What is your opinion on buying refurbished electronics?

Depends on what it is, and the savings.

Best refurbished item I remember buying was an old MacBook where the 3rd party refurbisher had replaced the hard drive with an SSD, and put in a more RAM – it performed very well, until the battery expanded. It only cost $200, too!

I have a friend who buys “refurbished” cell phones when she needs an replacement. Except that she says sometimes the phone arrives with food still on it. She says she always sends that one back, opting for one that’s actually been refurbished.

One of our computer “experts” where I live recommends refurbished Dell computers. He said some were never even used, but I assume some are. I haven’t tried it.

Two of my current TV’s I got for free from the Buy Nothing Facebook Group where I live. They aren’t huge, I think 32” and 37” but big enough for me. They both work fine. I also got my printer for free.

Try the Buy Nothing group where you live if you don’t need something very specialized.

I’m looking at Bose ear buds. I had a set I bought 3 years ago on Black Friday and lost one. It will cost 115.00 plus shipping to replace. Brand new they are now 299. Refurbished from Bose are in the 130.00 range.
I plan on waiting for Amazon prime in July to check their prices.

Depends. Computers 100% yes. Especially Dell. Game consoles, not a chance. Vintage stereo equipment, depends on who did the refurbishing.

“Refurbished” should mean that it was thoroughly cleaned, all functions tested and any repairs made to the point it is as good as new. Often it’s just a used item that still works. If it’s refurbished from the manufacturer it usually means it really is.

I always buy electronics new as I don’t trust refurbished. It seems false economy to me.

It all depends on the warranty and return policy of used items.
If it sold as is with no policy, then I am a no.
I tend to prefer new with an easy return policy.

I’ll buy lightly used, open box, returned, or refurbished electronics if the discount is good, there’s a warranty, and it’s graded at least B quality.

Not had any issues.

The last time I bought a desktop computer, I bought it from Amazon, refurbished, and it was only $200. That was back in 2020 and I’ve had no complaints. I could have bought a new one and started having problems with it in no time. Even if at some point it starts giving me issues, I can just buy a brand new one also refurbished and still not have paid as much money as I would have for a new one.

I don’t buy any electronics from Amazon because their return policy sux. I buy most of mine from Best Buy. Their refurbed products are guaranteed & their return policy is the same regardless of whether new or used. I bought 1 refurb computer from them & it lasted 10 years. With refurb it depends on the item & the price before deciding. The original item is produced on an assembly line where most refurb are done with human eyes & hands, so the work should be more complete although that’s not a guarantee. With those being a Bose refurb, I’d probably trust them even if Amazon had them for less.

Just no.

I buy used laptops from eBay. I’ve bought a few used phones.

My brother buys used Appl / Mac on line and fixes then resells them on Facebook Markerplace !

My warranted replacement Mobile phone was a refurbished phone, no scratches or problems. That was two years ago.

Not that anyone really cares, but UPDATE.
I bought refurbished Bose earbuds and received them yesterday. Very nice looking, clean, no scratches and very good sound. So at first use, I’m very happy with them.

Awesome. Thanks for the follow-up post.