The Hidden Gems of the Refurbished Market: Best Buys and Deals

The refurbished market creates a valuable alternative to buying factory-new devices or relying on the used market. Instead, the refurbished market strikes a balance between the savings of pre-owned devices and the dependability of new devices.

And yet, the refurbished market is often overlooked by those looking for hidden gems. Refurbished deals go beyond sales and discounts, although still available, as cost savings are baked into the refurbished devices.

Additionally, refurbished computers can contain models that are no longer available as new but are still prized for dependability or utility. Between hard-to-find tech and ideal savings, there are plenty of hidden gems waiting for those who look for them.

Keep reading as we explore why the refurbished market is well worth exploring to find your next laptop, desktop, or other electronics.

Top Benefits of Prioritizing the Refurbished Electronics Market

Why should you take the time to look for hidden gems in the refurbished market rather than focusing on brand-new devices? There are several benefits unique to the refurbished market that make it well worth your time — let’s explore them.

Spend Less for What You Need

You can get the best buy on laptops when focusing on refurbished options due to avoiding the markup for brand-new computers. If you compare a refurbished and factory-new computer of the same model, the refurbished model will be much more affordable.

Refurbished computers still offer a warranty and dependability, but avoid the higher price tag you’ll find with new computers. You can find the specs or specific model you’re after at a much lower price than in the refurbished market.

Make an Eco-Friendly Decision

Even though hunting for the best deal and the right computer is the goal, you can also rest assured that you’re making an eco-friendly decision for your next machine. A refurbished device is an eco-friendly decision in several ways, such as:

• Preventing a computer from reaching the end of its life which means a landfill or recycling plant.
• Reduce the demand for natural resources required for new computers.
• Eliminate the power consumption involved in the entire production process of a new laptop or desktop.

The above reasons describe a circular economy, an alternative to a linear economy that’s more sustainable and environmentally friendly. You’ll also save money in the process — a win for you and the environment.

Find Overlooked Computer/Laptop Deals

The entire refurbished market is often overlooked, but for those paying attention, there are still overlooked deals that need to be found. The best refurbished deals aren’t always taken once they show up due to the variety of refurbished and a large amount of product listings to sort through.

Just like actual gem hunting, you’ll need to invest the time looking for what others overlooked. Given enough time and patience, it’s quite likely that you’ll find the perfect deal that meets your needs and budget.

How to Navigate the Refurbished Market to Find Hidden Gems

Now that we’ve explored why the refurbished market is well worth your time, you’ll need to know where to find the best deals on refurbished electronics. Unlike the relatively predictable new market, the refurbished market is dynamic and changes daily.

Refurbishers release recently repaired machines, and other shoppers have depleted their existing inventory. If you can’t find what you need today, check back tomorrow, and with enough time, you’ll find the deal you’re after.

Know the Specs You Need, Define Your Gem

Start by understanding exactly what you’re looking for. What specs do you need out of your next computer? What’s your budget for buying it?

If you’re unsure of the exact specs, think about how you’ll be using it. For example, if you’ll be doing video editing and gaming, you’ll need a computer with dedicated graphics cards and plenty of RAM. On the other hand, for standard business or school usage, you won’t need a dedicated graphics card, and much lower RAM will be just fine.

Ultimately, before you start your search, you need to know what you’re searching for. Thoroughly understand the specs and form factor you want and how much you have available to buy it.

Understand How to Evaluate Refurbishers

Once you know the type of computer you’re after, you’ll start looking at different refurbishers and sellers on aftermarket sites. Knowing how to evaluate the different refurbishers will significantly affect the quality of the computer you receive.

Additionally, anyone can call themselves a refurbisher, even if they’re simply selling used computers. So, how can you make sure you’re buying from the right refurbishers? A few attributes to evaluate are:

• Certifications: Certifications can go far in separating reputable sellers from the rest. One of the top certifications offered by Microsoft is the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program. Microsoft thoroughly evaluates refurbishment processes, including sourcing, inspections, and repairs. Buying from a MAR gives you confidence that you’re buying from the right company.
• Reputation: What experiences have other customers had? You can certainly look at on-site reviews, but take the time to visit Google Maps for retail businesses and TrustPilot if they don’t have a storefront. Additionally, consider how long they’ve been in business since it’s hard to stay operational when selling low-quality products.
• Warranty and returns: Refurbishers with a flexible return policy and comprehensive warranty show that they stand behind their work. On top of giving you confidence in the seller, they also give you peace of mind in your investment. You may have found a great deal, but if something happens, your warranty might cover repairs or replacement.

Make sure you thoroughly investigate the seller before making your purchase. Anyone can use the term “refurbisher,” so put the same amount of time into investigating the company as you have the computer itself.

Look for Sales and Discounts

The same seasonal sales you’ll find in the new market often take place in the refurbished market. Holidays, back-to-school sales, and ongoing discount programs can go far in helping you find a great deal.

Discount programs from refurbishers can often be more extensive than what you’ll find in the new market. Students and businesses can benefit from the refurbisher’s programs. For businesses, some refurbishers offer IT buyback programs that can put the value of your current equipment towards new equipment.

Altogether, you’ll be saving money simply by opting for a refurbished computer. Discount programs can help many customers, and sales can create even steeper savings. It may take some patience but put in the effort to find the gems you’re after.

Check Back Regularly

Refurbished laptops, desktops, monitors, and mobile devices are not consistently available like with factory-new devices. While a new model of a laptop might have hundreds or even thousands available, refurbished models might only have one or two units available.

What does this mean when finding your gem? You’ll need to keep checking back once you’ve found the right refurbisher that carries the general type of computer you’re after. If a reputable refurbisher doesn’t currently stock what you need, keep checking back, as news items can be added weekly or even daily.

Make Your Purchase Once You Find a Gem

A common mistake made by anyone looking for a deal is finding one but still thinking there’s a better deal to be had somewhere else or in the future. Of course, this isn’t always the case, as you might be looking at a gem, and it’s time to check it out.

Define what makes a great deal, know what you’re looking for, and seize the opportunity when it arises. Otherwise, you may miss out on the right machine at the right price. You never know if you’ll find the same deal again, so make the most of it.

Check Out Refurb.io's Hidden Gems Today

Every refurbisher offers a rotating inventory of refurbished devices. You’ll need to find a reputable refurbisher that offers the general machines you’re looking for. Take the time to check back and carefully look through available listings so you can find your next machine.

Refurb.io is a leader in selling high-quality refurbished computers. Some of our top picks for refurbished laptops and computers are:

• Lenovo T490s i7: The time-tested T400 line is prized for its dependability, relatively high specs, and even physical durability. However, they don’t usually come with an i7, making our T490 i7 well worth considering.
• HP 800G2 Mini: Mini form factors are perfect for many business needs, and the HP 800G2 packs plenty of power. 16GB of RAM and a 512GB solid state drive. This little computer can handle more intense business applications at an ideal price.
• HP EliteBook 840: With more memory than similarly priced models, the HP EliteBook offers excellent performance with 16GB of RAM and a slim design. This model is perfect for business users who travel and always need reliable performance.

Ready to find even more hidden gems? Browse our inventory today to find your next laptop or desktop.