Buying refurbished products: benefits and tips
Buying refurbished can save you hundreds of euros. Read all about the benefits, drawbacks, warranty and what to look out for.
Buying refurbished products: benefits and tips
More and more consumers deliberately choose refurbished products. You pay considerably less for a product that is as good as new, and you contribute to a more sustainable world. Buying refurbished pays off most for high-priced products: a refurbished smartphone or laptop typically costs 20-40% less than new, comes with a minimum of 12 months' warranty and has been thoroughly checked by a professional. The two biggest pitfalls are battery wear on smartphones and laptops (always check for at least 80% capacity) and quality differences between sellers (choose specialist platforms such as Renewd, Refurbed or Apple Certified Refurbished).
In this article we answer all your questions about buying refurbished, whether you are looking for a smartphone or a laptop.
What does refurbished mean?
A refurbished product is a previously used or returned device that has been checked by a professional, repaired (if necessary) and cleaned. It is repackaged and sold with a warranty.
Refurbished vs. second-hand
It is important not to confuse refurbished with ordinary second-hand:
| Feature | Refurbished | Second-hand |
|---|---|---|
| Inspected | Yes, by a professional | No, seller is a private individual |
| Repaired | Yes, faulty 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 |
Grades of refurbished
Most sellers use a grading system:
- Grade A+ / As new: No visible signs of use. Barely distinguishable from new.
- Grade A / Very good: Minimal signs of use, only visible on very close inspection.
- Grade B / Good: Light signs of use (small scratches). Works perfectly.
- Grade C / Fair: Clear 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.
Pros and cons of buying refurbished
| Advantage | Disadvantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 20-40% cheaper than new | Less choice in colour and storage |
| Warranty | At least 12 months, sometimes 24 | Original accessories not always included |
| Sustainability | Saves raw materials and energy, less e-waste | — |
| Quality | Professionally checked | Quality varies by seller |
| Battery | Good seller replaces below 80% | Battery wear is a point of attention |
| Range | Premium products affordable | Desired variant not always in stock |
Benefits in detail
1. Significant savings
The biggest advantage is of course the price. Refurbished products are on average 20 to 40% cheaper than new. For expensive products, that quickly adds up to hundreds of euros.
2. More sustainable
By buying refurbished, you give a product a second life. That saves raw materials and energy and reduces electronic waste.
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 the same peace of mind as 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 as much as a new mid-range device — but performs better.
Drawbacks and risks
1. No original accessories
Refurbished products are often supplied 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 refurbishing company replaces batteries below 80% capacity, but always check this.
3. Limited colour and storage choice
You depend on what is available. The colour or storage capacity you want is not always in stock.
4. Quality varies by seller
Not all refurbished sellers apply the same standards. One company is more careful than another.
Price comparison: new vs. refurbished
To illustrate the savings potential, a few examples:
| Product | New price | Refurbished price | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 time and seller.
Always compare current prices on Productvraag — sometimes the difference between new and refurbished is so small that new is the better choice.
Where to buy refurbished reliably?
Specialist 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 months' warranty.
- Back Market: Marketplace for refurbished products. Note: quality can vary by seller.
- Leapp: Specialises in Apple. Physical stores in the Netherlands.
Direct 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: Checked by Samsung itself.
Via regular webshops
Webshops such as Bol, Coolblue and MediaMarkt increasingly offer a refurbished section. The advantage: you can use the return policy you already know.
Purchase checklist
Before you buy a refurbished product, always check these points:
- Warranty: at least 12 months.
- Return policy: can you return the product without giving a reason? A cooling-off period of at least 14 days is required by law.
- Battery health: ask about battery capacity, especially for smartphones and laptops. At least 80% is acceptable.
- Grade/condition: choose at least Grade A if you don't want visible signs of use.
- What's included: check which accessories are included. Do you need to buy a charger separately?
- Reviews: read experiences from other buyers about the specific seller.
Which products are most interesting to buy refurbished?
Refurbished is especially interesting for products that:
- Have a high new price
- Don't become technically outdated quickly
- Are easy to check and repair
Top candidates
- Smartphones — compare refurbished smartphones in our smartphone category
- Laptops — browse refurbished laptops in our laptop category
- Tablets — iPads hold their value for a long time; refurbished is a smart choice
- Headphones — premium headphones such as the AirPods Max are much more affordable refurbished
Less suitable for refurbished
- Products with a short lifespan (e.g. cheap earbuds)
- Products where hygiene matters (e.g. electric shavers)
- Products where the new price is already low
Frequently asked questions
Is refurbished the same as a return?
Not always. A return product has been sent back by a customer but may not have been used. A refurbished product is always checked and repaired if necessary. Return products are sometimes sold as "as new" without the extensive checking process that refurbished products undergo.
How long does a refurbished product last?
As long as a new product, provided it has been properly refurbished. A refurbished smartphone with a new battery and Grade A condition will easily last 3 to 4 years. A refurbished laptop, with good maintenance, can even last 5 years or more.
Can I buy a refurbished product on instalments?
Yes, more and more refurbished sellers offer payment in instalments. Platforms such as Refurbed and Back Market work with payment options like Klarna and Riverty. Watch out for extra costs — sometimes you pay interest on instalment payments.
Producten uit dit artikel
Got a question? Just ask.
We'll email you back within 24 hours. No sales pitch.
