Refurbishment (electronics): Difference between revisions
the reason isn't important |
m Reverted edits by 119.82.82.126 (talk): using Wikipedia for advertising/promotion (HG) (3.4.12) |
||
(42 intermediate revisions by 29 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description| |
{{Short description|Restoration and testing of pre-owned electronic devices prior to resale}} |
||
{{Cleanup bare URLs|date=August 2022}} |
|||
{{cleanup|reason=formatting|date=October 2017}} |
{{cleanup|reason=formatting|date=October 2017}} |
||
In [[electronics]], '''refurbishment''' is the practice of restoring and testing a [[Used good|pre-owned]] electronic device so that it can be re-sold. '''Refurbished electronics''' are therefore pre-owned electronic devices (usually [[Smartphone|smartphones]], [[Tablet computer|tablets]], or [[Laptop|laptops]]), that have been tested by a reseller to confirm that they are fully working. Other refurbished electronics include [[Smartwatch|smartwatches]], [[Video game console|games consoles]], and [[Camera|cameras]]. |
|||
'''Refurbishment''' is the distribution of products (generally electronics) that have been previously returned to a manufacturer or vendor for any reason, not sold in the market or new launch of a product. Refurbished products are normally tested for functionality and defects before they are sold to the public. They are repaired by the original manufacturer and resold. |
|||
Usually, a refurbished electronic device is one that has been previously returned or re-sold to a retailer for any reason. They are then tested, and if necessary, repaired by a specialist refurbisher (or sometimes by the original manufacturer). Refurbished electronics may also be referred to as '''renewed''', '''reconditioned''', '''recycled''', '''recertified''', or "'''like new'''" electronics. |
|||
==Description== |
|||
The main difference between "refurbished" and "used" products is that refurbished products have been tested and verified to function properly, and are thus free of [[Product defect|defects]], while "used" products may or may not be defective. Refurbished products may be unused customer returns that are essentially "new" items, or they may be defective products that were returned under warranty, and resold by the manufacturer after repairing the defects and ensuring proper function.<ref name="Cloud Ninjas">{{cite web|url=https://cloudninjas.com/pages/refurbished-vs-used-servers/|title=Refurbished Servers vs. Used Servers|date=May 21, 2015|website=Cloud Ninjas|publisher=Scott Flowers|access-date=May 26, 2017}}</ref> |
|||
The sale of refurbished electronics is part of the [[circular economy]], and refurbished devices are often promoted as a solution to the problem of [[electronic waste]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Assessment of the environmental impact of a set of refurbished products |url=https://librairie.ademe.fr/dechets-economie-circulaire/5833-assessment-of-the-environmental-impact-of-a-set-of-refurbished-products.html |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=La librairie ADEME |language=fr-fr}}</ref> |
|||
Other types of products that may be sold as "refurbished" include: |
|||
== Competing Definitions == |
|||
:* Items used in field tests, sales displays or demonstrations |
|||
In many countries, the word "refurbished" is not legally protected (although [[France]] has introduced a legal definition as of 2022).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Finally a definition of refurbishment |url=https://blog.dipli.com/en/definition-of-refurbishment |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=blog.dipli.com |language=en}}</ref> This means that different electronics resellers will have different definitions of what counts as a refurbished device. In theory, a smartphone could be sold as 'refurbished' with no repairs or testing whatsoever. However, most refurbished devices have been rigorously tested to ensure they are fully working. |
|||
:* Items returned for reasons other than defect, and tested by the [[manufacturer]] |
|||
:* Items returned to the manufacturer because the box or item was damaged in shipping |
|||
:* Used items that have been [[donated]] to a [[Charity shop|charity]] or [[non-profit]] organization<ref name="HowStuffWorks" /> |
|||
:* Leftover equipment sold by a downsized company to a third party refurbisher |
|||
=== Used vs. Refurbished === |
|||
The following types of products are considered{{by whom|date=October 2020}} recycled, not refurbished: |
|||
