Are you looking for an easy way to save money (up to 50 percent in some cases) while still getting the equipment you need for your business? Have you ever considered buying these items refurbished instead of brand new?
There's a lot of confusion out there when it comes to refurbished items. If you have questions like "what does refurbished mean?" or "why should I buy refurbished equipment?" you're not alone, and you've come to the right place.
Read on to have these and other essential questions about refurbished equipment answered.
What Does Refurbished Mean?
The term "refurbished" is used to describe an item that has been restored to "like-new" condition.
It's true that the definition of "like-new" can vary depending on the person or company doing the refurbishing. However, in general, refurbished items have undergone an inspection and been confirmed to work properly before they're sold.
Why Buy Refurbished Equipment?
There are lots of benefits that come with buying refurbished equipment for your business, from electronic equipment to manufacturing tools. The following are some of the greatest benefits you can enjoy when you go the refurbished route:
Save Money
Of course, when you buy refurbished items, they're almost always less expensive than brand new equipment.
If you're working with a limited budget, you'll be able to stretch your dollars a lot farther if you go the refurbished route as opposed to buying the latest and greatest models of everything. This, in turn, allows you to buy more equipment or put the money toward something else that will further enhance your business.
High Performance
Refurbished items have been restored to "like new" quality. As a result, they still provide a high level of performance on par with their brand new counterparts.
In most cases, as long as you're buying from a reputable vendor, you don't have to worry about diminished performance when you get a refurbished item as opposed to one that's fresh out of the box.
High Reliability
You also can trust that your refurbished equipment will last almost as long (if not just as long) as a brand new item.
Refurbished items are very reliable and will do everything you need them to do, and you won't have to worry about spending a ton of money replacing them on a more frequent basis than you would have to replace brand new equipment.
Availability
It not too hard to get your hands on refurbished equipment. This is especially true when you're working with a reliable vendor.
In most cases, they'll have refurbished items ready to go and can ship them to you right away. You won't have to worry about waiting weeks or months for your equipment to arrive. Often, you can get it within a few days of ordering it.
Sustainability
Buying refurbished equipment is better for the planet, too. When you buy a refurbished item, you save it from ending up in a landfill. This, in turn, helps to reduce your carbon footprint and allows your business to contribute to a greener, healthier planet.
Reduce Loss
Let's say that something does go wrong with your new piece of equipment. Maybe an employee drops or damages it in some way and you need to replace or repair it. Since you bought it refurbished, you're not out as much money as you would be if you'd bought it brand new.
Tips for Buying Refurbished Items
Clearly, there are lots of reasons to buy refurbished instead of brand new. How can you make sure you're buying high-quality refurbished goods, though? Here are some tips to keep in mind when you begin shopping:
Vet Your Vendors
Always vet your vendors with care before you decide to work with someone. Do your research to find out what past customers have to say about them.
Have their experiences, in general, been positive? Are they happy with the equipment they've received?
The more you know before you buy, the more likely you are to get good equipment at a fair price.
Read the Fine Print
Read the fine print associated with a purchase before pulling the trigger. Find out if there's a warranty on the item and, if so, how long it lasts and what it entails.
Check to see what the return policy is as well on your refurbished smartphone, machinery, or electronics. Can you return the item if it's not up to your standards? Will you get a full refund if you return it by a certain date?
Assess Equipment Condition
Look over the equipment as soon as you receive it to see if it's in good condition. Check to see if there's any damage that wasn't listed in the product description when you purchased it. You may want to assess the item before you buy it, if possible, to ensure everything is as it should be.
Make Sure You Get All the Parts
When the equipment gets delivered to you, check to ensure it comes with everything you need. You don't want to end up missing a vital piece, only to find out later that it was never included in the first place.
Buy from the Same Vendor
Whether you're buying from a garbage truck refurbishing company or a company that refurbishes laptops, it's a good idea to continue buying from the same vendor once you've found a good one.
If you show loyalty to one vendor, they may alert you to deals or give you discounts in the future. You also have the added bonus of knowing that you can trust them and the quality of their products.
Get Your Refurbished Equipment Today
As you can see, there are definitely benefits that come with buying refurbished items.
Now that you have a clear answer to the question "what does refurbished mean?" and know what to look for when shopping for refurbished items, it's time to go out there and start your search.
Are you interested in learning about other ways that you can save money on equipment for your business? If so, check out some of our other tips for started a business on a budget today!
