It can be tempting to go with a refurbished model. After all, you can save money and get a machine that’s nearly as good as new. But not all refurbs are created equal. So, before you buy, make sure you understand what to look for in a refurbished laptop.
Check Warranty
One of the most important things to check is the warranty.Most new laptops, like MacBooks, come with a one-year warranty, or have the option to purchase an extended warranty, like Apple Care. With refurbished laptops, the warranty becomes even more important because there is the possibility of a faulty repair or hidden issues that weren’t discovered. Look for sellers who offer a full-coverage warranty for at least 6 months to a year for all devices, like the warranty offered by Back Market. Back Market provides a minimum 1-year warranty with all refurbished products featured on the website, with some even coming with a 2-year warranty. Many refurbished laptops come with a limited warranty, so be sure to find out how long it lasts and what it covers. Also, ask about the company’s return policy in case there are any problems with the machine.
Quality Control
Another thing to look for is quality control. Make sure the company does extensive testing on all of its refurbs. This will help ensure that you get a machine that’s in good working order.
Finally, make sure you know what you’re getting. Not all refurbs come with the same software or hardware. So, if there’s something specific you need, be sure to check before you buy.
Check if the refurbisher replaces batteries
The battery life of any refurbished laptop can be the make-or-break of a deal. Typically, a battery loses its longevity over a period of time, leading to a gradual decrease in how long it is able to hold a charge. If the battery of a brand new laptop typically lasts 12 hours, depending on use, it can decrease to the point where a full charge might only last 4 hours. If a used laptop is refurbished, make sure you check if the refurbisher replaces old batteries (as is the case with Back Market). Back Market’s sellers test their batteries and will not sell a device that has a battery that holds less than 85% of its original charge! And remember, never buy a refurbished laptop from a website that doesn’t guarantee battery replacements of old or faulty batteries!
Discount you’re receiving on the refurbished device
When you’re offered a sale price for any refurbished or used laptop, do a bit of digging to find the cost of the laptop originally. A good deal often means you’re saving anywhere from 40% to 65% on the original cost of the laptop. Older models will often be found at a higher percentage, while newer refurbished models will often be on the lower end of the percentage.
Reviews before buying a refurbished laptop
Before you purchase any refurbished laptop or used device, scroll through the feedback on any devices you’re seriously considering. Look for patterns in the reviews, for both the positives and negatives of the computer. Focus in particular on comments that address:
- Purposes (do they use the laptop for work, photo or video editing, gaming, etc)
- RAM and processing speed (how fast does it run, how well can you multitask on the machine)
- Programs you plan on using and any issues others may have encountered using those programs
- Storage space (did they have enough for how they were using the computer)
- Build quality and overall user experience
- Quality of the refurbishing and accurate quality rating
By following these tips, you can make sure you get a great deal on a refurbished laptop.
