What You Need to Know: How to Buy a Refurbished Mac
Or MacBook, iPhone, and iPad
Are you a business owner looking to buy a computer, laptop, phone or tablet?
The price tags on the latest and greatest technology can come with a few more zeroes than you’d like. And buying new doesn’t always make fiscal sense. So, if you don’t want to pay full price, refurbished may be the way to go.
In fact, you don’t always have to buy new. Refurbished models still come with a warrantee and lots of good life left in them. Let’s look at how to buy a refurbished Mac, MacBook, iPhone, or iPad.
What Refurbished Really Means
First, buying a refurbished computer doesn’t mean the same as buying a used car. With a used car, once you agree upon a price, you inherit all of the operating problems. That’s not the case with refurbished digital equipment.
When computer equipment has been refurbished, it has been sent back to the manufacturer or an authorized repair facility for service. All non-working parts are replaced, and the computer is brought back to fully operating functionality. There may have been an issue with the computer, or the owner no longer wanted it.
Plus, refurbished Apple products (either pre-owned or previously defective) cannot be sold at MSRP. So, they are typically sold at a discount—which means your company can save money while buying a product that is really just as good as new.
It is worth noting that refurbished products are typically between one to two years old, which may still be newer than your current equipment. Newer models take a while before some start hitting the refurbished stage.
How to Buy a Refurbished Mac, MacBook, iPhone, or iPad
You’ll want to start at the refurbished section of your local Apple store or digital equipment manufacturer. When you purchase directly from the manufacturer, you know the equipment has been professionally inspected, repaired, cleaned, and repackaged by trained experts. Apple guarantees that all products meet Finished Goods testing. And they even back refurbished items with the same warranty you’d find on a new Mac. You can also insure your refurbished device through AppleCare and get free shipping and returns.
You can also search online through Apple for refurbished equipment, though the discounts online may be a little less appealing. You’ll find refurbished items from any of their product categories, and inventory can change quickly, so be sure to check often.
Each refurbished Mac will include the following:
- Thoroughly cleaned and inspected
- Apple’s standard one-year limited warranty
- Up to 90 days of complimentary technical support
- All accessories, cables & operating systems
- Packaged in a brand-new white box
- Free shipping and returns
- Financing options
- Next-day delivery
How to Find a Good Deal
When searching online, be sure to purchase from a reputable source. There are many scammers out there who are more than willing to take your money in exchange for faulty equipment. So, don’t fall victim to a scam.
Instead, look for written warrantees and return policies; professional or brand-certified testing; hands-on testing before buying; as well as the original box, instructions, and accessories. If an extended warranty is offered, if possible, take it as long as it’s through a public company like SquareTrade.com. Smaller companies are more likely to refuse your warranty claim because of “little” reasons to avoid providing service.
In addition, ask for the model number and determine what it is currently selling for by other sellers. Then compare the cost to a new computer. With Apple products, a savings of just $100 ̶ $300 compared to a new model is rarely worth it. Apple support and warranties are better values than those offered by local people or IT companies.
Signs of a Bad Deal
In general, always be careful when buying through an individual online; however, if you purchase through eBay, you do have protections in case you need to return it.
When shopping for refurbished equipment, look for the following red flags.
- All Sales Final, no warrantee or short warrantee
- No photos
- Older model without support (Check with Apple’s website to see which models they still support.)
- Refurbished goods that are really just used (from unreliable sellers)
Where to Buy Refurbished Apple Equipment
At Trinity Solutions, we can certainly help you select and purchase both new and refurbished equipment. However, if you’d like to search on your own, you can check the following resources.
- Amazon’s Certified Refurbished Store
- Google search for ‘refurbished Mac’
- TigerDirect.com
- NewEgg.com
- Laptops Direct
- MacFinder
- Hoxton Macs
- Mac 4 Sale
Need to invest in new technology for your business?
Call Trinity Solutions Today for Your Consultation!
We’ll help you make the right digital equipment purchases.