How To Save Money Buying Refurbished Products

Refurbished products are items that can't be sold as "new," but they're not really "used" either.

What does that mean? It means that any time a product is sent back to the manufacturer for any reason, it can no longer be sold as new. So refurbished items may be:

- customer returns
products returned by customers for any reason, even if the product in perfect condition

- products with cosmetic flaws
products that may be scratched, dented or otherwise minimally damaged on the way to the store or customer

- overstocked products
items that have been returned by a merchant to make room for other products

- demo or display models
products that have been used as demos or displays and then sent back to the manufacturer

After a product is sent back, the manufacturer doesn't just turn around and sell it as refurbished without doing anything. Rather, the product is inspected, restored (if necessary) to original factory specifications, and tested again to ensure that it still meets the standards required for a new product.

So it's now as good as new, but because it's been sent back to the factory for whatever reason, it must be sold as refurbished, or "refurb" for short. Other terms used to denote refurbished items are reconditioned or remanufactured.

Refurbished/reconditioned products shouldn't be confused with used items. Here are some differences.

1. Refurbished products typically haven't been owned and used by another person. When you buy something that has been pre-owned, it generally means that the product has been used for a period of time. Refurbished products, on the other hand, typically haven't been used, or, if they have, it has been for a short period as a display or demo.

2. Used products don't typically come with manufacturer warranties, while refurbs do. Sometimes it will be the same length as a new product, while sometimes the warranty for the reconditioned item will be shorter.

3. Refurbished products will typically come in the same packaging as a new product, complete with all the same items you'd get in a new box.

The only thing used and refurbished products have in common is that whether you buy used or refurb, you'll pay less than you would pay for a new version of the same item.

The most popular reconditioned items are expensive electronics because people want to save money. Many folks know they can get great deals on refurbished iPods, notebook computers, digital cameras and other electronics. But you can also buy many other refurbs, from refurbished paintballs guns, exercise equipment and golf balls, to refurbished appliances, electric guitars and more.

Some manufacturers, such as Apple and Dell, offer refurbished items right through their website. Other places to buy refurbished items include Amazon, eBay, and Overstock.com.

The rest of this lens is devoted to showing you some of the many types of refurbished products available. Scroll down to find great deals on popular reconditioned items at Amazon and eBay.

1. Find the product you want. Read reviews, check out the specs and compare prices to find the product you want. Then search for deals on refurbished models. Don't settle for something less than you want simply to get a refurbished model.

3. Read the warranty. Factory refurbished products may have the same warranty as a new product or they may have a shorter one. Be sure you know what you're getting before you purchase.

3. Inspect the product upon delivery. You should always check your delivered products - new OR refurbished - upon delivery so you can contact the manufacturer if there are any problems.