You go into an e-commerce store to buy a computer, a food processor or a refrigerator and they offer you a deal: buy it reconditioned for a fraction of the price. You’ve probably seen it, because it’s a trend that’s gaining ground and is becoming more and more attractive to more and more users. This has been confirmed by a study carried out by Wallapop together with 40db, which analyses the perception of Spaniards regarding conscious consumption models and the circular economy: one in five people say they have bought more reconditioned products than last year, and it is expected that, within five years, nine out of ten will buy at least as many reconditioned products as new ones.
Amazon, Apple, eBay, El Corte Inglés, Fnac, MediaMarkt, PcComponentes, Worten… The list of stores that already offer this option is very long, and is completed with other options such as Back Market or Manzanas Usadas, which are dedicated exclusively to the sale of this type of products. The most triumph In this market, these are household appliances (robot vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, fryers, etc.), computer and electronic equipment (routers, external memory or headphones) and personal care devices (electric epilators, hair straighteners or razors).
Refurbished or reused?
But what exactly does this label mean? Is second-hand the same as reconditioned? The truth is that no, and the main difference is who sells them and in what condition. Whereas second-hand products have had an owner (usually a private individual) who has used them more or less and then put them up for sale, reconditioned products are sold exclusively by shops. And not only that, but before doing so they have been subjected to an exhaustive inspection and adjustment process to guarantee their condition.
This task can be carried out by the platform in question if it has an internal department capable of doing so, and if not, it can be done through a specialized external company. In fact, there are some, such as Anovo, that are dedicated solely to this: it manages an annual average of five million devices from more than 350 different manufacturers in its official technical service role and from the main ones. retailers nationwide, which is then returned for sale on different platforms.
More information
In any case, the process goes through very similar steps, which begin with an inspection in which any damage or defect is visually verified. Next, a thorough cleaning is carried out, replacing any parts that are not in optimal condition and updating the softwarefinally subjecting each product to a series of quality tests that guarantee its proper functioning.
Typically, once everything is certified as OK, a rating is assigned to each device that reflects its condition. For example, on Amazon there are four categories (new, very good, good and acceptable), while on PcComponentes there are three (perfect, semi-new or in working order), to which an additional option is added: the items Refurbished o Recertified, which come directly from the manufacturer, but are not completely new products.
Depending on the condition of the product, the discount on the price compared to a new one will vary, even reaching 50%, and so will the warranty, which is generally between one and three years.
What to consider when purchasing a refurbished product?
When purchasing a refurbished product, there are a few crucial aspects to consider.
- Check the description. In theory, all platforms provide buyers with information describing the condition, possible defects and other characteristics. If it is incomplete, ask.
- Warranty. It is not the same on all platforms or for all products, and varies depending on the category assigned by the state. The legal minimum for this type of product is one year, but if they are very new, it can last up to three years.
- Return policy. Please review it before purchasing, and bear in mind that you can exercise your right to withdraw within a minimum period of 14 days if, after viewing the product, it does not meet your expectations. In this regard, if the purchase is online, it is also worth knowing whether the return will entail any costs associated with shipping costs.
- Please check it carefully once you receive it. Experts recommend recording the opening of the package to avoid fraud.
