posted on October 13, 2000 07:45:01 PM new
I apologize if this has been posted in other areas, or previously discussed in here. You all gave me great advice on an earlier question so now I have another one...
I am wondering if anyone has thoughts/experiences/comments on buying refurbished items. Did it seem almost brand new to you when you received the item? Did it break or fall apart? I know there is a difference in cost (new vs. refurb) and that is why I'm considering buying a refurbished laser printer.
posted on October 13, 2000 07:51:02 PM new
I have not purchased any refurbs off ebay, but I have elsewhere. So far I've been satisfied and believe that the value is great. All of my refurbished items have been computer peripherals.
posted on October 13, 2000 07:53:55 PM new
It can be just as good as a "brand new" product. I know that some items are classified as a "refurb" even though the customer just returned it and all it needed was little cleaning. I bought and used a refurb calculator and it works fine.
Ain't Life Grand...
[ edited by twelvepole on Oct 13, 2000 08:32 PM ]
posted on October 13, 2000 08:15:26 PM new
Something to think about if you are looking for a laser printer: Check out the Bargains area of AW or other Bargain sites. Sometimes you can find really wonderful deals especially on electronics.
For example, I was able to get a scanner for a final (after rebate price) of $5.06.
You might be able to get brand new for less than refurbished.
posted on October 13, 2000 08:21:56 PM new
Nothing wrong with refurbs, apart from the lesser company warranty than with a brand new one. Hubby used to work for a dept. store, that specialized in buying pallets of refurbs from the factory by the pallet. Here's what happens, there are two types of refurbs.
Factory initiated: This means that the QC inspector saw a scratch, or a screw that had not been tightened. This immediately gets red-tagged (for lack of a better term) and goes back to the assembly line. The problem is fixed, and is sent down the "refurbished line" to be put in a box and have a "factory refurbished sticker put on it" It is then sold usually in auction, or to wholesalers at a DEEP discount. Retailers then make immense profits selling the item (still brand new, just got fixed) as refurbished for 20-50% of the list price.
Public Initiated: This is where a brand new item is purchased at full retail from a store, the customer doesn't like the color, thinks it doesn't work, doesn't read the instructions very well, can't find the power switch on the vacuum, or has buyer's remorse. Buyer then takes it back to the store to demand a refund. Stores keep pallets of same-company merchandise, ship back to corporate, where corporate sends the items back to the factory for a factory refund or credit. Once the item is in the factory, it then goes through the process outlilned in the Factory Initiated process.
What you can expect of a refurbished item if you look very closely is a minor scuff or scratch, a screw missing, or the box is damaged. Inquire with the seller wether this is a factory refurbished model, or wether it has been privately repaired and put in the same box. Almost always buy factory refurbished, it is the same as buying brand new. Privately refurbished, you are in the hands of God. Look for limited warranties, and seller feedback. This will tell you if you want to buy or not. If you can't (or don't feel like) paying retail, this is the best way to go.
posted on October 13, 2000 08:25:32 PM new
Oh wow...you guys are all the best. Thanks for the great info. I can't tell you how helpful everyone has been! I wish every messageboard I visited had people like you guys posting!
lotsafuzz...where is the bargain section on AW? I was looking around the homepage and clicking on links and such but never found out. I must be blind or something. Hope you can point me in the right direction.
posted on October 13, 2000 08:28:16 PM new
josherz: You can find in on the main page of the message center right under the Moderators Corner.....Or, you could just click here!
posted on October 13, 2000 08:36:41 PM new
Make sure if you are buying a refurb that you are getting it cheap! I have found that often they go far too high, like 90% of what it would regularly cost. I have a few sold minor defect/refurb items on ebay and people just bid rediculous amounts. They must never go to WalMart ad find out what stuff costs.
posted on October 13, 2000 08:56:00 PM new
Refurbs are a great way to save a lot of money IF you do your homework. Shop around before you buy. I would recommend that you buy merchandise that has been refurbished by the manufacturer instead of a third party, such as a liquidator. When a manufacturer does the refurbishing, they usually do a much more thorough burn-in and test than the third party guys. You will more than likely pay a little more for a factory refurb, but IMO it is worth it.
posted on October 13, 2000 08:57:44 PM new
josherz, I bought a nice refurbished Panasonic digital camera. It works great and I'm so pleased with the bargain price.
posted on October 13, 2000 09:03:24 PM new
I agree completely with abingdoncomputers. Buy from the manufacturer on refurbs. I have bought a lot of refurb for myself and have been very happy. I once bought a refurb monitor though which was done by a third party. It was terrible. The image was out of focus. The colors were way off. AND... The case looked like the monitor had been in some internet geek's basement for the last 8 years as he chain smoked while playing doom. Nasty.
