Refurbished

Last Updated: December 26, 2012

Definition - What does Refurbished mean?

Refurbished refers to old, used or returned computer/electronics that is restored by a manufacturer to like new condition, in terms of performance and appearance. Common sources are hardware devices returned due to manufacturing flaws and defects, or devices returned by retailers because of poor or damaged packaging.

Refurbished hardware is resold at prices that are lower than brand new model units.

Techopedia explains Refurbished

There is not a predetermined definition of the type of damage or usage sustained by a product before it is repaired and deemed refurbished. Thus, there are many types of refurbished products - from cheap lamps to high-end electronic devices and computers. This also means that it is nearly impossible to ascertain an item's condition before it is repaired.

Reasons for repair range from damaged packaging to hardware, like a bad motherboard or defective LCD. Because of this, refurbished products are never sold as brand new. Consumers often avoid refurbished products because of this ambiguity.

This definition was written in the context of Computer Hardware