In the UK, the refurbished electronics marketplace Back Market claims that "refurbished" devices are distinct from "used" devices, where a "used" device is one where no repairs or testing have taken place.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Refurbished vs Used and Pre-Owned: What's the Difference? |url=https://www.backmarket.co.uk/en-gb/c/news/used-vs-refurbished |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=www.backmarket.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> However other specialist retailers, like The Big Phone Store, define refurbished phones as a specific type of used or second-hand device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gill |first=Mannie |title=ᐅ Buy Cheap Refurbished Phones & Second Hand Mobiles - TBPS |url=https://www.thebigphonestore.co.uk/refurbished-phones |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=The Big Phone Store |language=en}}</ref> |
|||
=== Apple Certified Refurbished === |
|||
:* Previously leased units that are returned and resold after the lease ends<ref name="webopedia">{{cite web|url=http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/R/refurbished.html |title=refurbished |date=26 March 2002 |publisher=Webopedia |access-date=November 19, 2012}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=October 2020}} |
|||
Devices sold as 'Certified Refurbished' through the [[Apple Store|Apple store]] differ from most other refurbished devices. For example, [[iOS devices]] sold as Apple Certified Refurbished will always come with a brand-new battery and brand-new "outer shell".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Refurbished |url=https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/refurbished/about |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Apple (UK) |language=en-GB}}</ref> Because of this, these devices may be considered [[Remanufacturing|remanufactured]], rather than refurbished. |
|||
:* Used [[electronics]] that have been returned to an electronic [[recycling]] program<ref name="HowStuffWorks">{{cite web |url=http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/refurbished-electronic.htm |title=How Refurbished Electronics Work |first=Chris |last=Pollette |date=27 February 2008 |publisher=Howstuffworks.com |access-date=November 19, 2012}}</ref> |
|||
== Common Features == |
|||
==Various types== |
|||
While in most countries there is no set legal definition, devices sold as "refurbished" tend to also come with the following assurances. |
|||
Different [[companies]] and [[Industry (economics)|industries]] may have different types of "refurbished" products. Since the electronics industry doesn't have a firm, widely accepted definition of "refurbished", its exact meaning may vary from one product to the next, or one company to the next.<ref name="HowStuffWorks" /> In various cases "refurbished" may be synonymous with "reconditioned", "refreshed", "repaired", "recertified", or "like new". The term "remanufacture" is a distinct term used for [[product (business)|products]] that are returned to the identical-to-new condition in industrial closed-loop processes, and which often possess the same [[warranties]] and [[guarantees]] as a new product. |
|||
Testing and certification: |
|||
In the refurbished mobile phone sector, it is very likely that the mobile phones have been used on a daily basis by the original user. It is very common for them to then sell their current [[phone]] when looking for upgrades. This is when refurbished phone sellers would receive them through various methods (such as trade-in sites) and use modern-day [[software]] to check that all [[Electronic component|hardware]] and software on the phone is working as intended.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thebigphonestore.co.uk/refurbished-phones|title=The Big Phone Store|last=Gill|first=Mannie|website=The Big Phone Store|language=en|access-date=2020-04-02}}</ref> |
|||
:* Functionality testing: the device is fully functional and has not been tampered with. |
|||
== Market fragmentation == |
|||
:* Software testing: the device has not been jailbroken or rooted. |
|||
Due to the fact that there is no legal definition for refurbishment, the quality of a refurbished product will depend on the source who reconditioned it,<ref>https://powerbite.co.za/</ref> and not every refurbisher provides what customers expect. In a Consumer Reports Survey, only 52% of respondents said their refurbished phones included new batteries.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.consumerreports.org/smartphones/should-you-buy-a-refurbished-phone/ | title=Should You Buy a Refurbished Phone? }}</ref> Another common occurrence is refurbishers who do not adequately wipe the data before reselling a smart device. This leads to major privacy breaches and consumer distrust, according to a Blancco study.<ref>[https://www.blancco.com/resources/rs-the-critical-importance-of-consumer-trust-in-the-second-hand-mobile-market/ Blancco study]</ref> |
|||
:* Authenticity checks: the device is not a fake. |
|||
