This is a prevalent question among computer users that – are refurbished monitors worth it. Now, we wish could provide a good and clear answer to this. But unfortunately, there are a lot of things to discuss before we can come to a conclusion.
As a result, we have come up with this post to discuss the pros and cons of going with a refurbished monitor. By the time you have read this post, you will be able to decide for yourself whether it is a good idea to go for a refurbished monitor or not.
So, let’s get to the good part…
Are Refurbished Monitors Worth It?
Before we dive into the main discussion, let’s get familiar with the term ‘Refurbished Monitor’.
Now, a refurbished monitor is not actually a ‘gone bad’ monitor. Rather, it is almost good as new. Typically, whenever you are buying a new monitor, it comes with a return policy.
If you notice some minor issues with the monitor or are not satisfied with it, you can return it to the seller. In that case, the manufacturer will take it back and start to fix the customer’s stated issues.
After that, they will perform very strict quality control. After they are assured that the monitor is good as new, only then they will offer it as a refurbished monitor. Yet, in this case, it will have a lower price compared to a brand new monitor, obviously.
To put it simply, your refurbished monitor is actually a used monitor.
Somebody has already used it. But they have returned it to the seller because of some issues with the monitor. Later, the manufacturer has released them in the market after repairing them very strictly.
Positives of Buying Refurbished Monitors
In this section, we will talk about some of the benefits of buying a refurbished monitor. So, let’s go…
- Price
You might have already guessed that the best thing about a refurbished monitor is its price. You can get a refurbished monitor for a very cheap price.
Now, depending on the seller and brand, the price might vary. However, we think if the price is not half the original price, then it is not worth it to buy a refurbished monitor.
That is why the best idea would be to look for the original price firsts. Then check the refurbished option from several sellers to get the best deal. So, the lower price is a good thing about a refurbished monitor.
- Quality Control
As refurbished monitors are returned from the customers, they go through strict quality control the next time they enter the market. So, you can be sure that the monitor will work this time.
Of course, it depends on the brand or the seller. Because many refurbished devices don’t go through a strict quality check. So, you will have to make sure you are getting the refurbished monitor from a trusted seller or brand.
- Warranty
Typically, new monitors will come with a great warranty policy. Now, if you are buying your refurbished monitor from a reliable seller, you will also get a warranty with the monitor even if it’s refurbished. In that case, you will have peace of mind knowing that you are getting a monitor with a warranty yet at a lower price.
- Certified Refurbished
When you are going to buy a refurbished monitor or any other refurbished products, you will notice the term ‘Certified Refurbished’. But what does it mean? It is simple really.
Whenever a customer returns a product to the manufacturer because of any fault or issues in the product. The manufacturer doesn’t simply clean it up and repackage it.
They start to find the source of the fault and fix it. After that, they will run the monitor through a rigorous quality control test. They will make sure that the monitor doesn’t have the previous issues.
Matter of fact, if they find any other new issues with the monitor during the quality control check, it will be fixed as well. After all this strict testing, the manufacturer will certify the monitor as refurbished. And that is what we call ‘Certified Refurbished’.
That means the manufacturers not only have fixed the issues with it; they have also gone ahead and checked for further issues. And upon finding out such problems that have solved them as well.
As a result, certified refurbished monitors also come with a good warranty policy. Fortunately, in most cases, you will also be provided with the original packaging, accessories, and even the instruction manual as well. So, buying a ‘Certified Refurbished’ monitor has its pros.
Negatives of Buying Refurbished Monitors
Above, we have talked about some of the positive things about buying a refurbished monitor. However, like every other thing, it also has negatives. Now, in this section, we will be talking about the cons of buying a refurbished monitor. So, let’s go…
- Hard To Find Latest Models
If you are looking to buy the latest monitor model, you might have to skip the refurbished monitor section. Why?
You can see that whenever a new monitor is released, the customers don’t return the product instantly. Most of them use their monitor for a while before returning it if they are not satisfied with it.
And then, the manufacturer will start to fix it. To put it simply, it will take a lot of time for a faulty monitor to enter the market as a refurbished one. Thus, most of the time, there will be no refurbished monitors of the latest models in the market.
