# How good are 'refurbs' **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 9, 2006, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503 "2006-12-09T20:41:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2006, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/1 "2006-12-09T20:41:13Z")
I see them offered all the time, refurbished computer stuff, and the price usually seems much lower then the new product (ironically sometimes not). But just how good are these things. I know that I have had new electronics that had a flaw that only came about after some usage, like a wireless router that would work for a few days then I would have to unplug for a few seconds and plug it back in. I assume that such a defect would not be caught by the refurb’ing process, though I guess that flashing the memory may help. So I would like to know how do refurbs compare to new products, things like return/defect rate, minor unfixed annoyances that some may be able to live with. Also personal experience welcome. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2006, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/2 "2006-12-09T21:42:03Z")
My $200 Brother sewing machine is a refurb/reconditioned unit, and I’m very happy with it. I’d be happier with a $3,000 Husqvarna or Bernina, but there ya go. I have this notion that reconditioned electronics and appliances have had all the bugs worked out, so they’re at least as good as new. **Someone** has checked the unit, and that’s not the case with new items, where quality control varies but isn’t usually 100%. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2006, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/3 "2006-12-09T21:48:52Z")
A whole lot of products are returned with nothing wrong with them. After they are verified to be working properly, they are no longer “new” but can be sold as refurbished even though nothing was ever wrong or fixed. Depending on the manufacturer, the secondary check to sell an item as refurbished may be as strong as the initial one so the risk is not really greater than the new product. Some items do need a repair to sell them again of course but they are generally tested as well. I have never had a problem buying a refurbished product and will continue to do so whenever it is an attractive option. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2006, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/4 "2006-12-09T22:30:13Z")
[QUOTE=Shagnasty] A whole lot of products are returned with nothing wrong with them. [/QUOTE] Yep. I returned a Bissell carpet cleaner because I thought it was defective. It wasn’t. The problem was a gasket in the wrong place, and it was in the wrong place because I put it there when filling the hot water thingie. ---
**Author:** ![According\_to\_Pliny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2006, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/5 "2006-12-09T22:36:01Z")
Beware of refurbs. I once worked with Computerland in the main distribution center when they were going strong, and they would get stuff returned to them all the time as defective. Usually, the guys would just see if it booted up, and if it did it got put into a “reconditioned” box. Any problem documentation was usually not even sent with the equipment by the store, so no other checks were made. Did not seem right to me. ---
**Author:** ![dwc1970](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a183cd/32.png) [@dwc1970](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwc1970)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2006, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/6 "2006-12-09T23:47:05Z")
I had a refurbished auto-reverse cassette deck once. It worked well for the most part, but one problem it had was every once in awhile, when reaching the end of the tape, the reverse mechanism would switch, but then switch back and then get caught in a loop. Ejecting and re-inserting the tape would usually solve the problem, but it was still a minor annoyance. YMMV, of course. ---
**Author:** ![groo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecd19e/32.png) [@groo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/groo)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/7 "2006-12-10T01:24:34Z")
I bought a refurbished Garmin iQue (GPS + Palm OS) from Amazon. No problems so far (9 months), and I paid about 60% of its full price. Very satisfied with the purchase. ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/8 "2006-12-10T01:50:20Z")
I’ve bought factory-refurbished computers for years, and my digital camera is a factory-refurbished model as well. Most of them come with the same warranty a new one does, at 30% off. I’ve never had a problem with any of them. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/9 "2006-12-10T02:59:12Z")
I have bought many a refurbished power tool, and never had a problem. YMMV of course ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/10 "2006-12-10T03:04:01Z")
Is anything ever “furbished?” I’ve only heard the word “refurbished,” never without the prefix. Does anyone use the word “furbish?” It sounds Yiddish. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/11 "2006-12-10T03:20:43Z")
[QUOTE=Argent Towers] Is anything ever “furbished?” I’ve only heard the word “refurbished,” never without the prefix. Does anyone use the word “furbish?” It sounds Yiddish. [/QUOTE] I came in to say this. I say it because I never hear anyone else say it. ---
