Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll say I’m frugal. Heck, you can call me cheap — I won’t be offended.
I’ll let you in a little secret, too. Sometimes, buying used is totally the way to go. There are some things I would only buy new, but tech isn’t one of them. There are some darn good deals out there if you’re willing to find them, from Apple, Amazon, eBay, you name it.
Before you jump into the world of refurbished items, there are a few things to keep in mind. Yes, there’s a chance of getting a counterfeit item or ending up with a busted product on delivery. But now I’m gonna flip the script — let’s look at the signs you can trust a refurbished product and save some moolah.
This is a must: Always check for brand-level certification on refurbished products. Apple-certified refurbishments, for example, go through a rigorous restoration process.
Third parties can sell these certified used products, but Apple (and other brands) ultimately ensures the quality is up to code in every component. Dyson, iRobot, KitchenAid and many other stores have these certified refurbishments.
Pay attention to the fact that I am specifying brand-certified. Some sites try to get around this by offering special “certifications” of their own, like Gazelle-certified — but that’s not the same. You want certification from the brand that manufactured the product.
Fun fact: By federal law, secondhand goods are required to have a return policy. Sounds great, but a lot of sites don’t follow that rule. To guarantee a good buy, look for a return policy that’s at least 14 days and totally free to use. If you can’t find a return policy, nope, right out of there.
Look for a warranty, too. While the original one may not apply to refurbished goods, you can usually find a refurbished warranty for around three months. That’s really important, guys and gals. Refurbished products tend to be older, so open them immediately and watch for unexpected problems or malfunctions before that period ends.
Let’s look at Amazon’s refurbished products. They call it Amazon Renewed. You have 90 days from when the product ships to make sure all is well. If anything goes wrong, you can get a replacement or refund. And you can save big time on popular stuff.
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Look around your house. How much do you think you have spent on gadgets and tech subscriptions over the years?
With shiny new gear popping up daily and yet another streaming service there to woo you, it’s hard to stop the flow of cash. I can help. Here are all the best ways to scan without shelling out money for a scanner. You’re welcome.
Many big tech brands sell refurbished gadgets — not brand-new but fully checked and working. Apple has refurbished MacBooks, computers and AirPods with a one-year warranty. Amazon Renewed has everything from the 2022 Apple Watch model to Beats headphones and smart TVs.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Amazon is already one of the best places to shop online, but did you know you can save even more money if you know where to look?
Amazon shoppers, especially Prime members, have access to benefits like premium credit cards, subscription orders and other unique ways to save. Tap or click here to see how to get even more out of your Amazon account.
When it comes to holiday shopping, price tags can add up quickly. If you’re buying for a large family or group of friends, those purchases can easily surpass your budget before you even realize it.
It’s important to stick to your budget when you’re shopping for holiday gifts (or yourself), but you can’t always run out and search the sales racks of your local retailers to find what you’re looking for. You know what you can do, though? You can shop Amazon Renewed.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
What a year it has been for our collective wallets. Now that the holiday shopping season is underway, I bet you’re thinking about ways you can save money.
First, remember you don’t have to spend a fortune on a great gift. Here’s my guide to presents people will love under $100. If you can budget a little more, check out my best tech picks under $150.
You don’t have to spend big money to get reliable tech. Plenty of companies offer discounts on used or refurbished gadgets that work just as well as brand-new items. In fact, some of these companies even offer extended warranties for pre-owned merchandise.
Last month, Apple debuted a range of new iPads, updated Apple Watches and the new iOS 14 operating system. But something was curiously absent from the keynote that many were looking forward to: the mysterious iPhone 12.
As anyone who loves tech can tell you, owning all the latest gadgets isn’t cheap. To stay on the cutting edge, you can easily blow through several paychecks on new equipment each year. This barely leaves any room for bills and essentials.
