The Insider's Guide to Finding the Best Deals in Refurbished Tech

You need to replace your desktop, laptop, or mobile device — what do you do next? Many people will simply order a new model and leave it at that.

However, focusing only on factory-new devices can leave you paying too much for your next device. That’s why many consumers and businesses have started considering refurbished laptop computers to take their money further.

Choosing refurbished, rather than new, is only the beginning for those looking to find an incredible deal on their next piece of tech. Finding a reputable company, navigating sales or rewards programs, and choosing the right brands are all part of getting an incredible deal.

So, keep reading as we share an insider’s perspective on navigating refurbished listings and sales to find the best price for the right device.

How to Find the Best Deals on Refurbished Electronics

Deciding to buy a refurbished device means you’ll already be saving money compared to a factory-fresh model — but you can take the savings even further to truly maximize your next purchase.

We know how the industry works, so let’s discuss a few ways to shop for refurbished devices to ensure you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Buy From a Reputable Seller

Not all refurbishers have the same inspection and repair processes, and they also don’t have the same overall business practices. Finding a reputable refurbisher is a necessary first step to finding a great deal on your next tech purchase.

How can you tell if a refurbisher has a great reputation? Look at reviews on places they can’t control, such as Google Maps or TrustPilot. You might also be able to ask a colleague or business partner, depending on your industry.

Some of the items we’ll explore below will help you understand if a refurbisher is worth buying from, like offering a warranty. Ultimately, it’s important to know that finding a great deal on refurbished electronics depends on finding the right refurbisher — it’s not just about price.

Be Sure You Understand Item Descriptions

Factory-new computers don’t have individual item listings—each model has its own listing, which represents the entire available inventory. But that’s not usually the case with refurbished laptops and desktops.

Instead, refurbishers create new store listings for every unique item they sell. One reason for this practice is to provide grades and pictures for the exact computer you’ll be receiving. Grade A items are like-new, but Grade C items will have some issues you’ll want to know about.

Thoroughly reading product descriptions is critical to finding a great deal. Otherwise, you might find a listing that seems like an incredible price but only discover its flaws once you've received it because you overlooked the item description.

Prioritize Certified or Authorized Refurbishers

Any company can call itself a refurbisher, even if it conducts minimal inspections and repairs before selling machines. That’s why it's a good idea to explore a few refurbishers before making any final decisions.

Certified or authorized refurbishers help ensure you’re buying from the right company. For example, a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) has undergone a comprehensive evaluation by Microsoft, and you can have confidence in their processes.

A low price isn’t the only factor in finding a great deal — you need a reliable computer. Buying certified refurbished electronics is an important step in finding a reliable laptop or desktop.

Don’t Ignore Warranties

A common misconception is that buying a refurbished model means you won’t receive a warranty, but that’s not usually the case when you buy from a reputable company. Typically, one of the benefits of buying refurbished technology is paying less than a factory-new machine while still receiving a warranty.

Of course, the availability and terms of a warranty vary based on the specific refurbisher, but you can usually still benefit from a comprehensive warranty if you shop around. Even if you never need it, refurbishers who offer warranties stand behind their work, and you can have confidence that your next laptop will be reliable.

For example, Best Buy used laptops might not have a warranty, but their refurbished or open-box models might come with one. You need to be aware of these details before making your decision.

Evaluate Older Models

Do you need the latest model, or would an older unit get the job done? Sometimes shoppers overlook older options for laptops, phones, and desktops because they think these options might not have the right specs or capabilities.

While true in some instances, you’ll most likely be able to find an older unit that’s capable of meeting your specific needs. For example, a laptop from 2019 can still offer reliable performance even without the latest generation of processors.

Refurbished laptops can be older than factory-new machines, but that doesn’t mean they’ll lack what you need. As you explore different options, take the time to evaluate your specific needs or the needs of your workforce for a laptop bulk purchase.

Keep Sales and Rewards in Mind

Finding refurbished tech deals often involves prioritizing sales or rewards programs. Sellers might offer seasonal sales, loyalty programs, or clearance machines, all designed to stretch your money even further.

However, these opportunities might not be available if you urgently need another computer. It’s wise to shop around ahead of time or capitalize on seasonal sales before you need the replacement to make sure you find an excellent deal on your next computer.

Finding cheap laptops for sale might also depend on being a repeat customer. Check out loyalty or reward programs from the potential refurbisher to set yourself up for possible discounts in the future.

Brand Highlights: Best Refurbished Technology

Finding a great deal also means picking the right brand and specific model that meets your needs. So, let’s highlight a few popular brands of refurbished products that might be available and why they’re worth considering for your next purchase.

Apple

Apple is widely known for its design and self-contained ecosystem, both of which are highly appealing to some users. The company offers a range of devices that all strive to work together, but brand-new devices can carry a hefty price tag.

Refurbished Apple products allow organizations to benefit from the quality and ecosystem Apple is known for at a more affordable price. Refurbished iPads are often available at a much lower price than new ones, and you’ll still be part of the company’s ecosystem.

Samsung

Samsung has been at the forefront of technology for decades and its smartphones, tablets, and laptops are a testament to their expertise. The company has continually prioritized leveraging the latest technology in its device, such as the high res cameras found in its Galaxy smartphones and unique smart watches.

Refurbished Samsung devices allow individuals and organizations to benefit from this premium brand without the brand-new markup. For example, a refurbished Galaxy Watch will function like a brand-new unit but at a much more affordable price.

Dell

Dell is known for its wide variety of machines designed to meet a wide range of price points and computing needs. Some Dell machines, such as the Latitude, are perfect for typical business usage, while high-performance Alienware desktops are ready for gamers and resource-intensive tasks.

Buying a refurbished Dell desktop or laptop further enhances the price savings of choosing Dell over other brands that may be more expensive. Buying a refurbished Alienware desktop gives you the resources to play the latest game or take on intensive tasks like video editing.

Lenovo

Lenovo is known for innovative designs, especially when it comes to their laptops. Many of the company’s laptops are sold as 2-in-1 devices, meaning they can be used as tablets or laptops as necessary. This brand is also known for durability and performance, having built an excellent reputation for dependability over the years.

Refurbished Lenovo machines allow these same benefits to be available at a lower cost. A refurbished Lenovo Yoga allows you to benefit from a touchscreen while still having the resources of a reliable laptop, which is perfect for many business users.

Find a Great Deal on Refurbished Tech with System Liquidation

Buying a refurbished computer instead of a new one will help you save money on your purchase. From there, you can take your savings even further by shopping around, finding sales, and choosing the right refurbisher.

The best-refurbished technology comes from a reputable refurbisher. You don’t want to buy a new laptop only to receive a faulty machine without a warranty. Take the time to find a refurbisher with positive third-party reviews, a comprehensive warranty, and certifications.

System Liquidation is a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher with years of experience offering reliable and warrantied computers. Are you looking for a great deal on your next device? Shop System Liquidation for the best deals on refurbished electronics — America's source for refurbished computers.