Now, before eyes start rolling, let us define what makes a refurbished TV set. It need not be a worn-out over used set turned on for countless hours while it is being displayed on a retail store, or a damaged unit brought in for repairs and resold.
Do not confuse refurbished with reconditioned, the latter is more of what you should avoid. Also, there are factory refurbished LCD units and third party refurbished. Opt for the former.
Refurbished LCD TV’s may include the following: (a) Units which have been returned by customers after 30 days of use (not necessarily defective). These units are practically as good as new and you need not worry about its condition or that it will blow up when you use it. Remember, a factory refurbished product generally still carries an official warranty.
(b) LCD TV’s which have been returned due to shipping or exterior damage. No, there is no problem with the set itself. There may be a few minor scratches in the outer shell of the unit, but that has been repaired by the manufacturer. Good as new and priced less. How can you resist something like that?
(c) The box of the brand new LCD unit has been opened. No, don’t laugh. A brand new unit with an opened box which has been reboxed by the manufacturer is considered a refurbished unit. And thanks to that, you get to pay less for the thing, which is practically brand new.
(d) LCDs with defects during production and have been recalled (and have been repaired by the manufacturer) .Now, you may want to pass on this one but still the unit has been repaired.
(e) Overstock Items. A new model comes out, and the older ones are sold on a sale, or are taken back by the manufacturer and are resold. These units are considered as refurbished units. Much lower priced than a newer model, and even lower priced compared to its contemporaries. And best of all, it is practically brand new.
In the opposing corner are flat panel displays or LCD’s (liquid crystal displays) commonly used in Cheap Laptops and fast becoming popular as desktop monitors. Their major selling points are a slim profile and light weight. A CRT can be deeper than it is wide, whereas a LCD with a base is only about a hand span deep. No heavy lifting required with a LCD; they weigh less than half the average CRT. LCD’s require half the power of CRTs and emit much less electromagnetic radiation which can interfere with other electronic devices.
LCD’s tend to be clearer than CRTs which can suffer from convergence or focus difficulties. Their improved clarity means that even small LCD’s can display higher resolutions than the corresponding sized CRT. They also make small text easier to read. Unlike CRTs, LCD monitors have only one optimal resolution. At lower resolutions, the screen is redrawn as a smaller area or all the pixels in the image are blown-up to fill the screen. The latter solution can make images look jagged and blocky, so be sure the resolution of the LCD is the resolution you want to use.
Question by Tipsy32: What does it mean to have a refurbished TV?
I was looking at a clearance sale and there is a 47″ LCD 1080p television but it was refurbished. What does it mean and is it worth buying or will it have problems?
Best answer:
Answer by mary k that usually means it broke down before, but has been fixed. if you buy it get a warranty.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Unwanted electronic gadgets power new Scottsdale firm
As consumers continue chasing after the latest versions of their favorite laptops, game systems, MP3 players, tablets and other gadgets, a Scottsdale-based company is hoping to make a profit by giving discarded electronics a second life. Read more on The Arizona Republic
Ever since I saved nearly 00 off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of my refurbished Sharp LCD HDTV, I’ve wondered why anybody would pay full price for a set that looks just the same as a brand new one. Is it because they think it’s easier to get in their car and drive all over town comparing inventory and prices in different stores? I found mine, bought it and had it delivered, and never had to leave the house! I don’t know about you, but for me it just doesn’t get any easier than that.
Do they think they’re somehow settling for lesser quality with a refurbished TV? It’s not like buying a used set, where you really don’t know what you’re getting. Refurbished TVs go through even more rigorous testing than the new sets. After the initial test, the set is cleaned and they make sure all the accessories and manuals are there. Then another test is done, called a “burn test.” The TV is left running for several days in a row to determine if there are any performance problems. If the set passes all the tests, it’s packed in a new factory carton; a new seal is attached and only then is it sent off to be distributed to the public.
Maybe they think the selection is not as good for refurbished sets. They couldn’t be more wrong. You can find refurbished TVs from almost every manufacturer. When you shop locally, you have to rely on the store buyer’s decisions as to which models and manufacturers you can choose from.
So I’m thinking maybe the reason more people don’t buy refurbished sets is one of two things. Either they’re unaware of how much time and money can be saved, or they’re actually buying them and not telling anyone. If I didn’t tell people that my set was refurbished, I guarantee there’s no way they would know just by looking at it.
