Used, reconditioned … between the first which has always existed, and the second which we hear more and more about, difficult to navigate. What is certain is that they allow us to make savings. But at what cost ? Because the condition of the devices sold sometimes leaves something to be desired. Discover our guide to fully understand.
2020, the home appliance boom
In 2020, confinement requires, the French have rushed on household appliances to equip their interior. Especially during the first confinement, we had no choice but to do everything at home, starting with the sacrosanct baguette of bread. This is how the bread maker ranks second among the most purchased household appliances in 2020, according to figures revealed in the report by GfK for Gifam, the grouping of brands of appliances (French and foreign) for the home. In first place in the ranking, we find the freezer, ideal for storing frozen food and preparations that allow us to save time during the lunch break.
Vacuum cleaners, kitchen or pastry processors and of course raclette machines, sales have exhibited, which represents a significant cost for the French budget. A budget that we would obviously like to reduce. This is possible by buying used or refurbished. In addition, it's good for the planet and for the wallet!
⋙ Household appliances: how to avoid buying new by having your appliances repaired
Used or refurbished appliances: which one to choose?
The possibility of buying a used product has been around for a very long time and The good corner, which connects individuals, dominates the market. Today, many other websites offer it: Amazon, eBay, Rakuten… Even the big brands are getting started, and not just for household appliances: clothing, sports equipment … today there are entire departments dedicated to the second-hand market and parts at advantageous prices.
Today, buying second-hand is a gesture that we do for the planet but also and above all for our budget. It also allows you to have access to high-end products without having to spend a lot of money. On the other hand, we must be careful because scams between individuals are frequent. Vacuum cleaners, robots, refrigerators … whether they are used or reconditioned, they have already been used, and this, regardless of the duration. So a seller can easily deceive you about the condition of a device and there is no warranty or protection.
But since both types of products have been used before, then what is the difference? This actually resides in the reclamation of the device. A refurbished device will be subject to tests and a whole procedure for the prepare for sale: cleaning, resetting packaging… This is also explained in the price difference, because if the occasion and the reconditioned are obviously more advantageous than new, a refurbished device remains more expensive, even though it may have been used longer than a second-hand product.
Note that at present, the purchase of refurbished devices cannot be done between individuals. So it's more reassuring for the buyer, because there is less risk of scams. The devices also usually come with a warranty. You now know all the differences between used and refurbished household appliances: what will you choose?
Where can I find refurbished appliances?
- Baker
- Darty
- Cdiscount
- Cash Express
- Cash Converters
- Amazon
- Back Market
- Murfy
- Emmaus label
Read also :
⋙ High-tech, household appliances … Find out what breaks down most often
⋙ Washing machine, dryer, iron: how to maintain your household appliance?
⋙ Containment: the 3 things to do before calling a repairman or (worse) throwing away your broken appliance