Amazon Refurbished Monitors: Buy Or Avoid?

If you're looking for a monitor but don't want to pay full price, buying a refurbished monitor can be a great way to save money. However, it also comes with added risk. Amazon offers a programme called Amazon Renewed, which includes refurbished monitors at reduced prices. While Amazon does provide a one-year warranty and claims that the monitors are tested and work and look like new, it's important to do your research and understand the risks involved with buying refurbished tech.

What is a refurbished monitor?

A refurbished monitor is a previously owned monitor that has been restored by a skilled technician. Refurbished monitors are often products that have been opened and then returned to the manufacturer for a variety of reasons. The manufacturer then tests them for quality assurance and ensures that they are in working condition. If issues are found, they are repaired and the monitor is sold at a lower price as a refurbished product.

Refurbished monitors are a great option for those looking for quality electronics at a more affordable price point. The meticulous inspection and repair process ensures that these devices are restored to excellent working condition. The benefits of buying a refurbished monitor include the potential for significant savings, as these monitors can be up to 50% cheaper than buying a new product. Additionally, buying refurbished helps to reduce electronic waste and save great tech from going to landfill.

When buying a refurbished monitor, it is important to consider the reputation of the seller or manufacturer. Reputable companies will have robust systems in place for dealing with refurbished tech and will offer warranties and guarantees to ensure the product is in working order. It is also important to do your research and read reviews of the specific refurbished monitor and the company's refurbished programme.

Pros and cons of buying a refurbished monitor

Pros of Buying a Refurbished Monitor

Refurbished monitors are a great way to save money. They are significantly cheaper than their brand-new counterparts, sometimes up to half the price. This can be a particularly good option if you are on a tight budget.

Refurbished monitors are also a more sustainable option, as you are giving a second life to a product that has been returned and repaired, rather than buying new.

Refurbished monitors from reputable retailers should be fully repaired and meet the manufacturer's saleable specifications. They go through a strict quality control process and are often covered by a warranty, giving you peace of mind.

Cons of Buying a Refurbished Monitor

The main concern with buying a refurbished monitor is the risk involved. While reputable retailers should ensure the product is in good working order, there is always a chance that something could go wrong. Refurbished monitors may have issues such as dead pixels, backlight bleeding, scratches, or other cosmetic marks.

It can be challenging to find the latest models of refurbished monitors, as it takes time for a faulty monitor to be returned, repaired, and released back into the market. Additionally, the warranty period for refurbished monitors is usually shorter than that of new products.

When buying a refurbished monitor, you may not receive the original packaging or accessories, and the product could be damaged during shipping if the packaging is inadequate.

Some people may also feel uneasy about buying a product that has been previously used or opened, even if it has been repaired and is in full working order.

Additional Considerations

When purchasing a refurbished monitor, it is crucial to buy from a reputable retailer or brand. Check reviews and customer feedback to ensure the product is likely to be as described and function correctly.

Compare prices between different sellers and the original price of the monitor to ensure you are getting a good deal. If the discount is not significant, it may be better to save up for a new monitor to avoid potential issues and have a longer warranty period.

Finally, be aware that you will likely be buying an older model of the monitor, which may no longer be in production. This can make it difficult to find spare parts or accessories if repairs are needed in the future.

What to look out for when buying a refurbished monitor

Check the seller

If you’re buying on eBay or from a third-party on Amazon, do your homework and read comments about the seller.

Check the return policy

Used items sold through Amazon and eBay usually have a favourable return policy, particularly if you can show that the monitor was in a worse condition than described. Make sure there’s a strong return policy.

Read about the condition

Pay close attention to the description of the condition and whether it talks about any issues such as dead pixels or scratches on the screen or damage to the bezel. Whether the monitor is listed as pre-owned, open box, used or refurbished, it’s the description that counts.

Watch the shipping costs

When buying a used monitor, make sure you include the shipping costs in your calculations. Some units will have a very attractive selling price, but then add another $80 to $100 in shipping costs while other listings will have a higher price and include free shipping.

Save $100+

Don’t bother with a pre-owned monitor unless you’re saving at least $100 over the cost of a similar (or the same) model that’s brand new.

Test right away

When you receive your monitor, take it out of the box as soon as possible, hook it up and use it (or let it stay on) for several hours to make sure it works as it’s supposed to. If you don’t detect any problems after a few days, it will probably last you for years.

