Buying refurbished appliances has really taken off thanks to the internet and they are now relatively commonplace, especially on big retail websites. This can be a way of affording something over your budget but it does come with some risks.
A refurbished appliance by definition, will be damaged or faulty before being repaired, so should you consider a refurbished appliance? According to advice from
Repair Aid if you follow the tips below, you will reduce the risks.
The warranty
You will usually still get some form of safety warranty when buying refurbished but it won’t be as long as if you buy brand new. A very short warranty or no warranty at all is usually a sign of a poor-quality refurbishment. Even with decent length warranties you should still proceed with caution and read the terms of the warranty closely.
The cost
Won’t a refurbished appliance always be the cheaper option? Usually yes, but not always. With technology always evolving, and new products launching quickly, new can sometimes be cheaper than a refurbished older model.
The condition
Shops and websites sometimes follow some strange pricing principles. Be wary of very cheap prices as this could indicate that the appliance is still in a bad condition even after refurbishment.
Buying online while convenient, does mean you will have to rely on written descriptions and photos. Buying in person from an actual shop will allow you to inspect the appliance in person and judge whether it is worth the money.
Floor models
While these might not technically be refurbished units, display models usually fall under the ‘refurbished’ umbrella. These will usually be in relatively good condition and low in price. An online search may uncover some bargains. Read the descriptions carefully though as floor models can still suffer damage.
The bottom line is to always shop around as there can be a huge range in prices. Don’t just compare refurbished items like for like, compare with new appliances as well.
