Are there risks to buying refurb?

If you buy a new product and it goes wrong soon after you get it out of the box, you’d send it back to the retailer.

But what about refurb equipment?

Does it carry the same level of consumer protection?

We sought the advice of Lisa Barber, editor of Which? Computing. “Whether you buy online or from a physical shop, you’re protected by the Consumer Rights Act in the event that the product is faulty. You have a legal right to reject goods that are of unsatisfactory quality, unfit for purpose or not as described, and get a full refund – as long as you do it within 30 days from the date you take ownership.

“Between 30 days and six months, you must give the retailer one opportunity to repair or replace it (the retailer gets to choose) before you can claim your refund. Purchasing from an online retailer gives you extra rights from the Consumer Contracts Regulations, so you can change your mind for any reason and cancel the order within 14 days from the day you receive the product. You may have to pay postage, though. This only applies to businesses in the UK, so do check before you buy, particularly if you’re buying from an online marketplace.”

Barber also offers some words of warning. “Buying from a private seller, whether online or not, leaves you less protected. The manufacturer warranty may still apply, but you will not receive protection from the Consumer Contracts Regulations or Consumer Rights Act 2015, so it’s very much ‘buyer beware’.”

To bolster confidence, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has introduced Kitemarks for Reconditioners and Remanufacturers. Shahm Barhom, BSI product certification director, believes the standard should reassure buyers. “We give confidence to consumers and organisations alike. Manufacturers can offer consumers high-quality products at a lower cost, backed by the Kitemark they can trust.”