Refurbished Electronics: Debunking the Misconception

Very often price difference ($10-$20 comparable to the cheapest "new" item online) isn't big enough to satisfy purchasing of a refurbished product. Add to it that not all manufacturers give a free map update for the refurbished products (Magellan doesn't), that warranty is much shorter (usually 90 days comparable to 12 months) and you get enough good reasons to go with a new product.

Thanks for the info. I did look around and can see what your talking about.

Thanks again

Mine's a refurbished unit that I got last year for $100 less, and I had no problems with it whatever.

I have found with some manufacturer's that what they classify as "Refurbished" is a lot of the time excess or left over new merchandise. They package it in a plain non retail box with less warranty and sell it for far less than the same retail boxed item.

Netgear and Pioneer do it all the time for a couple of examples.

Infant mortality in electronics occurs most of the time is within the first 90 days anyway.

Great article. Thanks

My reluctance has always been the thought that the product was returned to the manufacturer for some good reason, like it being a lemon.

I've bought several refurbed PCs, so far no problem. I just make sure it's from a reputable source and I make sure there is some warranty. I've no experience with GPSs but I would go this route if the savings was appropriate.

Sorry to disagree with you but I in no way think saving a few bucks and buying refurbishede is the wrong way to go. Yes there are some good deals out there but why take a chance. I have gotten three refurbished GPS's from Garmin that were bad and I have seen other posts saying the same thing. I don't know the numbers but will guess 90% are returned because the item had a problem. Of course if you cannot spend the money for a new one then go for the refurbished unit.

Your right there are not the same!

And how many New garmin's including firmware problems have you had?

When units are made and got go down the line a sample is pulled to be checked, lets say 5 out of 100 units get the complete go over.

With refurbished units each unit gets a complete hands on check, then packed with new cables,manual and software. so a refurbish unit actually get more attention than a newly manufactured unit.Refurbished products in many cases can be a better product purchase than a "new" unit, since it goes through much more extensive testing, and the issues were known and resolved. Garmin firmware problems are still a problem however and just past back again.

This is true about 'factory' refurbs. But many retailers will advertise 'open box' units as refurbs and there is not an easy way to tell. Some manufacturers reseal the box and put a 'refurbished' sticker on there. But how would you know if the retailer did that and not the manufacturer? If you trust the seller and believe you are getting a true 'factory' refurb, you are probably less likely to get a lemon than you would with a 'new' unit.

I have techie friends who only buy refurbs and say that they have never had a problem. As for me, I worked in the retail industry long enough to be quite suspicious of the retailers.

I have purchased factory refurbished electronics in the past with no problems. To me, if the price savings is substantial and the seller is reputable with a return policy, then I would definitely consider it.

Yes, this is generally the case - which is why I typically avoid the refurbished items forsale when i see them.

In my many years in the electronics industry, I have seen many manufacturer's tech services receiving products reported as defective, doing an incoming test and if it passes, tag them as NTF (No Trouble Found). These items end up on the refurbish pile.

If the defect was random and not permanent, the item gets sold as refurbished to a customer who will rediscover the problem and ... return it.

That's a risk with refurbished items. Make sure you immediately test them extensively and at the first sign of trouble, return them while you can.

If you buy refurbished look for refurbished by manufacture and carries a manufacture's warranty. Also if buying off of ebay, you must ceck out the sellers rating.

We live in a "throw away" world of consumer electronics. From a consumer standpoint, your gadget is only as good as the factory or extended warranty. If a new or refurb or recert product has the same warranty, then who cares if it is new? Get it repaired/replaced under the terms of the warranty and move on. (BTW, that replacement will probably not be new - it will be a refurb unit.)

I just want it to work as designed/advertised. If not, I've wasted my money and will not be fooled again.

They cannot sell the returned item as new by law, if they want to sell a returned product it has to sold as "open Box". They have to place a sticker or tag on the box and mark it “refurbished” and most repack into a generic type box, showing true refurbished products. Always look for the Factory fresh seal or refurbished sticker so you get what your paying for.

The best part is the fact that Refurbished items are deep discounted.You can practically steal one of these if you know where to look.

I've bought some refurbished electronics from Woot before... have had a mixed bag, half of them failed pretty quickly. The other half, still work because I'm afraid to use them too much to experience failure...

i never go refirbished. first of all the warranty is most likel only 30 days at best.. and for the money you save who cares.. i buy it new and get the extended warranties which are unavailable on most refirbished stuff..

for those of you that had luck with the refirbs in the past. good for you. as for me i will stick with the new items full warranties.

I would just be leery about purchasing an older refurbished model. Even though the battery may test well, there is a finite battery life for rechargeable batteries depending on usage.

Sorry your wrong!

This straight from the Garmin website:

All devices purchased new from a retailer are covered under Garmin’s Warranty policies. A refurbished device still carries the same 1-year Warranty that all of our new products carry. A proof of purchase may be required for any Warranty services.