If you’ve never bought a refurbished set before, I’ve got some great tips to help you. First of all, don’t even consider buying from a company who doesn’t offer a manufacturer’s warranty. These may be called “factory certified” guarantees. This way you know you’re buying a refurbished TV that the manufacturer has had properly tested, either in their own plant or one of their factory authorized refurbishing facilities.
Make sure it’s being sold by a manufacturer’s authorized dealer. Otherwise you could be getting a knock-off or look-alike without the quality assurance that a reputable dealer will give you.
I personally wouldn’t do business with a refurb retailer that didn’t offer a return policy. Even if you’re absolutely sure of what you want, it’s important to have a window of opportunity to return it if the situation warrants it.
Lastly, don’t jump into anything without shopping around at least a little bit, but once you’ve made up your mind, don’t wait too long. Inventory of refurbished electronics and appliances changes frequently and if you delay your purchase, the one you wanted may no longer be available.
All things considered, refurbished TV sets offer the same great name brand values as a new set for a fraction of the cost. Add the time you’ll save if you shop online and I think you’ll have to agree that buying a refurbished TV set is one of the smartest decisions you can make as an informed consumer.
Question by gio m: How can I tell if a tv is brand new or refurbished ?
I bought a Sharp Aquos (LC 46D64U) LCD TV but now I have doubts about the seller. What if they put a refurbished TV into a brand new TV box? Is there a way to find it out from the serial number?
Best answer:
Answer by MATTHEW B If it’s from a retailer they have to tell you it’s refurbished by law. If by a shady site or individual then you will always wonder. You can also contact the manufactorer who will have record of the serial number and will be able to tell you if it was sent back to be refurbished.
Also most times, your TV will be in better condition if it was refurbished, because most electronics are built via machinary, yet when an item is sent back, it is carefully tested by hand and the guy working on it, will go over every facet of the piece of gear, and then test it and other functions to make sure it is tip top shape. Where brand new items are built by machine and then just mass tested to see if they work (turn on and off) before being packed for shipping.
Chance at Eugene Mission ‘a miracle’
After a day on the streets, the man was tired and hungry. He pushed on the “transient door” and, like the homeless men around him, entered the Eugene Mission on a cold night in January. Tattered jeans. Reeboks from Goodwill. An Old Navy front-zipping hoodie over a “Lucky Irish” T-shirt. … Read more on The Register-Guard
Stephen Foley: Disappointing Argos must take care of itself
Outlook With sales sliding at an annual rate of 5.6 per cent, and profits down for the third year in a row, Argos looks less like a business suffering the recessional blues, and more like a business in trouble. Read more on Independent
Calendar
Submissions for “Community Calendar” are required two weeks preceding the date of publication. Send to: Mary Ann Bottari, Pioneer Press, 3701 W. Lake Ave., Glenview IL 60026; mbottari@pioneerlocal.com. Information may be faxed to (847) 486-7495. Read more on Park Ridge Herald-Advocate
It is not a new thing that every consumer, including you and me also, searches for a better way to save as much money as one can while making a purchase. This is a common habit in this modern world where people run after money, not for quality. Even while purchasing a new digital camera, or a PC or a LCD TV, people still look for a cheap price product.
On the other hand, who would not want to possess a quality product, no matter what their price is. Now, to spare you from being too extravagant, especially while purchasing an expensive electronic product, I would rather suggest you to go for their refurbished product. Those refurbished products more or less have all the features that its original version holds, with the only subtle difference that the price is considerably much less. It is a much better way to save your money.
And, this also goes for the LCD TV. If you want to possess a LCD TV set that has brilliant features but is too expensive, then you should go straight for a refurbished version. There are two types of refurbished products, namely factory refurbished product and third party refurbished product. As a side note, I would recommend you to purchase the factory refurbished product as there is much guarantee in there that makes its price a bit higher than that of the third party refurbished product.
Just to give you an example, let me tell you a small incident. A friend of mine longed to have the innovative Samsung’s HT-BD1250 model which was packaged with many intriguing features of the contemporary demand. But he had a budget-tight situation and also his simple-living-higher-thinking motto made him hold back from being that extravagant. However, he soon found out a way for his dilemma. The thing he did was that he opted for the Samsung HT-BD1250′s factory refurbished version which was on the online LCD TV sales in the FefurbDepot. This refurbished version had its price below 0. So, my friend not only got his wish fulfilled but also saved about 60% money that he would have had to spend for purchasing an original version.
