The purchase of Refurbished technology is gaining more and more ground among consumers, driven by growing economic and environmental awareness. Buying devices such as smartphones, tablets and refurbished computers not only allows you to save a significant amount, but it also helps to reduce environmental impact linked to the production of new electronic devices. Let’s look in more detail at the reasons for this trend, the pros and cons, and what the main market references are.
A growing market
In 2023, the global refurbished device market reached a value of $48.29 billionwith a forecast growth of up to 94.10 billion by 2030. In Italy too, the market for refurbished technology is experiencing strong growth, fueled by factors such as the increase in prices of new devices and greater environmental awareness. The global market for these products, including Italy, is estimated to continue growing at an annual rate of 10.23% through 2027.
The sector is dominated by the segment of smartphonefollowed by laptops, computers and audio devices. From an environmental perspective, the refurbished technology market contributes to reduce electronic wastewhich reached 53.6 million tons in 2019 and is expected to increase to 74 million by 2030. Furthermore, extending the life of a smartphone by just one year can have a significant positive impact, reducing the consumption of resources such as copper, silver and gold.
In times when the price of high-end technology continues to rise, consumers are looking for cheaper alternatives. In this sense, refurbished devices, which have been used, repaired and brought back to optimal conditions, can represent an interesting solution. These products, often coming from returns, exchanges or defective devices, are subjected to thorough testing and revisions to ensure that they work as new. And all at a cost that can be lower up to 50% compared to the list price of a new device.
Difference between refurbished and used
Often confused with used ones, refurbished products have undergone a control processrepair and restoration before being put back on sale. This does not mean that they have actually been used: they may have been returned for minor defects, purchasing errors or simply because the packaging was damaged. Most refurbished devices are still thoroughly tested, repaired (if necessary) and sanitized before being resold. Unlike used products, which do not undergo these checks, refurbished devices offer a greater safety on the functional level.
After being refurbished, the devices are classified based on their aesthetic conditions. The most common scale goes from “A” (device in excellent condition, with no visible signs) to “D” (presence of more obvious aesthetic defects). This classification only concerns the external appearance, while the internal conditions and functionality of the device should be guaranteed by the reconditioning process. However, it is always useful to also check the quality of accessories (chargers, headphones, etc.), which may not be original, if not completely missing.
A fundamental aspect in purchasing refurbished products is the warranty. If a product is not guaranteed for at least 12 monthsit is better to avoid purchasing. Many platforms and specialized retailers offer guarantees that can last up to 24 months, with protection comparable to that of new products. It is also important to find out about the return policiesespecially in online purchases, where Italian law provides 14 days to change your mind without additional costs.
Pros and cons
Let’s now look at the pros and cons of buying refurbished technology.
Among the pro there is definitely the economic savings: Refurbished smartphones, laptops and tablets can cost 20% to 50% less than new models, and often perform similarly;
guarantee and safety: Many refurbished devices come with a warranty, usually 12 months, providing a safety margin for those who fear technical problems or malfunctions;
environmental sustainability: reducing the consumption of new devices helps limit the extraction of natural resources and the production of electronic waste. Buying refurbished is a responsible choice for those who care about the environment;
access to high-end models: with refurbished, you can buy high-end smartphone or laptop models at a more affordable price, otherwise out of reach.
Instead, it can be counted among the againsttheaesthetic wear: although the device works perfectly, it may have small scratches or signs of wear, depending on the degree of reconditioning;
battery life: even if the battery is tested, in some cases it is not replaced, which means it may not offer the same battery life as a new device;
not very recent models: Refurbished devices are often from previous generations. For those who want the latest model, the refurbished market may not be the ideal choice.
limited warranty: While many devices come with a warranty, it can be shorter than for new devices. It is always important to carefully check the terms of the warranty offered.
Top Sites and Apps
The refurbished market is served by different platforms reliable, offering a wide range of devices. Here are some of the main ones:
Back Market: among the leaders in the sector, it offers a wide selection of refurbished smartphones, computers, tablets and accessories, with a 12-month guarantee and return options.
Swappie: specializing in refurbished iPhones, it is a popular choice for those looking for a guaranteed Apple device in excellent condition.
Amazon Renewed: the e-commerce giant has a section dedicated to refurbished devices, where you can find products from various brands at reduced prices, with the security of Amazon’s return and warranty policies.
Refurbished: This platform stands out for its commitment to sustainability: for every device sold, a tree is planted. It offers a wide range of products with a 12-month warranty.
CertainDeal: offers a wide range of devices, with a warranty of up to 2 years;
eBay: here many certified sellers offer refurbished devices at competitive prices. However, you should pay attention to the reviews and the seriousness of the seller.
There are also some physical store chains that offer refurbished products. iPhones, in particular, are in high demand, as they retain their value well even after refurbishing.
Buying Tips
In light of what has been said, if you decide to buy a refurbished product, it is a good idea to keep some things in mind. key aspects:
check the warranty: make sure the product has one of at least 12 months; contact reliable sourcespreferring dealers with positive reviews and certificates for reconditioning; check the device conditionswhereas refurbished devices are generally classified into grades (A, B, C, D) based on
to the aesthetic and functional state; evaluate the characteristicspaying attention to the model, year of release and technical features to compare the price with new or other refurbished devices.