:* Network compatibility testing: the device is the correct country specification and is not blocked on any network. |
|||
:* Background checks: the device is not blacklisted or reported stolen. |
|||
:* Battery health testing: the device has a reasonably high battery health (usually at least 80%). |
|||
:* Full data destruction and factory reset: the device retains no data from any previous owner. |
|||
Often, the testing process is fully automated. Commonly used testing certification providers include ''Phonecheck''<ref>{{Cite web |title=- Phonecheck |url=https://www.phonecheck.com/blog/guide-to-buying-refurbished-phones |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=www.phonecheck.com}}</ref> and ''Blackbelt.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decoding the Refurbished Device Market: How to Navigate Between New, Refurbished, and Re-used Devices. |url=https://www.blackbeltdefence.com/blog/decoding-the-refurbished-device-market |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=www.blackbeltdefence.com |language=en}}</ref> |
|||
While the majority of refurbishers have the best intentions to inspect, clean, repair and repackage items to the best possible condition, consumers are taking a risk if they don't do their due diligence before buying. The most reputable companies offer warranties, easy returns, and verified batteries and accessories. |
|||
Specialist retailers of refurbished devices typically provide: |
|||
:* Warranty (typically 12 months)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Chris |date=14 June 2024 |title=Refurbished phones: a guide to buying second-hand phones - MSE |url=https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/buying-refurbished-phones/ |access-date=18 June 2024 |website=Money Saving Expert}}</ref> |
|||
:* A transparent returns policy, with a 14-day "cooling-off" period. |
|||
:* Secure, insured shipping. |
|||
:* A clearly explained cosmetic grade (also referred to as the device's "condition"). |
|||
:* Basic accessories (such as a USB charging cable). |
|||
:* Optional upgrades (such as replacing a partially used battery with a brand-new one). |
|||
Refurbished phone retailers also often sell standard accessories such as phone cases, screen protectors, headphones, and chargers. |
|||
== Conditions and Grades == |
|||
The 'Grade' or 'Condition' of a refurbished device describes how much wear and tear there is on the device. Some refurbished phone retailers will simply describe these with letter grades (i.e. ''Grade A'', ''Grade B'' etc.)<ref name=":0" />, while others use their own naming convention. It is important to note that these grades are usually cosmetic descriptions only. |
|||
Common conditions: |
|||
:* '''''Like New''''': The device has no visible signs of use of any kind. These devices have usually never been used. Often, the only difference between a brand-new smartphone and a like-new refurbished phone is that the tamper-seal has been broken. |
|||
:* '''''Pristine / Excellent''''': The device may exhibit minor signs of use, such as micro-scratches. These should not be visible from a normal viewing distance (more than 12 inches). |
|||
:* '''''Very Good / Good''''': The device shows clear visible signs of use. |
|||
:* '''''Fair / Poor''''': The device shows heavy signs of use, such as deep scratches or even cracks. These devices may also feature other flaws such as reduced battery health. |
|||
Devices with heavier signs of use are priced lower, and on average may be less durable, than devices in perfect condition. |
|||
== Types of Refurbished Electronics Retailer == |
|||
Refurbished electronic devices are sold by a number of different kinds of retailer. These include: |
|||
=== Specialist Retailers and Independent Refurbishers === |
|||
Many independent electronics refurbishers operate their own online retail store. In the USA, refurbished electronics retailers include Gazelle, while in the UK, specialist retailers include The Big Phone Store and Envirofone. |
|||
=== Device Manufacturers === |
|||
Manufacturers such as Apple and [[Samsung]] increasingly operate trade-in programs when buying a new device through their online store, which allows them to easily sell their own refurbished products. |
|||
=== Electronics Retailers and Mobile Networks. === |
|||
A number of large electronics retailers, such as [[Best Buy|BestBuy]] in the USA, and [[Currys]] in the UK, sell both new and refurbished electronics. These are usually sourced from an independent refurbisher. Cellular network providers have begun to offer refurbished devices on contract. These are often devices that have been traded in to a network provider as part of a contract upgrade. |
|||
=== Online Marketplaces === |
|||
