Refurbished Laptops
New laptops, especially ones with top-notch features, can command a hefty price tag that can leave you with a significant hole in your wallet. If you’re a savvy buyer, however, you can get the same features without the steep price by opting for a refurbished laptops. The cost of a refurbished device can be as low as Rs 8,000 per month on an EMI plan.
The term ‘refurbished’ applies to laptops that have been returned to the manufacturer or another retailer and then repaired, typically with parts like RAM, ICs, hard disks, and caps replaced as needed. Besides replacing the defective components, cosmetic issues like scratches are also taken care of in the refurbishing process. Many third-party laptop restorers also offer services to refurbish electronics through marketplaces like Amazon Renewed and eBay. Usually, such devices are backed by a warranty from the seller.
While it’s important to look for reviews on any purchase, you should pay extra attention to reviews on refurbished devices, particularly those whose warranties are provided by the manufacturer or seller. Buying from a trusted seller or manufacturer will make you more confident in your purchase, since they’ll stand behind the quality of their products.
Financing Options For Refurbished Laptops
Buying a laptop that’s been refurbished by an expert, like a certified service center, will ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money. Such laptops will be inspected for any damage and defects before they’re sold. This can include cosmetic damage like scratches and dents as well as functional issues such as the battery not holding a charge. A reputable service will fix the problem and then retest the device to make sure it works properly before they sell it to a customer.
It’s also worth considering the warranty that a refurbished laptop will come with. Reputable sellers, such as BackMarket, provide a full one-year warranty on all of their devices. In addition to the warranty, a refurbished laptop will typically be sold with any necessary accessories and a power adapter, depending on the seller.
A refurbished laptop will typically have a lower warranty period than a new one. While you can buy a two-year warranty from some manufacturers, such as Dell and Apple, most will only give you a three-month warranty on their officially refurbished laptops. However, your rights under the Consumer Rights Act still apply and you can reject a laptop within 30 days if it’s unfit for purpose or not as described.
If you’re planning to finance your refurbished laptop, keep in mind that financing can cause a credit score drop. You should try to save as much as possible and then wait until you can afford the purchase outright. You might be able to get a great deal on your laptop by waiting, especially during sales like Black Friday or Back to School season. You can also consider saving money on a weekly or monthly basis to help you reach your goal faster. If you do decide to go with financing, it’s important to remember that your payments are reported to the credit bureaus.