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Consider Refurbished
More and more people are buying refurbished computers. You’ve probably heard the term, but you might have reservations about the product. Is it just any used computer with a couple of replaced parts? Sure they are cheaper, but are they reliable? Do they just end up being hassles full of error messages and out-of-date software?
The truth is that refurbished computers can be just as reliable and long-lasting as new computers, if you work with a great supplier.
We’re here to clear the record, to give you some hard data about refurbished computers, and to help guide you to an informed buying decision.
Compugen Education has just produced a downloadable information packet that will help to answer many of the questions you might have. Download it for free.
What is a refurbished computer?
A refurbished computer is a computer that has been pre-owned and then undergoes a process of refurbishing from an expert in the field. The refurbishing process ends with the computer operating as if it were new. This entails replacing broken parts, erasing the hard drive, cleaning the machine, removing cosmetic problems, re-installing and re-authenticating software and more.
You’ll encounter a lot of different terms in the refurbished computer world: “new in box,” “open box,” “refurbished,” “recertified,” “used as is.” Our free information packet explains the differences between these.
What are the benefits of buying refurbished?
Refurbished computers offer the benefit of getting the same technology for a fraction of the price.
The law of instant depreciation is the same law that says that driving a new car off the lot of a car dealership means it instantly loses 11% of its value. It’s the same with computers. Part of the price of a new computer is simply the cost of being the first person to own it. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s more reliable (as anyone who ended up with a lemon knows all too well).
The refurbished discount is really about not paying the “new tax” on a computer. In the case of refurbished machines this can be from 50% to 90% of the “new” price. But it’s important to note that the deep discount does not mean that you are buying a risky machine that might break down instantly. When you buy refurbished from a reliable supplier, you have the same lifetime warranty as when you buy new. It’s just as reliable.
At Compugen Education, we have lower return rates for
refurbished computers than for new ones. Find out how we do it,
with our Honor Roll Certification program.
How do I find a reliable supplier?
In many ways, this is the crux of it all. The refurbished computer market is full of suppliers and some of them are experts in the field doing wonderful work. Unfortunately there are others that are trying to cut corners or just don’t have the expertise to do great, professional-level work on a large scale.
The good news is that if you find a reliable supplier, then you will get a great computer that will be lifetime guaranteed.
Once you’ve found a supplier you like, investigate. Call them. Ask questions…lots of them.
- Ask for references and call the references. People should be happy to tell you the virtues of a reliable company.
- Ask about the specifics of the warranty. How long does it last? What about returns? Who is responsible for maintenance? What happens when a computer malfunctions?
- Ask where the computers come from: from businesses? From product returns? Overstock?
- Ask about how much business they do. A company that does a lot of volume is often more reliable.
- Ask about their qualifications. Are they a certified refurbisher? A warranty depot? Licensed by brand names?
For more tips on how to choose a reliable refurbished computer supplier, download our free information packet.
Any supplier worth their salt will be able to answer these questions and more.
Getting you great refurbished computers is what we care about here at Compugen Education. Contact us right away if we can be of any assistance.