Back Market and Mozillion are examples of online marketplaces specialising in pre-owned electronics. Meanwhile [[Swappa]], [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]], [[TikTok Shop]] and [[eBay]] are all large online platforms where independent electronics refurbishers can sell their products. Marketplaces often provide the most choice for the consumer, but do not take direct responsibility for the devices sold. |
|||
== Consumer Demand == |
|||
Global demand for refurbished electronic devices has steadily risen since 2014. According to a 2024 report by GfK, this is primarily driven by cost, as well as the increasing necessity of owning digital devices.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=One-quarter of all mobile phones sold in the UK in 2023 were bought secondhand or refurbished |url=https://www.gfk.com/press/one-quarter-of-all-mobile-phones-sold-in-the-uk-in-2023-were-bought-secondhand-or-refurbished |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=www.gfk.com |language=en}}</ref> According to the same report, another contributing factor is increased environmental awareness, as both smartphone manufacture and electronic waste are sources of pollution. |
|||
In particular, the UK has seen steady growth in the refurbished phone market, with research showing that refurbished phones accounted for 1 in 4 smartphones sold in 2023.<ref name=":1" /> |
|||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
* [[Factory second]] |
* [[Factory second]] |
||
⚫ | |||
==References== |
== References == |
||
<references /> |
<references /> |
||
Revision as of 13:08, 23 July 2024
![]() | This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. The specific problem is: formatting. (October 2017) |
In electronics, refurbishment is the practice of restoring and testing a pre-owned electronic device so that it can be re-sold. Refurbished electronics are therefore pre-owned electronic devices (usually smartphones, tablets, or laptops), that have been tested by a reseller to confirm that they are fully working. Other refurbished electronics include smartwatches, games consoles, and cameras.
Usually, a refurbished electronic device is one that has been previously returned or re-sold to a retailer for any reason. They are then tested, and if necessary, repaired by a specialist refurbisher (or sometimes by the original manufacturer). Refurbished electronics may also be referred to as renewed, reconditioned, recycled, recertified, or "like new" electronics.
The sale of refurbished electronics is part of the circular economy, and refurbished devices are often promoted as a solution to the problem of electronic waste.[1]
Competing Definitions
In many countries, the word "refurbished" is not legally protected (although France has introduced a legal definition as of 2022).[2] This means that different electronics resellers will have different definitions of what counts as a refurbished device. In theory, a smartphone could be sold as 'refurbished' with no repairs or testing whatsoever. However, most refurbished devices have been rigorously tested to ensure they are fully working.
Used vs. Refurbished
In the UK, the refurbished electronics marketplace Back Market claims that "refurbished" devices are distinct from "used" devices, where a "used" device is one where no repairs or testing have taken place.[3] However other specialist retailers, like The Big Phone Store, define refurbished phones as a specific type of used or second-hand device.[4]
Apple Certified Refurbished
Devices sold as 'Certified Refurbished' through the Apple store differ from most other refurbished devices. For example, iOS devices sold as Apple Certified Refurbished will always come with a brand-new battery and brand-new "outer shell".[5] Because of this, these devices may be considered remanufactured, rather than refurbished.
Common Features
While in most countries there is no set legal definition, devices sold as "refurbished" tend to also come with the following assurances.
Testing and certification:
- Functionality testing: the device is fully functional and has not been tampered with.
- Software testing: the device has not been jailbroken or rooted.
- Authenticity checks: the device is not a fake.
- Network compatibility testing: the device is the correct country specification and is not blocked on any network.
- Background checks: the device is not blacklisted or reported stolen.
- Battery health testing: the device has a reasonably high battery health (usually at least 80%).
- Full data destruction and factory reset: the device retains no data from any previous owner.
Often, the testing process is fully automated. Commonly used testing certification providers include Phonecheck[6] and Blackbelt.[7]
Specialist retailers of refurbished devices typically provide:
- Warranty (typically 12 months)[8]
- A transparent returns policy, with a 14-day "cooling-off" period.
