Refurbishing enables companies to empower their customers with quality electronics at a reduced price. They essentially acquire used products, fix them if necessary and clean them back to factory specs, and resell them in like-new condition. Many customers and industries rely on refurbished goods, from businesses to nonprofits, schools, governments, and other industries.

The quality of the devices you buy and the services you receive are all dependent on how experienced your refurbishing service provider is. If you’re in the market for refurbished laptops, whom do you turn to? How do you know whether you can trust a refurbisher to guarantee you value out of your purchase?

The Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program is a partnership between Microsoft and a select few device refurbishers around the globe. Membership in it enables the refurbisher to preinstall genuine Microsoft software on the devices they sell, boost their reputation as a service provider, and promote higher quality refurbished products.

The Benefits MAR Members Receive

Refurbishing companies strive to obtain certifications as prestigious as the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program, as it brings with it several benefits for their bottom lines:

• Discounts on genuine Microsoft licenses for the Windows operator system and other first-party software. Even refurbished desktops can be sold with the latest versions of Windows 10, 11, and Office. Sub-distribution of software license to 3rd Party Refurbishers (TPR) is even allowed.

• Exclusive access to Microsoft events and memberships. Nonprofits, for instance, have extra options through the Citizenship program.

• Technical support through training, engineering support, and other tools to help the deployment process.

Also, of course, you get the name recognition of having the certification. You’ll find that it’s easier to gain the trust of new customers when you are a MAR certified member. Customers take this certification seriously for several reasons:

• It gives them access to cheaper devices that are still packaged with genuine Windows software and operating systems, which provide better quality security and updates directly from Microsoft.
• MAR partners are required to follow the standards set by Microsoft. This way, they can be sure that they’re buying quality devices free of defects or malware. And when the refurbisher needs to dispose of electronics, it will do so with data security concerns in mind. Storage drives, for example, need to be disposed of properly to protect privacy.
• Computers and laptops sold by MAR partners get an official Microsoft label affixed to the chassis for bonus credibility points. These labels include the Windows Certificate of Authenticity label (COA), the Genuine Microsoft Refurbisher label (GMRL), or the Genuine Microsoft label (GML).

Microsoft has also emphasized that Authorized Refurbishers are required to follow guidelines on addressing environmental impact.

The Social Responsibility Implicit in the Program

The Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program is always finding ways to support nonprofits, school districts, and lower income families. But in addition to this social responsibility, MAR partners contribute to a more environmentally-conscious future.

Refurbishing recycles millions of PCs that would otherwise be thrown out into landfills. The problem of this electronic waste, or e-waste, is that it contains toxic materials and chemicals like lead and mercury. Electronics also contain many non-renewable resources like copper and aluminum, so it makes sense to reuse them.

What It Takes to Be a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher

Part of why the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program is such a respected certification is that not all refurbisher's qualify for it. Microsoft carefully selects service providers that meet its standards.

Strong Capabilities

MAR members must be capable of providing a high-quality refurbishing experience. They must be technically capable enough to properly clean and fix hardware and install operating systems and software without any viruses or defects.

Their data security practices will be analyzed as well. For instance, how well can they wipe data from old drives and keep track of their inventories? A certification in this regard is recommended.

And finally, a strong track record in the market as a third-party refurbisher helps in obtaining an MAR membership. How many sales has the provider made recently, and is it possible the business will grow in the future?

Capacity and Outreach

Authorized refurbishers must have a sufficiently large inventory of computers that are eligible for MAR Windows licensing. The company must also be able to sell across a large geographic region, ideally globally or at least nationally.

Microsoft also checks the distribution methods the business uses and determines whether it’s enough to fulfill all its orders.

Trustworthiness

Above all, the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program requires its partners to adhere to Microsoft’s strict licensing requirements. Security measures are in place to ensure that all Microsoft licenses are handled correctly. A credit check may also be involved to verify the financial stability of the refurbishing service.

From the customers’ point of view, these refurbishers usually offer more generous warranties and provide post-purchase support so that buyers always get value out of their purchases. The customer experience is a focal point for the MAR program.

Apart from these standards, Microsoft often uses its discretion to determine what a potential MAR candidate can add to the overall program. Anything that would differentiate a service provider from other vendors in the program can greatly help its admission to MAR.

Make Sure You’re Getting the Best Experience by Buying Bulk Refurbished Computers From a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher

It’s clear that only the most qualified refurbishing services get the MAR label, which Microsoft introduced to help customers and businesses find ideal service providers for inexpensive electronics.

System Liquidation has been serving clients in the corporate, government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit spaces since 2007. The next time you need bulk laptops at a cheap price, make sure you’re getting honest and trustworthy service from this certified Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher.