New or Refurbished?
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I've always been one to lean toward buying new things instead of refurbished items, probably because of personal vanity.
What do you do and do you have any reasons why you lean one way or the other?
Reasons I've gone new:
Typically easier to return for buyer's remorse
The thought that I'm the only one who's ever used this device, no one else could have messed it up
Full normal warrantyReasons I'd consider refurbished:
Savings
Expect factory to specifically certify this device as working within expected specifications, so hopefully fewer issues. -
When a refurb is done by the original manufacturer, I am more likely to buy it (assuming it includes a dead solid DOA warranty - return with no questions for refund, not an exchange).
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I have no issued buying refurbished, so long as it includes an OEM warranty for a reasonable amount of time. Depending on the age as well, 1 - 3 years and a DOA warranty resolve any of my concerns.
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I've never been burned by purchasing something that has been refurbed and guaranteed to work. With that being said, I'm guilty of having the same trepidation when buying something "used" as opposed to new. I suppose it comes down to the perceived savings. If I feel like I am saving a ton of money by buying refurbed than I do it. I got a factory refurbed Vitamix for like 1/3 the normal price directly from the manufacturer and it has performed wonderfully ever since!
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I'm the opposite. New is nice as a consumer just because it feels awesome to rip open the brand new packaging. But for IT, I'm very strongly in favour of refurb, it just makes more business sense most of the time.
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@Dashrender said:
Reasons I've gone new:
Typically easier to return for buyer's remorse IT should not be purchasing or returning emotionally, that's a different issue that should be addressed. If this is personal, then sure.
The thought that I'm the only one who's ever used this device, no one else could have messed it up For personal I totally get that, for business again, should not be a factor.
Full normal warranty You can get whatever warranties you want, generally. Refurb servers can come with full warranties too. -
I always purchase new desktops for my clients because I have not seen warranty matching the dell NBD on site on used hardware. I have nothing against used and it makes solid sense for someone in house.
But as my clients 100% outsource their IT to staff not even in the same region, I need the ability to have a tech show up on site.
There are more ways to do it, but the easiest is to purchase new equipment and make use of manufacturer processes.
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I have in the past and will continue in the future to buy used server hardware from places like xByte that provide warranties.
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@JaredBusch said:
I have in the past and will continue in the future to buy used server hardware from places like xByte that provide warranties.
Yes, I think warrantied reputable refurb is the key. Companies like xByte make refurb make sense.
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I wrote this thread because I'm considering a new TV. Woot has the Samsung 4K 65 in for $1500, normal price at Best Buy is $1800.
From what I can tell, it only comes with a 90 day exchange warranty from Woot.
I don't think the savings is worth it at this point.
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There are two types of refurb, I will only buy the 2nd.
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Retail store receives a return, tapes the box closed, labels it "refurb" - you're essentially testing their used gubbins.
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Store/Manufacturer takes the product, tests & cleans it, then offers it for sale as refurb.
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@MattSpeller said:
- Retail store receives a return, tapes the box closed, labels it "refurb" - you're essentially testing their used gubbins.
By definition that isn't refurb, no matter what they write on the box. That's just used.
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@scottalanmiller Agreed, tell that to some of the online retailers
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@MattSpeller said:
@scottalanmiller Agreed, tell that to some of the online retailers
In many countries calling them that if no work has been done would violate trade description acts.
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@scottalanmiller I'm not sure I should name them but is there anything we can do as a community to ... give them a poke in the eye about these practices?
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@MattSpeller said:
@scottalanmiller I'm not sure I should name them but is there anything we can do as a community to ... give them a poke in the eye about these practices?
Probably not without naming them
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@scottalanmiller lol I was looking for an idea of what path we'd take, but....
NewEgg - really bad about this, done it to me twice
CanadaComputers - screwed me in the past on this
TigerDirect - seen shady stuff in store, not sure if online* sells it
*which is really my complaint, if you're in the store you can open it and give it a shufti before you buy
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I like refurbed in most cases. It feels nice to get new, but saving money makes up for that feeling.