- Secure, insured shipping.
- A clearly explained cosmetic grade (also referred to as the device's "condition").
- Basic accessories (such as a USB charging cable).
- Optional upgrades (such as replacing a partially used battery with a brand-new one).
Refurbished phone retailers also often sell standard accessories such as phone cases, screen protectors, headphones, and chargers.
Conditions and Grades
The 'Grade' or 'Condition' of a refurbished device describes how much wear and tear there is on the device. Some refurbished phone retailers will simply describe these with letter grades (i.e. Grade A, Grade B etc.)[8], while others use their own naming convention. It is important to note that these grades are usually cosmetic descriptions only.
Common conditions:
- Like New: The device has no visible signs of use of any kind. These devices have usually never been used. Often, the only difference between a brand-new smartphone and a like-new refurbished phone is that the tamper-seal has been broken.
- Pristine / Excellent: The device may exhibit minor signs of use, such as micro-scratches. These should not be visible from a normal viewing distance (more than 12 inches).
- Very Good / Good: The device shows clear visible signs of use.
- Fair / Poor: The device shows heavy signs of use, such as deep scratches or even cracks. These devices may also feature other flaws such as reduced battery health.
Devices with heavier signs of use are priced lower, and on average may be less durable, than devices in perfect condition.
Types of Refurbished Electronics Retailer
Refurbished electronic devices are sold by a number of different kinds of retailer. These include:
Specialist Retailers and Independent Refurbishers
Many independent electronics refurbishers operate their own online retail store. In the USA, refurbished electronics retailers include Gazelle, while in the UK, specialist retailers include The Big Phone Store and Envirofone.
Device Manufacturers
Manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung increasingly operate trade-in programs when buying a new device through their online store, which allows them to easily sell their own refurbished products.
Electronics Retailers and Mobile Networks.
A number of large electronics retailers, such as BestBuy in the USA, and Currys in the UK, sell both new and refurbished electronics. These are usually sourced from an independent refurbisher. Cellular network providers have begun to offer refurbished devices on contract. These are often devices that have been traded in to a network provider as part of a contract upgrade.
Online Marketplaces
Back Market and Mozillion are examples of online marketplaces specialising in pre-owned electronics. Meanwhile Swappa, Amazon, TikTok Shop and eBay are all large online platforms where independent electronics refurbishers can sell their products. Marketplaces often provide the most choice for the consumer, but do not take direct responsibility for the devices sold.
Consumer Demand
Global demand for refurbished electronic devices has steadily risen since 2014. According to a 2024 report by GfK, this is primarily driven by cost, as well as the increasing necessity of owning digital devices.[9] According to the same report, another contributing factor is increased environmental awareness, as both smartphone manufacture and electronic waste are sources of pollution.
In particular, the UK has seen steady growth in the refurbished phone market, with research showing that refurbished phones accounted for 1 in 4 smartphones sold in 2023.[9]
See also
References
- ^ "Assessment of the environmental impact of a set of refurbished products". La librairie ADEME (in French). Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "Finally a definition of refurbishment". blog.dipli.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "Refurbished vs Used and Pre-Owned: What's the Difference?". www.backmarket.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ Gill, Mannie. "ᐅ Buy Cheap Refurbished Phones & Second Hand Mobiles - TBPS". The Big Phone Store. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "Why Refurbished". Apple (UK). Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "- Phonecheck". www.phonecheck.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "Decoding the Refurbished Device Market: How to Navigate Between New, Refurbished, and Re-used Devices". www.blackbeltdefence.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ a b Knight, Chris (14 June 2024). "Refurbished phones: a guide to buying second-hand phones - MSE". Money Saving Expert. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
- ^ a b "One-quarter of all mobile phones sold in the UK in 2023 were bought secondhand or refurbished". www.gfk.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Wiktionary-logo-en-v2.svg/40px-Wiktionary-logo-en-v2.svg.png)