Don't Buy Refurbished Tech This Back-to-School Season Without Reading This

Understanding the Stress of Back-to-School Tech Purchases

Back-to-school tech purchases are causing significant stress for many adults in the United States. A recent survey revealed that 78% of shoppers are worried about making big-ticket purchases, such as tablets and laptops. The concerns include high prices, unexpected fees, and the challenge of finding a quality device.

One effective way to reduce costs is by purchasing refurbished technology. This strategy is supported by experts in the field. When David Carnoy, an executive editor and tech expert, buys refurbished products, they are often labeled "Like new" or "Very good." He notes that in some cases, a previous generation of a premium product can be just as good as the current model but at a significantly lower price.

Before purchasing a laptop from a secondhand seller, there are several tips to consider to ensure you get the best deal and quality, even if it's not the latest model.

Check the Battery Health First

To ensure long-term quality, Carnoy recommends checking the battery's condition to make sure it is in excellent shape or has recently been replaced. Matt Elliott, a senior editor and computer expert, agrees that this is the most important detail to look at.

"When a battery starts to degrade, it really begins to shorten the lifespan of the product and your return on investment," Elliott said. Some laptops have built-in apps and software to check the battery life. For example, if you're buying a MacBook, you can go to the System Settings to check the battery health. If it's "Normal," the battery should be fine. However, alerts like "Replace Now" or "Replace Soon" should be a cause for concern if you're considering purchasing the laptop in that condition.

If battery longevity is a top priority, start by looking at the best battery-life laptops to maximize your runtime.

Make Sure Your Device Has a Warranty and Return Policy

Most new products come with a one-year limited warranty to cover any defects or software issues. Carnoy recommends at least a one-year warranty for any used device you buy.

Backmarket is one of the few secondhand retailers recommended by HAWXTECH experts. It offers a one-year limited warranty from the date of delivery, covering defects. However, like most warranties, it does not cover accidents or parts that have been modified. Elliott also suggests being aware of the return policy before buying. Backmarket’s return policy is 30 days, which is standard for most retailers.

Closely Look at the Device Before Buying

Some scratches or features may be worth overlooking, especially if they don't affect functionality. However, Elliott recommends taking a close look at the device before purchasing.

"Read the product description very carefully so you understand the type of wear and tear on the product to prevent being disappointed if it arrives with a scratch, dent, or another cosmetic defect," says Elliott.

Carnoy bought a refurbished iPad from Best Buy that was in "Fair" condition but had a steep discount. It had a single scratch mark, but he was able to cover it with a case, making it worth the cost. In other cases, you may save money by getting the latest version with no dings or defects.

"For instance, Sony's current flagship headphone, the WH-1000XM6 costs $450. But Sony still sells the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4, which cost less and are still very good headphones," said Carnoy.

But it's always best to look closely at the device and its specifications before you buy. If you're unsatisfied, that's where the return policy can come in handy.

Don’t Ignore Deals on New Tech

Retailers, including Best Buy, Apple, Lenovo, and Amazon, all have deals in time for back-to-school, so don't let secondhand tech be your only money-saving strategy.

Some retailers may offer deals on new tech that could mean you'll save even more money than buying a used laptop or tablet, and some last for a while. For example, students, parents, and educators can choose AirPods or an eligible accessory when buying a Mac or iPad with educational savings through Sept. 30.