More and more people are considering buying a refurbished smartphone instead of a new device. This offers several significant advantages. However, buying a second-hand device still scares some people off. In this article, you will read some reasons that show that 'refurbished' can also be the right choice for you.
What is the meaning of refurbished?
Refurbished is the English translation for 'revised'. Revising means 'checking and possibly correcting or repairing'. (source: encyclo) The devices have therefore been used before, but are then fully checked. Dozens of functionality tests determine whether a repair is necessary or not.
It is therefore not necessary that a refurbished smartphone was initially defective, as many still think. In addition, the devices are completely data wiped, so there are no internal traces of the first user.
Sustainability
Buying refurbished electronic devices has two major ecological benefits:
- The total electronic waste produced by destroying used products is reduced.
- No new raw materials are used to produce your new device.
Environmentally conscious consumers are increasingly concerned that certain purchasing behaviors negatively impact the planet and learn to appreciate refurbished products thanks to these benefits. Test yourself with our CO2 calculator to see how much CO2 you save by reusing your old device.
Cheaper
Another important advantage of buying refurbished products is that you save some money. The price difference between new and used devices can be significant. The fact that most of these products are cheaper does not mean their quality is lower or that they do not meet standards. The lower costs are an incentive because it is a resale.
In addition, the device has already had a first user, which also makes the price cheaper.
Warranty
Refurbished devices are also subject to a warranty obligation. The legal warranty period for a refurbished device is one year. This gives you enough time to detect any defects.
A-, B- or C-Grade
What you see is what you get. When there are signs of use on the device, these are indicated with a grade:
An A-grade device is as good as new. The device is almost in perfect condition.
An B-grade refurbished device is in good condition. This means the device looks very neat and almost like new, but does have slight signs of use.
A C-grade device is technically and functionally fine, but there are clear cosmetic signs of use.
The lower the grade, the lower the price, but that is obvious.
