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We know that the term ‘refurbished’ often raises question marks, common queries we get are “Is it safe to buy refurbished IT?” and “How refurbished is refurbished?” We understand that some people can be skeptical and hesitant when it comes to buying reconditioned computer equipment, reservations exist around the quality and reliability of the products.
In many cases this lack of confidence is down to the fact that most people don’t understand the term ‘refurbished’ and the many benefits it can bring. Refurbished products can offer the best price/performance ratio, offering high-quality products at an affordable price.
Why should you consider purchasing refurbished IT equipment?
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Cost Savings – There’s no denying that the most compelling reason to buy refurbished equipment is the fact that in almost every case you can save money. When you purchase refurbished IT you can expect a saving of up to 80% off the new price, making this a very desirable way to stretch your IT budget and still retain the same level of reliability.
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Sustainability – Every piece of refurbished IT equipment that you purchase helps reduce your carbon footprint as you contribute your part to reducing e-waste.
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Save on software licenses - Let’s say you have an older machine and you want to upgrade your OS. You could go out and buy a license for a new OS or you could just buy a refurbished computer pre-installed with the latest OS fully licensed and pre-installed.
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Maintaining compatibility - Many companies have policies in place were everyone must use the same equipment. Difficulty can arise down the line when you need to source further devices of the same specification. Often you can find the exact same model from a supplier of refurbished IT and for a cheaper price than what was originally paid.
Below are our top 5 tips of what to look for in a supplier of refurbished IT.
What to look for when buying Refurbished IT
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Accreditations – Make sure you research who you are buying from, ensuring that the retailer you purchase from is authorised. Look for certifications such as a Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher, this will provide you with piece of mind that your equipment has been professionally refurbished with a legal and genuine re-installation of software.
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Warranty – Most Refurbished IT suppliers provide a three month warranty period with their items. Those suppliers who offer warranties of 12 months as standard demonstrates they have confidence in the quality of the products supplied.
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Where has the equipment been sourced? – Does the refurbished IT supplier openly state where their equipment has been sourced from? Has the equipment been securely data wiped? Has it been sourced within the UK & Ireland? Are they selling Tier 1 brands such as HP, Dell, Lenovo and Apple?
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Returns Policy – Make sure your supplier offers a full returns policy so that if you are not completely satisfied with your item, you may return it to them within a specified time frame of receipt of the goods for an exchange or a refund.
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Customer Reviews – Customers’ feedback is a great way to let you know if you are shopping from a reputable source. Check if your supplier has TrustPilot in which case reviews and ratings can be viewed online and you can easily tell if their customers are satisfied with the products and service they have received.
Know your seller
In conclusion it is important that you get to know your seller before making a purchase. In addition to the above you should take note of the terms and conditions of sale and check their accepted payment methods. Ensure you research their refurbished process – Does the supplier have a purpose built workshop facility? What testing is carried out on the products? Do they offer free shipping throughout the UK and Ireland? If you follow the above tips and your supplier adheres to these points, you should have ‘peace of mind’ in your refurbished IT supplier of choice.
Remember refurbished products doesn’t mean second best. They offer performance, sustainability and affordability.