Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean bankrupting yourself. Smart shoppers are learning that refurbished goods are a fantastic way to save money and the planet. These refurbished items perform just as well as new but at a fraction of the price and help keep electronics out of landfills.
Here, we’ll look at eight great refurbished products that are a natural fit for the environmentally conscious consumer. You’ll be educated about why these items are wise decisions, what to search for when you buy them and where to find the best deals.
Why Choose Refurbished Products?
Before I get to specific products, though, let’s talk about why refurbs make so much sense right now.
The Environmental Impact
Millions of tons of electronic waste accumulate in landfills each year. Buying refurbished is a way to extend the life of these items at higher values than as just toxic waste. This small decision can cut your carbon footprint by a surprising amount.
Quality You Can Trust
The products will have minimal to no signs of wear, no visible cosmetic imperfections when held 12 inches away, and may arrive in a brown or white box with relevant accessories that may be generic. Every component is inspected and replaced as necessary including bearings, bushings, shafts, belts, springs, hydraulic hoses etc. All chassis, frames & tables are released by professional technicians. Most are backed by warranties that mirror or come close to new product warranties.
Serious Money Savings
Refurbished products tend to run about 20-50% cheaper than new. That’s money you can put toward other important things while still scoring the tech you require.
Top 8 Refurbished Products You Can Buy and Why You Would Want To
1. Smartphones – A New Lease of Life for Your Pocket Computer
Smartphones are ideal candidates for refurbishment because they’re built to last, but they’re also frequently replaced. You can save hundreds of dollars on a refurbished iPhone or Samsung Galaxy.
What makes them eco-friendly:
- Keeps rare earth metals out of landfills
- Decreases the need for fresh mining operations
- Keeps dangerous substances out of landfills
Smart buying tips:
- Search for Grade A or Grade B condition rankings
- Check battery health percentages
- Make sure the phone is unlocked or compatible with your carrier
- Test all cameras, buttons and ports work correctly
Best places to find them: The big carriers often carry certified refurbished phones with warranties. There are also some great deals via the Internet with 30-day return policies from online retailers and manufacturer’s websites.
2. Laptops – Power on the Go, at a Premium Price OR NOT
Business laptops in particular are great refurbished buys, because companies swap out their fleets on a regular basis and what’s left are perfectly good machines.
What makes them eco-friendly:
- Prolongs the life of delicate electronic components
- Decreases the need for virgin plastics and metals to manufacture more goods
- Conserves energy, which would otherwise be expended on production of new units
Smart buying tips:
- Get business-grade models such as ThinkPads or Dell Latitudes
- Monitor the battery cycle count and charging capabilities
- Make sure there’s no dead pixels or big scratches on the screen
- Test all of the ports, keyboard keys, and trackpad functionality
- Seek models that are 2-3 years old for great value
Performance expectations: A good refurb can do everything a new laptop can, like surf the web, write up documents, and stream videos.
3. Desktop Computers – Superior Performance You Can Afford
Refurbished desktops are also a great value when replacing older equipment for your business. Many companies cycle their desktop fleets every so often.
What makes them eco-friendly:
- Reutilizes strong cases and power supplies, lasting for years
- Stops hard working processors and memory being under-utilized
- Makes it easy for you to modify the component instead of replacing it
Smart buying tips:
- Search for models with a minimum of 8GB of RAM
- Ensure your USB and audio ports are functioning
- Check for remaining life in the hard drive or SSD
- If the optical drive is included then test that
- Think about the models that are shipped with a “new” installation of Windows
Upgrade potential: As your needs change, many refurbished desktops can be upgraded with more memory, nicer graphics cards or faster storage drives.
4. Tablets – Great for Productivity or Entertainment
There are a lot of tablets with a lot of life left in them. iPads and Android tablets from the refurbished market are fantastic for students, travelers and low-demand users alike.
What makes them eco-friendly:
- Minimizes waste of still-usable devices
- Rare earths are no longer thrown away
- Prolongs the life of your valuable LED display and CPU
Smart buying tips:
- Inspect screen condition, look for cracks or deep scratches
- Check all buttons, cameras and charging ports
- Check that the tablet charges up for a few hours
- Seek out models that are still getting updates from their maker
- Think about purchasing a protective case to help extend its life even more
Best use cases: A refurbished tablet is great for reading, watching video, simple gaming and basic productivity.
