factory sealed, and generally include some sort of limited manufacturer’s warranty. Accessories are typically included as well. These devices may go on sale and the price will decline over time, but generally are more expensive than refurbished devices.
Refurbished
When comparing refurbished vs new devices, the biggest difference is refurbished devices are previously owned devices. These devices experience some sort of cleanup and maintenance called the refurbishing process. Sometimes, refurbished refers to cosmetic cleanup alone. More generally, refurbished devices undergo maintenance externally and internally if required.
These devices could be returned shortly after purchase with no mechanical issues. Some devices may have minor cosmetic issues like scratches but be perfectly functional mechanically. During the refurbishing process, devices are cleaned up cosmetically and tested for functionality. Light repairs are performed as needed.
Refurbished units can range from being like new to being closer to used condition depending on the seller. Additionally, reconditioned or renewed is sometimes used interchangeably with refurbished. Generally refurbished units offer a savings of 15% or more and may also come with a warranty, typically offered by the seller and not the manufacturer.
Reclaimed
Reclaimed generally refers to parts, and they are parts that have been pulled from a used unit. As with refurbished, there is a range of conditions on reclaimed parts and will vary based on the seller. Reclaimed parts are less expensive than new parts and may include some type of warranty.
Used
Used devices typically do not undergo any sort of refurbishment. They are sold as is by the previous user and typically through an online marketplace like Amazon, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Used devices range in condition internally and externally from light to heavy cosmetic damage and fully functional to non-operational. Buying used is the riskiest way to buy as there is no safety net and it relies solely on the honesty of the seller.
What to Look for in a Refurbished Device
Refurbished devices are a great option for their cost savings. However, it’s important to do research and your due diligence on the product and seller before buying. Be sure to consider the following before you purchase any type of refurbished device:
How the Seller Defines Refurbished
Most importantly, you must understand how the seller defines refurbished, reconditioned, or renewed. Since these definitions vary across the industry, it’s important to understand what you will be getting in your device.
Reliable & Credible Seller
Is this seller reliable and trustworthy? Purchasing a refurbished device from a reputable seller is essential. There are a couple ways to verify that the seller is reputable.
The easiest way is to check credibility is through online reviews of the product and seller, if available. What are other people saying? Have their devices failed within the first week? Or have they had no issues years after purchase?
However, reviews aren’t always available, and lack of reviews doesn’t mean that the seller is unreliable. Another way to determine if the seller is credible is by their experience. How long have they been in business? How many customers or organizations do they serve? While there is no firm guarantee, the length they’ve been in business and their customer size lend to an organization’s credibility.
Certifications
Lending directly to credibility, does the seller have the appropriate certifications? There are certain data erasure and responsible recycling procedures sellers should adhere to when refurbishing devices. These fall under ISO, specifically ISO 9001 for quality and ISO 14001 for environmental management, and R2 certifications. They should also comply with NIST’s guidelines for data erasure and security. This can easily be overlooked, but this adds an additional layer of security and peace of mind when purchasing refurbished.
Warranty & Support
Another way to determine if the refurbished unit and seller is reliable is what happens after the purchase. More importantly what happens if something were to go wrong after purchase.
Does the seller back their products with a warranty? Most warranties for refurbished units will not be as long as a manufacturer’s warranty. Generally, they’ll fall around 90 days. Some sellers may even opt to honor the original manufacturer’s warranty if the device still qualifies.
A warranty for a refurbished device is crucial. It shows that the seller backs and stands behind their products. Make sure the seller has an easy-to-use system to file claims. A warranty is no good if you cannot successfully file a claim.
Refurbished Devices & Reclaimed Parts at AGiRepair
All our refurbished devices undergo complete diagnostic testing and a physical inspection process. Prior to this process, most units are fully functional and only require data erasure, cleaning, and testing. A small percentage of units require light repair.
Both our refurbished devices and reclaimed parts are rated and assigned a grade. A-grade or Premium is the highest grade and would be a like new device or part. B-grade units and parts are fully functional but have minor cosmetic flaws. All refurbished units include a 90-day warranty.
AGiRepair also holds ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications for quality, environmental, and health and safety respectively, as well as R2. All data erasure procedures comply with NIST’s guidelines.
For more information on our refurbished units or reclaimed parts, contact us.
AGiRepair is a leader in mobile device repair, protection plans, parts, device buyback, and white glove provisioning services, offering comprehensive solutions for school districts, repair depots, and other organizations.