The nuMaps Guarantee1 program allows customers who have purchased a new* nuvi or a new zumo device to update the map in the unit free of charge if:

1. The unit is registered at http://my.garmin.com within 60 days from the unit's first use (this is based on the first time the unit has acquired satellites)
2. A newer map than the preloaded map in the unit is available, or a newer map is released within 60 days from the unit's first satellite acquisition. (See notes for exclusions or limitations.)

Notes:

* Limit one free map update per eligible nuvi or eligible zumo
* This offer is non-transferable
* Customer will not qualify for the free map update if the unit is registered with Garmin by telephone or more than 60 days from the unit's first satellite acquisition
* The nuMaps Guarantee is only applicable to preloaded maps for North America and Europe

*Refurbished or newly overhauled devices may also be applicable. To check if an update is available, visit the nuMaps Guarantee page and enter your device serial number.

You do know Google is your friend, you should use it rather than posting false information, that can be very misleading to the community at latge.

And since Garmin gives a full Factory warranty on refurbished units, go ahead and waste your money, but please give only factual information in your posts!

Please keep the tone friendly.

Miss POI

I love referbs, especially if I can get the referb + an extended warranty for less than new.

I've purchased a bunch of Acer referb net-books for clients. Every one of them has been factory new: the only difference was a brown box instead of a retail one. I've even gone as far as taking one apart and found no tell-tail signs of use (dust/replacement parts/etc.

A few months ago my chain saw died. A new one would have run me $120. A better model referb was $100, and Northern Tool offered a 1 year warranty for $7 (making it the same length as new). SOLD!

Most recently (as in it arrived Saturday), I purchased a referbed Roomba 560. A new one would have ran me $360. The referb was $210 & a 3 year Square Trade warranty (2 more than a new Roomba gets) added $30. When it arrived it looked brand new - no scratches or wear. The only difference was the robot was black, while the power supply was white. So, for $240 I'm better than new.

I use the 50% method myself. If the refurbished "whatever" is going to cost me 50% or less of a new one, then I'll consider getting it.. but only if it comes with the same guarantee/warranty or better. If not.. then I don't buy.

Nuvi1300WTGPS

If I can get a solid warranty and a good price--yeah, it's gotta be more than $10 or $20 off--I've had good experience with refurbished electronics. With just a little luck, they can be indistinguishable from new.

I wouldn't try it with a computer hard drive, but with a GPS, sure. But I do need a price break before I'm going to bite. Those who think they're better than new can bite on the $10 off ones. I'll pass.

I bought a nuvi refurb that developed problems. I was treated by Garmin the same as if I had bought a new unit and now have a fresh refurb that seems to be ok.

I've purchased several refurbs and will consider doing such again when the warranty is for at least 90 days.
As for the people who feel more secure in buying new, that's great, then we're both happy.

I'm glad you have had good luck with your refurbished Garmin. Two questions for you, to help set the record straight.

1)Did you get a map update as if it were a new unit?
2)Does Garmin give a guarantee as if the unit was purchased new?

Lets us all know!

Bob

While it is probably true that Garmin tests all units that are returned for problems, such testing is not as thorough as someone who actually uses a unit for days or weeks. Many problems are intermittent in any electronic device. I'm sure Garmin can find no problem in many returned units and just sells them again as tested refurbs. Public use is a more severe test, which is why software makers have beta testing.

Yes to both BobDee

I always looke for refurbished items. Haven't had a problem yet.

Or in Garmin's case has it customers that it uses as beta testers!

But I usually buy from "respected" manufacturers like Dell, Netgear, and Creative.

I admit that I occasionally stroll through www.refurbdepot.com and I am a HUGE fan of the geniuses at www.woot.com who sell a ton of refurbs!

Per BobDee request:

1)Did you get a map update as if it were a new unit?
Answer: Yes. Failed unit had been updated to map version 2010.20. Replacement unit came with, I believe, 2010.10 and I registered unit as soon I got it and was given most current: 2010.40.

2)Does Garmin give a guarantee as if the unit was purchased new?
Answer: I believe the following applies as stated on Garmin web site: "Repairs have a 90 day warranty. If the unit sent in is still under its original warranty, then the new warranty is 90 days or to the end of the original one year warranty, depending upon which is longer."

If the unit is a Garmin Refurbished unit and bought as Refurbished then the warranty is a new unit warranty with a map update.

If you send a unit in for repair and they send you a refurbished unit instead of repairing yours, of course your not going to get a new warranty, 90 day or the balance on your new warranty, the longer of the two is what you get.

Saliornorm,
There is a big difference between the two, thanks for your reply

broke my 750 and sent it in. Garmin gave me a "new" refurb (is that an oxymoron). Works great

some people just like to take a chance to save a buck...that's all...

Saving a buck, Yes taking a chance, No. As stated over & over in this post, refurb must contain full Manufacturer's Warranty, other wise buy at your risk.

