The Real Deal on Buying an Open Box Laptop
As a consumer, terminology for purchasing a pre-owned laptop can be a bit overwhelming. With open box laptops, refurbished, and other used options, the market for buying non-new computers can be very confusing.
Whether a laptop is for personal use or business purposes, there are many choices and the most important part is to know the difference between each pre-owned variation. We’ve covered the benefits of refurbished laptops in our previous blog here. But what about open box laptops?
To help you decide whether an open box option is worth the investment, take in these considerations before you buy.
The Difference Between Refurbished and Open Box Laptops
The major difference between a refurbished laptop and an open box laptop is that a refurbished laptop has been audited, reconditioned, and tested before being resold, while an “open box” laptop has just been taken out of the box, previously owned, but not used.
For both the educated consumer and first-time buyer, the process of purchasing either one of these laptops from any reseller can be time consuming and risky, limiting their options. Many refurbished laptops, as well as open box laptops have a reputation for being tarnished by poor warranty standards.
What sets certified and trusted resellers apart is that some specialize in both refurbished laptops and open box laptops. They offer comprehensive inspection processes and product transparency to ensure that your purchase is of the highest quality.
When purchasing from typical large electronic retailers, there is more confidence that the company is not trying to “trick” you into buying a laptop that might not be as qualified as it is advertised initially. An established and reputable e-Commerce retailer focuses on the quality of the professionals and technicians they employ, making themselves available for any and all questions regarding products, setup, and warranty details and descriptions.
For example, when purchasing through 2NDGEAR, customers are given an advance replacement warranty program providing 3 years protection on laptops, desktops, LCD monitors, servers, and networking equipment, a 2-year warranty on storage products, and a 90-day warranty on laptop batteries. These additions are only some of what differentiates trusted resellers like 2NDGEAR from other refurbished and open box laptop suppliers. They also offer return and replacement programs which can be used to either replace, return, or assist you with your new purchase.
Pros and Cons of Purchasing an Open Box Laptop
Technically, in terms of quality, an open box laptop should be no different than a brand-new laptop. This is not always the case, however, and some retailers can mislead consumers by selling “open box” laptops that have defects or other wear and tear the potential buyer is unaware of. Many customers have had issues with purchasing open box laptops, often encountering problems with the products being less functional or having more technical difficulties than they would have by simply buying a brand new model from a trusted retailer.
The pros of purchasing an open box laptop are obviously and most evidently the huge price drop. Once the merchandise is removed from the box its value immediately decreases, and much of the time, an open box laptop simply is a like-new laptop at a discounted price, making it an excellent deal.
Buyers beware though, some companies have policies that will allow a few weeks usage before the product is returned, in which case it may come back with minor cosmetic damages or worse. What’s more, the open box laptop may not even be inspected, leaving it up to the new buyer to discern why the product was sent back and what happened after it was opened.
What 2NDGEAR can offer that other retailers cannot, is a level of customer service provided to help with any products sold under the company name. With this assurance, the anxiety of purchasing an open box laptop can be alleviated. To facilitate this process, 2NDGEAR offers a unique computer demo program for certain quantities of orders which can be a deal closer for a specific type of buyer. This demo program allows you to experience, evaluate, and check out the equipment you have purchased for 2-weeks with no-obligations.
Open Box Laptop and Their Longevity
The average lifespan of computers including open box laptops are 3 years. However, this can increase or decrease depending upon factors like condition, environment, and user behavior. The best and safest way for a customer to acquire the specific equipment necessary to satisfy their need is by being mindful of the retailer they are purchasing from.
The longevity of an open box laptop is based on the quality and life expectancy of the model being bought. Technically, the laptop’s value has really not depreciated, as the box has only been opened. The reseller can only promise their customer this guarantee depending upon the customer’s willingness to invest in a specific model or product and the price of that merchandise. 2NDGEAR goes above and beyond with their in-depth approach to technical support, warranty help, and their demo process to make sure that each purchase is one the customer is both happy with and an investment that leaves them trusting 2NDGEAR as a dependable retailer for future buying needs.
Overall there is no right or wrong to buying an open box laptop. What matters most is the retailer the consumer is purchasing from. The level of attention, convenience, and technical support a company can offer its customers comes widely into play as well. With all these factors in mind, 2NDGEAR is a top choice for any buyer, both for professional and personal use.
Whether you’re in the market for a refurbished, open box, or new laptop, check out 2NDGEAR’s offerings at https://www.2ndgear.com/laptops.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or email us at info@2ndgear.com.
