I would like to know others experiences with refurbished electronics/appliances. With the rising gas prices and everything else hitting the already streched pocket book during the holiday season , I am considering refurbished items.

First of all do they look new or look all scratched up?

Do they work as good as new ones?

Do refurbished items last just as long as new ones or do they need repairs more often?

Do they come packaged like the new ones?

I have lots of Q's. But would like to know what moms here think.

Thanks.

It really depends on the company and who is selling them. I, personally, would not buy a refurb item from a third party that refurbs them. I would only buy factory refurbished things from a reputable, authorized dealer. I used to work in the computer industry. Refurb items could be returns (from an end user and gone over, cleaned and tested or repaired), simply product that was returned by a retailer because a newer model replaced it, or it could truly be "used" product that has been brought up to mfr. specs. It could also be recalled product that has been repaired with the defect removed and then resold. They should come with the mfr's warranty, but often a less amount of time than new. Apple, however, sells their refurbs (which are great) at a discount but with full warranty. They are sold online and also in the stores - but you have to ask. They won't offer.

That said, you also want to go with a known name. Last year, I made the mistake of buying a combo VCR/DVD player from Outpost.com, which is Fry's Electronics. It said refurb, but based on the qty available, I figured it was a factory spec issue, and it was only $25 plus shipping. The warranty was only 90 days. You guessed it. After 120 days it went bad. My biggest mistake was buying a name I didn't know; ESA. I read the reviews, too. And of course, Fry's will do nothing for me. But I bought a brand new toaster with a similar issue. so....sigh.

So, if you go refurb, make sure it's a factory refurb (they used the factory-approved parts and offer the factory warranty), check your warranty, and buy brand names from reputable retailers. And yes, most package in original boxes, but must have a tag somewhere that identifies it as refurb...but....some use code. HP used 888 after the model number, but the word "refurb" was nowhere on the box.

If you're careful, it can be a great way to save. (Don't buy Oreck refurbs (or new Orecks, either in my personal opinion), as you'll get a used one from a return under their return policy, and you can tell.

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We bought a refurbished printer and it's been better than any printer we've ever had. I agree that it would probably depend on the product and if I could see it or not. But I think if you buy from someone reputable they're supposed to be fine.

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Thanks for the excellent pointers. It was a good reminder to do more research into the product before actually purchasing refurbished items.

I agree with the PPs, it would depend on several factors for me...is there a warranty, can I exchange it, reputation of the brand, etc. I bought a refurbished item from Apple.com and while it looked fine, I did not like it and returned it. I also purchased a sound machine from shaper image and it was a great price, had a few scratches on it but it's held up great in the year we have owned it. Good luck with your decision!

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