Since a refurbished version is cheap in price i.e. about 50%-70% savings per buy, you may wonder why that is so if you have not ever bought a refurbished product. So, to be frank, a refurbished product is more or less the same as a new one but the thing is that it may have dents, scratches or any other unknown defects. Now, you may be afraid to purchase a refurbished product but it is a good way to save your money and the hopeful feature is that there is some guarantee in there, be it a LCD TV sales or any other electronics.
23 Inch LCD TV makes it easy for you to get useful reviews on different brands of LCD TVs along with the facility to have LCD TV sales and purchases from best dealers.
Question by Kia Koala Victorino (8): Have you ever bought a refurbished TV?
I have been online shopping for a Flat screen HD LCD screen TV. Preferably 37 or 42 inches, wall mount or stand, doesn’t really matter, but looking on Amazon i noticed they have a lot of used ones from TV sales places. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations/warnings for someone looking for a deal like this? Thanks!!!
Best answer:
Answer by R T Used and refurbished are two different things.
“Used” are just that – used. The question is: how much? If it was used as a display model and ran 24×7 for a year, it’s different than if it was sent to a consumer and returned after a week. I’ve noticed some hotels selling “used” sets, too. You have to be really careful with these.
“Refurbished” on the other hand usually indicates that the set was sent back to the factory, many times for a warranty repair, and the factory returned it to like new condition and specifications. These can be a good deal, they usually carry the same warranty as a new unit at a discounted price. I’ve purchased many refurbished items before. Just make sure it was refurbished at the factory and carries a full manufacturer’s warranty.
Seasonal and clearance sales are always on the agenda of bargain hunters, but there is a further option – that of buying refurnished products. For example, a refurbished LCD TV may sell online for anything from 50% to 70% of its retail price.
Still, even at these big savings, it is not easy to get someone to buy a refurbished product for the first time. To the uninformed, buying a refurbished product may seem like a compromise; it is as if buying a car with dents and scratches on the paintwork, or unknown problems with the mechanics. However, in the electronics world, things are somewhat different. It is unfortunate that to many, it is not so obvious what the tag ‘refurbished electronics‘ does actually mean.
Refurbished electronics can be either third-part refurbs or manufacturer (factory) refurbs. Third-party refurbs offer greater savings and do come with a warranty but it is only factory refurbished electronics that come with a manufacturer warranty. For the smart shopper, buying factory refurbished electronics is a way to enjoy substantial discounts and still have a product that is essentially ‘like new’, but…
You need to exercise constant vigilance when buying refurbished electronics.
This is only possible if you have a thorough understanding of what the ‘refurbished‘ tag, once assigned to a product, implies in the electronics world.
What ‘refurbished’ products are not?
Before we delve further into what may qualify as refurbished electronics, it is important to get a clear understanding of what cannot be labeled as ‘refurbished’. In particular, there is the misconception that ‘refurbished’ and reconditioned’ are the same.
A refurbished product may or may not have been installed, repaired, or slightly used for reasons given further on in this article. On the other hand, a reconditioned item is a used product, that may have been used for an extended period by a first owner – often under lease – but then was repaired (not necessarily by the manufacturer), and resold by a retailer.
‘Used‘ re-conditioned products represent greater savings over refurb units as these sell cheaper, but then such products constitute a higher risk. This risk is even more pronounced when dealing with expensive electronic products such as rear projection TVs, home theater projectors, flat-panel HDTV sets and the like. You can never really tell what has been the impact on the aging of the respective electronic components inside the unit as a result of the previous use.
We say: Be wary of such products. Instead, if you are after a smart buy and a great bargain, opt only for ‘factory certified‘ refurbished products. These still represent substantial savings over the normal retail price, and carry a manufacturer’s warranty.
So… what qualifies as ‘Refurbished Electronics’?
In general, refurbished electronics are items that were returned for one reason or another, to the manufacturer. These items are then re-tested at the factory to make sure they are in tip-top shape. Any defective or damaged parts – if need be – will be replaced in order to restore the product to its original specification, and then the product is repackaged ‘like new’.