**Author:** ![Rico](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rico/32/3582_2.png) [@Rico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rico)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/12 "2006-12-10T04:41:11Z")
From [www.dictionary.com](http://www.dictionary.com) : Result for: furbish –verb (used with object) 1. to restore to freshness of appearance or good condition (often fol. by up): to furbish a run-down neighborhood; to furbish up one’s command of a foreign language. [Origin: 1350–1400; ME furbishen \< MF forbiss-, long s. of forbir to polish, clean \< Gmc; cf. OHG furban] ---
**Author:** ![JThunder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e95f7d/32.png) [@JThunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JThunder)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/13 "2006-12-10T04:44:26Z")
[QUOTE=dwc1970] I had a refurbished auto-reverse cassette deck once. It worked well for the most part, but one problem it had was every once in awhile, when reaching the end of the tape, the reverse mechanism would switch, but then switch back and then get caught in a loop. Ejecting and re-inserting the tape would usually solve the problem, but it was still a minor annoyance. YMMV, of course. [/QUOTE] I don’t think refurbishing had anything to do with that. I’ve had a few of those autoreverse cassette decks a while back, and none of them worked very well. I suspect this is one reason why they became unavailable after a while. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/14 "2006-12-10T09:59:24Z")
[QUOTE=According to Pliny] Beware of refurbs. I once worked with Computerland in the main distribution center when they were going strong, and they would get stuff returned to them all the time as defective. Usually, the guys would just see if it booted up, and if it did it got put into a “reconditioned” box. Any problem documentation was usually not even sent with the equipment by the store, so no other checks were made. Did not seem right to me. [/QUOTE] That explains how many second marriages come to be. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/15 "2006-12-10T11:42:27Z")
Huh. I was just pondering this question yesterday. My awesome $100 coffeemaker took a dump. I really didn’t want to fork over another hunnert bucks right before Christmas, so I looked on line and found that it had a 3-year limited warranty (I’m not even sure what it was limited to). The refurbs were going for $60, but I called Bed, Bath and Beyond, where I purchased it, and they let me trade it in for a brand new one. Without a receipt. And didn’t even ask for identification. That store is so awesome…I wish they sold everything. ---
**Author:** ![Tomcat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Tomcat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tomcat)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/16 "2006-12-10T12:35:37Z")
I’ve bought probably a dozen refurbished products over the years…never had a problem with any of them. Always saved tons of money too. -Tcat ---
**Author:** ![Auntbeast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Auntbeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Auntbeast)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/17 "2006-12-10T13:50:55Z")
I had a Black & Decker Spacemaker coffee pot that my husband systematically destroyed. He broke the pot (could get a replacement) but then broke the reservoir (could not get a replacement) It is the love of my life (the coffeepot, not my husband) 🙂 The older model I have was fantastic, they did a remodel of it and the new version stinks. It was a pretty pricey item when I bought it. I found one refurbished at Big Lots for $16.99. I would have bought all they had. It has been fantastic. I’m not sure why a company would sell refurbished items, especially when they don’t sell spare parts for the items they have sold. I’m really glad they did though. ---
**Author:** ![KlondikeGeoff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3e96dc/32.png) [@KlondikeGeoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KlondikeGeoff)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/18 "2006-12-10T16:19:14Z")
It depends upon who does the “refurbish.” If it is sold by the large companies and factory refurbished, my experience is that they are just fine. And, as has been noted, usually come with a warranty. If offered by some online, but unknown vendor, I’d be cautious. Now, I just wish I could buy a refurbished copy of Windows! ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/19 "2006-12-10T19:56:36Z")
[QUOTE=AuntiePam] My $200 Brother sewing machine is a refurb/reconditioned unit, and I’m very happy with it. I’d be happier with a $3,000 Husqvarna or Bernina, but there ya go. . [/QUOTE] Husqvarna makes sewing machines _and_ motorcycles? I had no idea. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2006, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503/20 "2006-12-10T20:00:44Z")
[QUOTE=Spectre of Pithecanthropus] Husqvarna makes sewing machines _and_ motorcycles? I had no idea. [/QUOTE] And Chainsaw! They mus t be good at toys for girls and boys. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-refurbs/383503.md?page=2)