Refurbished hardware is defective hardware that has been patched up.

The truth of this myth is that refurbished hardware doesn’t necessarily mean it’s defective. 

When considering purchasing refurbished equipment, this is the biggest concern. It must be pointed out that refurbished does not necessarily mean that something was once defective. Operating systems and hardware are changing at a rapid pace and some companies simply have the budget or prefer to replace their perfectly good equipment when they feel that they are due for an upgrade. This “older“ equipment is then sold and companies that specialise in refurbished equipment have access to machines that have nothing materially wrong with them. After a few upgrades, the equipment is often as good as new.  

 

Refurbished hardware is old and out of date 

If you think back to when mobile phones were not smart phones. Companies such as Nokia and Erikson only released a new phone once every three to five years. Nowadays, smartphone companies release new phones almost every quarter.   

This is indicative of the pace of technological change and the simple fact that it is simply cheaper to replace IT equipment in some counties than it is to refurbish them. But if you think of your phone that you have only had for a year or maybe even a few months, is there anything seriously wrong with it? Yes, it may be old in terms of the technology that runs it, but it is far from the traditional definition of old.  

 

Refurbished hardware = used hardware 

Used hardware is sold as is. Think of the time when you took your old PC or laptop to Cash Converters or Cash Crusaders and sold it to them as is. This is used hardware.  

This is not the case with refurbished hardware. A lot of time and effort is taken to ensure that refurbished hardware does not come with any technical or material damage and that the best operating system and specs are installed on the machine.  

 

The lifespan of refurbished equipment is short 

This is not true. In fact, you are sometimes better off purchasing a refurbished piece of equipment than a new one.  

When you purchase a new piece of equipment, you typically get a -12-month warrantee. But what happens to the laptop or PC when it breaks down outside of this warrantee period? You are responsible for the repair and maintenance of the piece of equipment.  Refurbished IT equipment typically comes with an extended warrantee.  Furthermore, many companies that specialise in refurbished equipment offer extended service plans.  

 

You are purchasing a lesser machine 

Because technology is becoming more compact and accessible, you no longer have to purchase a whole new machine to get a new processor.   

Likewise, a refurbished machine can be opened up and replaced with parts that will make the machine run just as well as a brand-new machine.  

 

You are getting a massive discount on refurbished equipment 

This is where you need to be careful. At times, refurbished equipment may  be priced  slightly cheaper than the brand-new equivalent.  

But you need to look at what you are getting for the price. Some authorised refurbishers sell corporate grade machines that are built for longevity and reliability. So, while you may not be getting a massive upfront discount, you will be purchasing a piece of equipment designed for long term use, has additional updates and extra security features.  

 

You don’t receive a guarantee when you purchase refurbished equipment 

This is not true. Refurbished products are commonly guaranteed and as a refurbished IT reseller QStore is obsessed with quality and will go out of their way to offer you the best product.