Consumer laws prevent manufacturers from selling anything considered factory refurbished electronics as ‘new’ since the original factory seal has been broken; hence these items are sold as ‘refurbished products’ often at deeply discounted prices.
More specifically, reasons for returns include:
Customer Return: Most major retailers offer a 30-day money back guarantee; during this period, a customer may return the product for whatever reason and still get full refund. If there is nothing wrong with the product, most stores will simple reduce the price and resell it as an ‘open box’ special. However, if there is some sort of defect, the product is returned to the manufacturer were it is inspected and/or repaired, and then repackaged for sale as a refurbished item.
Shipping and Exterior Damage: These include damaged packaging due to mishandling, the elements, etc., in which case the product itself may be perfectly fine. These may also include minor damage to the product exterior casing, such as dents, scratches, etc., and any other exterior damage that in it self would not affect the product performance. Retailers would normally return these products to the manufacturer. The manufacturer would then inspect the product, replace any damaged casing, etc., and then repackage the item just like new. However, these items cannot be sold as new; hence they are tagged as refurbished electronics.
Demonstration Units: Sometimes demonstration units at major retail stores, trade shows, and even returned items by product reviewers, are often returned to the manufacturer where they are inspected and/or repaired if needed, and repackaged as refurbished units.
Opened Box: Sometimes, if a box was simply opened, the item is returned to the manufacturer where it is re-tested and repackaged. Even though technically, there is no issue here, yet the item cannot be classified as new; instead, it will have to be sold as refurbished electronics.
Defect during Production: If a specific component is identified as defective once the product leaves the factory – say as a result of an abnormal number of customer returns during the warranty period, a manufacturer may recall a product from a specific batch or production run that exhibits the same defect. When this occurs, the manufacturer can repair all the defective units and send them back out to retailers for sale as refurbished units.
Overstock Items: While most retailers with an overstock of a particular item would simply reduce the price and put the item on sale for clearance, yet there are instances when a manufacturer wants to introduce a new model on the market at a time when there are still a substantial number of older models on stores shelves. In these circumstances, the manufacturer may opt to collect any remaining stock of the older model and redistribute them to specific refurb retailers for quick clearance. Overstock items are brand new items; these can be sold either as a ‘special promos’ for quick clearance, or can be labeled as refurbished electronics and sold at deep discounts.
To strike the best deal, you have to act fast, but not too fast!
Fast… because when it comes to refurbished electronics, you cannot expect to simply walk into a store and pick up your favorite refurbished LCD TV or plasma unit off the shelf. Major refurb retailers like Second Act, work with manufacturers and distributors to acquire as many products as possible, yet the quantity they acquire can vary from just a few units to a couple of hundred units. In other words, you never really know how long they will last, and at the big savings associated with refurbished products, inventory levels change all the time. Additionally, you never really know if a particular model will be available as refurbished item.
But… do not just jump on the first deal. Act too quick and you may equally miss on the right deal. Act only when you feel you have got the right product at the right price. Once you think you have found what you want, then it is time to check with the retailer about return policies and warranty issues. If the refurbish item is factory-refurbished and comes with a full manufacturer warranty, then it is time to act!
Finally, remember: Purchasing a refurbished item can be a great way to a smart buy. There is no reason why the ‘refurbished’ tag should lead to a negative connotation to the product under consideration. At the same time, it is important that you inspect the product yourself within the return policy period. This is especially important since with refurbished electronics, you are getting a bit of a hit on product warranty in that you are only getting a typical 90 days warranty against the one year or so associated with standard products.
Happy bargain hunting!
This article is an excerpt from a detailed informative guide appearing on Practical-Home-Theater-Guide.COM, and that discusses at greater length the issue of ‘Buying Refurbished Electronics‘. It provides additional tips and advice that should help you transform the risk into a great buy – one that results in a big reduction in price. This additional information should also prove useful especially when buying online.
Read the complete article at http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/refurbished-electronics.html. Andrew Ghigo – A Telecoms/Electronics engineer by profession, with specialization in digital switching and telecoms fraud management systems; a keen home theater enthusiast, with a lifelong interest in home electronics and a devoted audiophile for the last 25-yrs.
Editor and publisher of http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com – a comprehensive home theater guide to home theater systems, product reviews and home theater design. Copyright (c) 2004/2007 practical-home-theater-guide.com. All rights reserved.
New show on WILM-TV showcases area attractions
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