Should You Buy A Refurbished Computer?

Retail

How do you know if a refurbished computer is right for you? That’s what KOMO News’ Connie Thompson came to find out from InterConnection.

What to Look for

When shopping for refurbished technology, there are some key things to pay attention to according to the consumer advocate group WashPIRG:

1. Review the vendor’s refurbishing process:
Terms such as “Like-New,” “Open-Box,” “Refurbished,” or “Certified Pre-Owned” can mean very different things to different retailers. If the seller doesn’t know their refurbishment process, then you should have a lot less confidence that the item will last.

2. Check the accessories:
Items that come with earphones, connecting cables, and charging stations when purchased new- don’t always come with those important accessories when purchased used. You should check to see what you are getting and whether you will need to purchase any accessories.

3. Get a good price:
Generally speaking, the cost for a reliable certified pre-owned piece of equipment is about 15-20% less than buying new, plus 10% less for each year since the item’s original date of sale.

4. Protect yourself:
Get a sense of the return policy. In addition to a reasonable return policy, you should expect at least a 90-day warranty in the event the item needs servicing.

Our Process

InterConnection is a nonprofit in the U.S. that follows R2 compliance and ISO14001 certification rules. This ensures that we meet the highest standards for electronics recycling and reuse.

Cleaning

• The hard drive data is erased using DoD-compliant methods.
• The computer is examined for any major cosmetic or internal damage.
• Dust is blown out using high pressure air from the power supply, processor, and fans and throughout the case.
• All stickers are removed and the case is cleaned.
• The motherboard is inspected for any faulty capacitors.

Refurbished and Tested to R2 compliance

• Any missing parts are replaced including: hard drive, RAM sticks, and video cards.
• The system BIOS is reset to default and the computer’s boot order is set to start with CD-ROM.
• Laptops are tested for key functions, i.e: LCD screen, hard drive, keyboard, battery, CMOS battery, ethernet, power supply, and drivers to all external ports and drives.
• Desktops are tested for key functions, i.e: hard drive, CMOS battery, ethernet, primary video port, power supply, and drivers to all external ports and drives.
• If requested: the computer can be refurbished to meet client specifications.

Quality Control

• Software is used to determine whether all key components, such as the Motherboard, Processor, RAM, optical drive and hard drive, are in working condition.
• All computers are logged into our database, and specs are printed and attached to all PCs and laptops.

Cosmetic Grade

• Cosmetic Grade A:
Grade A products will have overall excellent to very good cosmetic condition. Some Grade A units will be cosmetically pristine while others may have light scratches or other minor blemishes. Some laptops may exhibit few shiny areas around the keyboard (space bar, touchpad and/or touchpad buttons), but the keyboard keys will be in excellent condition). Cosmetic blemishes will have no impact to the system’s overall functionality or performance.
• Cosmetic Grade B:
These units will have some cosmetic blemishes  including scratches and/or other surface imperfections. Some laptops may exhibit shiny keys on the keyboard and/or shiny surfaces around the keyboard (all key characters will be legible). Grade B products are functionally equivalent to Grade A, and will include the same warranty and customer support as Grade A products. Pricing on Grade B products will typically be lower than Grade A products.

Software Install and Licensing

• All updates installed.
• Installation verified (verification that all drivers are present and up to date).
• Post-install software activation.

Packaging

• The computer is either taken to our Retail Store, boxed for domestic shipping, or palletized for wholesale shipment.
• A sticker with the computer’s specifications is attached. If listed on one of our online stores, the spec list is displayed there as well.

Our Warranty

News

Harry Egler, president of InterConnection, assures Connie Thompson of KOMO News that consumers are protected by our one-year warranty, “we guarantee [our computers] for a year, and that’s going to give you some peace of mind, and it’s not going to break the bank.”

Elise Orlick from WashPIRG recommends that you “focus on brands that have a track record of producing durable products.”

WashPIRG also cautions you to only deal with reputable electronic refurbishing pros who explain and stand behind their work. Keep in mind that some refurbished electronics are risky- including printers, which  can have undetected ink jams, and televisions- which are often made with fragile materials and can have a multitude of problems.

As a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, InterConnection’s processing standards allow us to offer high-quality computers at low-cost, and our one-year warranty protects consumers. Purchasing a refurbished computer from InterConnection will save your wallet, and the environment!

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