Buying refurbished products: benefits and tips

More and more consumers are consciously choosing refurbished products. And that's no surprise: you pay significantly less for a product that's as good as new, and you contribute to a more sustainable world. But what exactly does refurbished mean? What are the pros and cons? And what should you look out for?

In this article, we answer all your questions about buying refurbished. Whether you're looking for a smartphone or a laptop — after reading this article, you'll know exactly what to expect.

What does refurbished mean?

A refurbished product is a previously used or returned device that has been inspected, repaired (if necessary) and cleaned by a professional. It is repackaged and sold with a warranty.

Difference from second-hand

It's important not to confuse refurbished with regular second-hand:

Feature	Refurbished	Second-hand
Inspected	Yes, by a professional	No, seller is a private individual
Repaired	Yes, defective parts replaced	No
Cleaned	Yes, thoroughly	Varies
Warranty	Yes, at least 1 year	No (unless agreed)
Packaging	New or neat packaging	Original or none
Price	20–40% below new price	30–60% below new price

Refurbished grades

Most sellers use a grading system:

• As new / Grade A+: No visible signs of use. Virtually indistinguishable from new.
• Very good / Grade A: Minimal signs of use, only visible upon very close inspection.
• Good / Grade B: Light signs of use (minor scratches). Functions perfectly.
• Fair / Grade C: Noticeable signs of use. Works fine, but looks used.

Tip: For smartphones and laptops, we recommend at least Grade A. The price difference with Grade B is often small, but the difference in appearance is noticeable.

Benefits of buying refurbished

1. Significant savings

The biggest advantage is obviously the price. Refurbished products are on average 20 to 40% cheaper than new. For expensive products, that easily adds up to hundreds of euros.

2. More sustainable

By buying refurbished, you give a product a second life. That saves raw materials, energy and reduces electronic waste. Manufacturing a new smartphone emits an average of 70 kg of CO2 — you avoid that emission with refurbished.

3. Warranty and peace of mind

Unlike second-hand, refurbished products come with a warranty — usually at least 12 months, sometimes even 24 months. That gives you the same assurance as with a new product.

4. Access to premium products

Refurbished makes premium products accessible to a wider audience. A refurbished flagship smartphone from last year often costs the same as a new mid-range device — but performs better.

Drawbacks and risks

1. No original accessories

Refurbished products are often shipped with replacement accessories instead of the originals. Think of a different charging cable or headphones.

2. Battery wear

For smartphones and laptops, the battery is a point of attention. A good refurbished company replaces batteries below 80% capacity, but always check this.

3. Limited colour and storage options

You're dependent on the available stock. The colour or storage capacity you want may not always be in stock.

4. Quality varies by seller

Not all refurbished sellers maintain the same standards. One company is more thorough than another.

Price comparison: new vs refurbished

To illustrate the savings potential, here are some examples:

Product	New price	Refurbished price	Savings
iPhone 15 Pro (128 GB)	1,199 euros	849 euros	350 euros (29%)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra	1,349 euros	929 euros	420 euros (31%)
MacBook Air M3	1,299 euros	949 euros	350 euros (27%)
iPad Air	699 euros	509 euros	190 euros (27%)
Dell XPS 15	1,499 euros	999 euros	500 euros (33%)

Prices are indicative and may vary by moment and seller.

Always compare current prices on Productvraag — sometimes the difference between new and refurbished is small enough that buying new is the better choice.

Where to buy reliable refurbished?

Specialised platforms

• Renewd: Dutch platform specialising in Apple products. Strict quality control and 2-year warranty.
• Refurbed: Large European platform with a wide range. Minimum 12-month warranty.
• Back Market: Marketplace for refurbished products. Note: quality can vary by seller.
• Leapp: Specialises in Apple. Physical stores in the Netherlands.

Directly from the manufacturer

More and more manufacturers offer refurbished products themselves:

• Apple Certified Refurbished: Strict Apple standards, new battery, 1-year warranty.
• Samsung Certified Re-Newed: Inspected by Samsung itself.

Via regular webshops

Webshops like Bol, Coolblue and MediaMarkt increasingly offer a refurbished section. The advantage: you can use the return policy you're already familiar with.

What to look out for?

Before buying a refurbished product, always check these points:

1. Warranty: At least 12 months. The longer, the better.
2. Return policy: Can you return the product without reason? A minimum 14-day cooling-off period is legally required.
3. Battery health: Ask about battery capacity, especially for smartphones and laptops. At least 85% is acceptable.
4. Grade/condition: Choose at least Grade A if you don't want visible signs of use.
5. What's included: Check which accessories are included. Do you need to buy a charger separately?
6. Reviews: Read experiences from other buyers about the specific seller.

For which products is refurbished most worthwhile?

Refurbished is especially interesting for products that:

• Have a high new price
• Don't become outdated quickly in terms of technology
• Are easy to inspect and refurbish

Top candidates

• Smartphones — Compare refurbished smartphones in our smartphone category
• Laptops — Browse refurbished laptops in our laptop category
• Tablets — iPads retain their value for a long time; refurbished is a smart choice
• Headphones — Premium headphones like the AirPods Max are much more affordable refurbished

Less suitable for refurbished

• Products with a short lifespan (e.g. cheap earbuds)
• Products where hygiene plays a role (e.g. electric shavers)
• Products that already have a low new price

Frequently asked questions

Is refurbished the same as a return? Not always. A returned product has been sent back by a customer but may not have been used. A refurbished product has always been inspected and repaired if necessary. Returned products are sometimes sold as "like new" without the thorough inspection that refurbished products undergo.

How long does a refurbished product last? Just as long as a new product, provided it has been properly refurbished. A refurbished smartphone with a new battery and Grade A condition easily lasts 3 to 4 years. A refurbished laptop can even last 5 years or longer with proper maintenance.

Can I buy a refurbished product on instalments? Yes, more and more refurbished sellers offer payment in instalments. Platforms like Refurbed and Back Market work with payment options such as Klarna and Riverty. Do watch out for extra costs — sometimes you pay interest on spread payments.