It's a fact of life. All electronic devices will fail at some point due to component failure. When units fail prematurely - and usually within the first 90 days - it's called infant mortality. The advantage to buying a repaired and refurb device is the infant mortality period is now past. The device should continue running throughout its intended life cycle.

The other reason a device might be refurbed is it was returned by a customer, not for failure but because it wasn't what they thought it was or it didn't meet their expectations. Both types, the failures and returns are usually (but not always by some) run back through the production line where the circuit boards are retested, screens checked, and the case replaced. It is then repackaged as if it were new and offered at a reduced price with a full warranty.

Now that's a FACTORY refurb. Dealers do little other than check a return for all the parts, wipe it down, and put it back in a box and resell it. They may or may not tell you it was a customer return. Dealer "open box" items are not eligible for a new warranty or map download.

Your really taking no chance at all, you get a new warranty. so where is the gamble or chance? There is none. And a new map to boot!

I received a Garmin refurb (nuvi)..... it had problems right out of the box! I contacted Garmin, they treated it like it was new. Sent me a replacement (refurb) with a map upgrade a 1 year warrenty.

1. Most manufacturers don't separate returns for "convenience" from returns for technical problem that ended up with a NTF (no trouble found) assessment.
2. Returns are often tested by a separate "incoming" or "field service" team and don't go "through the production line where the circuit boards are retested, screens checked, and the case replaced". That would be a perfect world but I don't know of any manufacturer that does that. In fact, with the production lines overseas and/or fully automatic and robotized, introducing a return in the line is practically impossible.

my information is a little dated - either that or my experience is more the big ticket items such as desktop workstations where we did dismantle units, sent the boards back through testing and then reassembled after cleanup.

One thing that bothers me about refurbs, even factory refurbs, is that you don't know their history and what was done to "refurbish" them. If they come with the full factory warrantee, it's true that you don't have to worry about being stuck with a lemon, but I hate dealing with purchase problems and the inconvenience of sending stuff back. My gut feel (no statistics) is that is more likely to happen with refurbs than with new.

You nailed it dminz .I look for the sales at the stores.I just prefer if I have a problem to take it back and avoid the shipping and wait.

I would go with new usually since the price differences aren't substantial enough normally.

I was dead set against refurbs for a very long time.
We ended buying 5 refub laptops for my team at work and they get very hard use. Not a single hiccup.

I picked out a refurb laptop for my fiance' and she's been very happy with it. So much so she just had me pick out a new laptop for her mom...

Only refurbed laptops, but we're 7 for 7 so far...

For what its worth, just another data point. My first Nuvi was a refurbished 350, then I bought a second 350 then recently a 255 for my sister, then a 1490T - all factory refurbs from the local TigerDirect/CompUSA warehouse. Except for the blue and white Garmin packaging, you couldn't tell the box contents were refurbs. The 2nd 350 was bought long after it was officially discontinued, but the box contained everything a 350 should have including the slip case and the AC charger. None of them had any problems, and the 350's have been sitting in the cars winter or summer rarely going indoors. The recent 255 and 1490T I've registered on MyGarmin account, and qualify for the map update. A slip in the box says the warranty was good for 1 year, like a new Nuvi. I guess, I'm just lucky. I wouldn't hesitate to buy these units as refurbs.

Now, traded-in, repackaged, or as-is items by the retailer are another matter. I'd extend that to off-lease equipment like laptops that are refurbished by a 3rd-party. Too many bad experiences. I stay clear of those!

As with used cars I find it to be hit or miss with refurbished products. The big selling point for me is whether an adequate warranty is provided.

...and this is exactly why I need more than a $10 or $20 price break to bite on a refurbed GPS, even though my experience buying refurbished electronic gear has been positive. If the manufacturer tests the unit and finds no issue, they're going to resell it as a refurb, yet it may have an intermittent problem which they didn't discover in their limited testing. If it comes back a second time, I doubt they'd try to refurb it again. But the risk of getting a problem unit is higher than buying new, I still believe, for just this reason: refurbs are recycled returns which may have caused somebody a genuine problem that may or may not now be fixed.

On the other hand, if Garmin can sell out all the refurbs they have at $240 when I can get it new somewhere with a full warranty for $250, I don't blame Garmin for doing that. They should charge what the unit will sell for as a refurb. I'm just not going to be the one to bite on it without a bigger discount.

I also agree with a_user's point: a manufacturer refurb with a full manufacturer warranty is a much better bet than an open box item in a store with a 30-day warranty.

I know retailers are doing this. Walmart does it consistently. I've had several Walmart employees tell me that when they get a return, they try it out and, if it seems to work, they put it back in the original box and tape it up and put it back on the shelf.

The value of buying refurbished really varies depending on the circumstances. Typically refurbished products have a shorter warranty period than new products. Additionally, the free extended warranties offered by purchasing with a decent credit card only applies to new products. It also highly depends on exactly what refurbished means and how much of a discount is offered compared to new. Prices can significantly vary, it really depends on the specifics on whether it is a good deal.