- Warranty Period
Yes, there are a lot of brands that offer a good warranty on refurbished products. But you will have to remember that in most cases the warranty period will be less than the original warranty. Also, some refurbished monitors don’t even come with a free warranty.
Rather, you might have to buy extended warranty protection for an additional fee, if you want peace of mind. More to that, for some particular monitors, you might not even get a warranty. You should avoid those at all costs.
- It’s Used
Even if the monitor is fixed and repackaged by the manufacturer, a refurbished monitor is a used monitor in reality. So, you don’t how the other user have treated this product. Also, you don’t know how long they have used it.
- Reliability
Yes, most certified refurbished monitors tend to work as good as new. However, still, there could be some issues with the monitor.
Also, in many cases, the monitor might have some scratches or smudges over the body or the display panel. There are many reports out there that the refurbished products don’t last like an original one.
- Depends on the Manufacturers
Based on the manufacturer and brand, quality control might vary. So, you can’t be 100% sure about the process of quality control of each brand.
It is possible that you have bought your refurbished monitor from a seller who didn’t fix all the issues regarding the monitor in the first place. So, you might have to return it as well. And, it will be a hassle to buy a refurbished monitor in this case.
- Poor Packaging
Not all the refurbished monitors will come with the original packaging. Matter of fact, some refurbished monitors might not even have good packaging. In those cases, your monitor might get damaged while on shipping.
So, make sure you are getting a refurbished monitor with good packaging.
- Accessories
A new monitor will come with all of its accessories like the power adapter, display cables, and even the instruction manual. However, a refurbished might not come with such accessories or the user manual.
In that case, you will have to buy the accessories by spending additional money. So, you should keep an eye on that as well.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Refurbished Monitor
Now that you know the pros and cons of getting a refurbished monitor, we will continue to talk about some of the important factors you should consider before buying one. So, here we go…
Warranty
Our suggestion would be to skip the refurbished monitors that don’t have any warranty. That way you are getting a monitor that will have a warranty policy. So, after you have bought it and a new issue has appeared, you will be able to send it to warranty.
Age of the Monitor
Typically, you would not be able to know how long the previous owners have used it earlier. But you should know the approximate age of the monitor. To do that, you can search on Google by the release date of said monitor.
Always, try to find a newer model of monitor. If you see that the refurbished monitor has been released 3 years ago, we would suggest not to go with it. Why? Because the company might have stopped manufacturing the monitor already.
Also, it will be difficult to find any accessories or spare parts after a long period of time. So, if you want to repair your monitor later, it will be a hassle.
Brand and Customer Feedback
It goes without saying that you should go for a reliable brand. There are many top brands are selling refurbished monitors. So, make sure, you are dealing with a top-rated company.
Also, don’t forget to look for feedback from the previous customers if possible. That way, you will know whether it is going to be a good deal or not. Don’t get tempted by a low price offer from a non-reliable brand. Always try to buy from a good trustworthy brand or seller.
Pricing
It would be best if you researched the original price of the monitor you will buy in the first place. Many sellers are selling refurbished monitors at the same price as the original one. And unfortunately, many buyers are falling into the trap of buying a refurbished monitor at a very high price.
It is because they have not checked the current original price of the monitor. Don’t do any such thing. Always compare the price of a few different sellers before pulling the trigger. If the price is not at least 20% less than the original price, you should not spend the money on it.
Rather, we would suggest you buy a new original monitor with your hard-earned money.
Sum Up
If you have read the post above, you will have the idea that there are both benefits and risks in buying a refurbished monitor.
If you have the budget for buying a brand new monitor, you should not go for a refurbished monitor. Matter of fact, even if you have to wait a few days or months to increases your budget to get your dream monitor, we would suggest you wait it out. Because a brand new monitor has a lot of perks compared to a refurbished one.
So, if you have the ability to buy a brand new monitor, you should go for it. On the contrary, if you are running low on the budget and want to snap a great deal, then a certified refurbished monitor might be worth it. Still, there are risks. But it would help if you considered all the factors we have already discussed in the post above before buying a refurbished monitor.
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