Don’t put too much stock in warranties

While it’s nice to get a one or two-year warranty on your used monitor, a benefit that a few sellers offer, you have no idea how good the warranty service will be. However, most monitors will either work well out of the box and last longer than any warranty period or you’ll detect a problem right away and be in a position to demand your money back.

Is it safe to buy a refurbished monitor from Amazon?

Refurbished tech items are often products that have been opened and then returned to the manufacturer. This could be for a number of reasons, including the item being damaged or defective. Reputable retailers should ensure that any issues have been resolved and the product is in saleable condition before it is resold.

While buying refurbished tech can be a great way to save money, it does come with added risk. You may feel uneasy about buying something that has been previously opened, used, or even damaged. However, if you do your research and ensure you are protected, you can still snap up a great deal.

What to look out for:

• Retailer reputation: This is the most important factor when buying refurbished items. If the seller is not reputable, any guarantees or warranties they offer may not be worth much.
• Grading system: Refurbished does not mean the same thing as second-hand or used. Many retailers use a grading system to indicate any cosmetic marks or other defects.
• Warranties and guarantees: Look for retailers that offer warranties and guarantees to ensure you can return or replace the product if it doesn't meet your expectations.
• Product specifications: Make sure the model you are buying has all the features you need, as ports, stands, and display features can differ between models.
• Wear and tear: Check the product for any signs of wear and tear that weren't mentioned in the listing.
• Dead pixels: When you turn on the monitor, check for any dead pixels—small dots on the screen where a pixel has stopped functioning.

Amazon Renewed:

Amazon offers a programme called Amazon Renewed, which includes refurbished monitors at reduced prices. Each monitor comes with a one-year warranty, the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, and has been tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers. Amazon claims that these devices should "work and look like new" and will replace or refund any device that does not "work as expected" within one year of purchase.

However, not all refurbished monitors on Amazon come under this guarantee, so be sure to check for the Amazon Renewed label before purchasing.

Tips for buying refurbished:

• Research: Check reviews of the specific product and the retailer's refurbished programme.
• Warranties: Consider the length and comprehensiveness of warranties and guarantees.
• Price: Compare the refurbished price to the original price and other similar products to ensure the discount is worth the risk.
• Brand and retailer reliability: Opt for brands and retailers with a good reputation for quality and customer service.
• Customer feedback: Check ratings and reviews to see what other buyers' experiences have been.

In summary, while there is some risk involved in buying a refurbished monitor, it can be a great way to save money if you do your research and ensure you are protected by warranties and guarantees. Amazon's Renewed programme offers an additional layer of protection, making it a good option for purchasing refurbished monitors.

Where to buy a refurbished monitor

When it comes to buying a refurbished monitor, there are several options available to you. Here are some of the most well-known retailers and websites that offer refurbished monitors:

• Amazon Renewed Programme: Amazon offers refurbished items, including monitors, at reduced prices. Each monitor comes with a one-year warranty, known as the "Amazon Renewed Guarantee", which promises that the item has been tested by qualified suppliers and should "work and look like new". If the product does not "work as expected" within a year of purchase, you are entitled to a refund or replacement. However, it is important to note that not all refurbished monitors on Amazon come under this guarantee, so be sure to check before purchasing.
• Dell: Dell offers a wide range of refurbished products, including monitors, and has robust systems in place for dealing with refurbished tech. They provide warranties and guarantees for their refurbished items, ensuring that they have been thoroughly tested and are in working order.
• Laptops Direct: Laptops Direct is another well-known company that offers refurbished monitors and has experience in handling refurbished technology. They provide warranties and guarantees for their products, giving you peace of mind.
• HP: HP offers a refurbished programme for its products, including monitors. They are a trusted tech manufacturer, and you can expect the same level of quality and assurance from their refurbished items as you would from their new products.
• Discount Computer Depot: This website offers a huge variety of refurbished monitors, classified by screen size, brands, and overall grade. They provide free shipping and a free one-year warranty to all customers, ensuring premium quality and extended life for their refurbished monitors.
• Best Buy: Best Buy offers a range of refurbished computer monitors from various brands, including Samsung, LG, HP, Dell, and more. Their website allows you to filter and compare products based on brand, display size, resolution, and other features, making it easier to find the right monitor for your needs.

When buying a refurbished monitor, it is important to do your research. Check for reviews of the specific product and the company's refurbished programme. Compare the warranties and guarantees offered, and consider the price difference between buying refurbished and buying new. Remember that a reputable retailer is the most important factor when buying refurbished items.

Frequently asked questions