Used vs. refurbished
What is the difference between refurbished and used electronics?
It's understandable to sometimes confuse refurbished and used electronics, but there's a significant difference between the two. Let's break it down below.
Used vs. refurbished
While the terms "used," "pre-owned," and "secondhand" can be used interchangeably, they differ from "refurbished" in significant ways. When you purchase a used device, it is sold to you in its current condition, with no guarantee of its functionality or quality. In contrast, a refurbished device has undergone a rigorous process of inspection, testing, and repair to restore it to like-new condition. This means that when you buy a refurbished device, you can be confident that it will work just as well as a brand-new one, but at a significantly lower cost. Plus, choosing refurbished tech is better for the environment, as it reduces waste and carbon emissions associated with the production of new electronics.
What to expect when buying used devices
When you opt to purchase used devices, it's important to be aware of what to expect. Used devices are typically sold in the condition they were left by the previous owner. This means that you might encounter issues like battery damage, scratches, or even unexpected personal content. Despite assurances from the seller about its functionality, you won't have a clear idea of how well the device performs until you have it in your hands. By then, it may be too late to return or exchange it.
One significant drawback of buying used tech is the absence of a return policy or warranty. Unlike refurbished or new devices, used devices are often sold without any sort of guarantee. Consequently, if the device encounters problems or fails to meet your expectations, you might find yourself with limited options for recourse.
What does refurbished mean?
Refurbished devices have been used before, but they undergo a serious makeover before being resold. Expert technicians test and repair the device, replacing damaged parts and ensuring it functions like new. Refurbished devices are also tested for safety, avoiding the risks of used tech. MacPro-LA offers refurbished devices with guarantees like a 1-year warranty, 30-day return policy, and free shipping. Real humans are available for customer support 6 days a week.
How MacPro-LA categorizes refurbished devices
We also categorize devices on MacPro-la by their cosmetic grades, to make sure you know exactly what you can expect your device arrives. Depending on the grade of the device you purchase, you can expect either a little bit of cosmetic wear and tear or none at all.
Grade C: Fair
Screen: May have micro-scratches which could be slightly noticeable when the screen is turned on.
Body: Has visible scratches and/or dents.
Grade B: Good
Screen: Perfect condition
Body: May have micro-scratches visible from 20 inches away.
Grade A: Excellent
Screen: Perfect condition
Body: May have barely visible micro-scratches, not noticeable from 8 inches away.
No matter the cosmetic grade, every device functions like new.
The extra mile: Why refurbished is better than new
Is refurbished better than used? It’s a pretty resounding yes. But refurbished is also better than new. When you purchase a Mac from MacPro-LA, you’re not just getting a like new device for significantly less than like new price. Your environmental impact also shrinks. On average, a refurbished Mac has 91.6% less carbon emissions compared to a new Mac Computers . It also uses significantly less water, raw materials, and e-waste. Refurbished tech is not just guaranteed to work like new, it’s better for the planet, too.
Now that you know the difference between refurbished and used, you’re ready to take the plunge. Browse our bestsellers.