5. Game Consoles – Experience Unmatched Levels of Excitement
Game consoles are built to last and can be a great refurbished option. Professional refurbishment to the appearance and performance of your console.
What makes them eco-friendly:
- Prevents toxic gaming hardware from entering landfills
- Reduction in the requirement of manufacturing new specialized parts
- Prolongs the lifespan on your consoles which often have enhanced mechanics versus new games
Smart buying tips:
- Check all the controller ports and wireless functions
- Test to see that the disc drive accepts games correctly
- All video outputs would be verified to be operating
- Opt for bundles with original controllers
- Check to see if the cooling system is quiet
Value judgments: Refurbished consoles will usually be 30-40% cheaper than new ones, with the same games and all the same capabilities.
6. Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches – Health Tech That Makes Sense
Wearable tech is updated regularly and new models come out all the time, which means there’s no excuse to not get your hands on a refurbished device.
What makes them eco-friendly:
- Keeps miniature gadgets out of landfill sites
- Cuts waste from products with batteries and sensors tailored to the electronics they contain
- Prolongs life of health monitoring devices
Smart buying tips:
- Check battery and charging status
- Make sure all sensors function as intended (such as heart rate monitor and step counting)
- Test water resistance if advertised
- Seek out a few that still sync with current smartphone apps
- Think of the age of model for future software updates
Health benefits: A refurbished fitness tracker could offer the same health insights and encouragement as a new one for a fraction of the price.
7. Headphones and Sound Equipment – Investing in Your Ears
Good headphones and speakers often get built to last, so they’re great to pick up refurbished. Professional audio gear in particular has a high value retention and longevity.
What makes them eco-friendly:
- Prevent the waste of high-quality audio drivers and precision materials
- Lessens the requirement for new precision audio component fabrication
- Prolongs the life of goods made for long use
Smart buying tips:
- Test different audio frequencies
- Inspect all cables and connections for damage
- Check cushions and headbands for wearability
- Search for one that has all its original accessories
- Availability of spare parts should be taken into account
Sound and fit: In many cases, refurbished high-end headphones can sound just as good or better than new budget models.
8. Cameras and Camera Equipment – Take a Picture Responsibly
Digital cameras and lenses do not lose their value very quickly and they can still serve you well for many years if you refurbish them right. At the same time, professional and enthusiast photographers tend to upgrade fairly frequently, which gives savvy buyers opportunities.
What makes them eco-friendly:
- Avoids the waste of sophisticated optical and electronic components
- Cuts down on waste from long-lived devices
- Prolongs the life of precision manufacturing
Smart buying tips:
- Verify the shutter count of cameras (less is more)
- Test all buttons and dials menu
- The lenses need to be checked for any scratches, dust or any fungus
- Ensure the memory card slots and battery compartment are functioning correctly
- Search for equipment featuring the original accessories
Photography value: A used camera may be capable of creating quality images like a new camera but the price can be significantly different.
Buy Refurbished Like a Smart Shopper
Research Before You Buy
As always, read reviews and make sure to check the specifications for whatever specific model you’re thinking of buying. Compare prices from multiple sellers to get the best offer.
Check Warranty and Return Policies
Trusted sellers have 30 days to one year warranty. Check with your credit card companies to make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered, and how to make claims, if necessary.
Grade Ratings Matter
| Grade | Condition | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | Excellent | Light cosmetic blemishes in most cases |
| Grade B | Very Good | May exhibit signs of wear and tear (scratches, etc.) in most cases |
| Grade C | Good | May have many signs of wear and tear (scratches, small dents, etc.) Container is in good condition (many small scratches) |
| Grade D | Fair | Will show signs of heavy wear but has full functionality. Container may have dents or scratches |
Ask the Right Questions
- What testing process was used?
- Are original accessories included?
- How old is the product?
- What warranty is provided?
- What is the return policy?
Environmental Benefits by the Numbers
| Product Category | CO2 Savings (vs New) | Waste Reduction | Energy Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphones | 85% | 16 lbs of materials | 95% |
| Laptops | 80% | 55 lbs of materials | 90% |
| Tablets | 75% | 12 lbs of materials | 85% |
| Gaming Consoles | 70% | 25 lbs of materials | 80% |
Estimates from industry studies of refurbishing versus new production
Red Flags to Avoid
Sellers to Be Cautious About
- No return policy or warranty
- Some dirt-cheap retailers
- Poor customer reviews or ratings
- Vague product descriptions
- No clear grading system
Product Warning Signs
- Multiple previous repairs
- Missing original accessories
- Unsupported software or earlier software versions no longer supported
- Physical damage that affects functionality
- Unusually short warranty periods
Maximizing Your Refurbished Purchase
Extend Product Life
- Use protective cases and shields
- Keep devices clean and well-maintained
- Update software regularly
- Handle with care during transport
- Store in appropriate environmental conditions
When to Upgrade Again
Rule of thumb is when you feel like your refurbished product is no longer getting upgraded to your specifications, or when whatever security update it is ends, or when the wear on it becomes significant.
The Future of Refurbished Shopping
The refurbished market sees continued growth, as customers are more aware of the environment and their own wallets. Now, the biggest brands have started their own certified refurbished programs to guarantee quality and reliability.
Advancements in testing and refurbishing technology ensure that many refurbished products today can be just as good as when they rolled off the assembly line. This is a trend set to continue as ‘sustainable shopping’ goes more mainstream.
Making the Switch to Refurbished
Getting started with refurbished shopping can be less intimidating to tackle. Start with lower-risk purchases like headphones or fitness trackers to gain confidence in buying refurbished. If you have built trust and the seller has positive reviews, you can work your way up to bigger purchases like laptops or gaming systems.
Keep in mind that when you buy refurbished, you’re not just saving money, you’re making a responsible decision that saves your wallet and the environment at the same time. Each refurbished purchase keeps working technology out of landfills by reducing the need for new manufacturing.
The trick is to select credible sellers, know what you are getting and keep your expectations realistic. With this advice, you’ll be well-prepared to make intelligent purchases of refurbished goods that will serve you well for years.
Similar post: Unexpected Tech You Can Buy Refurbished
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should refurbished products last? A: High-quality refurbished products can last as long as new ones. The factors are: The original build quality, the thoroughness with which it was refurbished, and how well you treat the device going forward. Refurbished electronics can often be relied on to run for 3-5 years.
Q: Do refurbished products have warranties? A: Yes, most trusted sellers offer warranties for 30 days or up to one year. Warranties up to the same length as for new are available from some manufacturers on refurbished equipment. Be sure to look up the warranty term before you buy.
Q: Do you have health concerns about refurbished products? A: Properly refurbished items that are maintained are no longer a safety concern. Every safety system is tested, worn parts are replaced, and devices meet original security standards. Search for certifications from reputable testing companies.
Q: If I don’t like the product, can I return a refurbished item? A: Most reputable sellers have return policies, typically ranging 15-30 days. A few have even longer return windows. Be sure to check the return policy before you buy, and hang on to all original packaging until you’re sure you’re keeping what you bought.
Q: Are refurbished and used products the same? A: No. Refurbished products have been professionally restored, tested and often warrantied. Used products are sold as-is. Refurbished products are always the most reliable and confidence-inspiring.
Q: Where should I purchase refurbished products? A: The best sources are the manufacturer’s website, major retailers with certified refurbishment programs (like Best Buy) and refurbishment specialists with a good reputation. Individual sellers from auction sites should be avoided unless they have very good return and warranty policies.
Q: Do refurbished products come with original accessories? A: It is a seller and product specific question. Most will contain original or equivalent accessories, but in some cases they don’t. Always read the product description to determine what’s included before you buy.
Q: Are there any products I shouldn’t buy refurbished? A: Generally avoid products with short lifespans (certain batteries, etc.), products discontinued for many years (software support will also be limited) and products from unreliable sellers (not good at returns). High-wear items like hard drives should be looked at closely.
