There’s no denying that new electronics are expensive. There’s been a rise in the sale of used and refurbished electronics to offset the cost of new technology. Many people replace older models as soon as newer ones come out. Even large scale retail stores are offering refurbished models of electronics on their websites, but how can you be sure of what you’re getting? Pay attention to their claims.

Used Electronics

Used electronics are items that have been previously used. Their condition is usually relative and non standardized. What one person considers pristine, another may consider fair. Often these electronics come straight from an individual’s house and hit the shelves with no real maintenance or upkeep performed prior to sale. There is no effort to return things to factory settings or even to clean them up beyond removing personal information from their systems. A used printer poses a particularly difficult dilemma; ink and toner is not completely cleaned out of all the parts of a used printer prior to sale. Software may be out of date and unable to communicate with newer programs. Often, stores will simply check and see if the printer is working rather than checking on the quality of the printing the machine is putting out. After all, it’s just a used piece of equipment.

Refurbished Electronics

Refurbished electronics are restored as close to factory settings as possible. In the case of printers, we disassemble the entire printer and check each part for any problems.The printer cover is cleaned and all ink and toner is removed from the entire mechanism. Refurbished condition should also include lubrication of all the moving parts and replacing the fuser roller and printing film when needed. If the fuser roller is old and goes unreplaced, toner won’t melt properly and you’ll receive a lower quality print job.

Why Buy Refurbished? Why Not Used?

Both used and refurbished electronics keep hazardous materials out of landfills. All electronics have chemicals and other environmentally damaging materials that leech into the soil at landfills when not properly recycled. Further, each refurbished item is factory restored and guaranteed to work. Properly refurbished electronics may cost more, but they will last much longer than their used counterparts. Depending on their quality, used printers could end up being nothing more than a waste of money.

When you purchase a printer from PrinterStop, you’re supporting a local business and keeping jobs in the United States. All of our printers are refurbished from our headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina and are thoroughly tested prior to being shipped to the customer. Any of our waste materials are sent to proper electronics recycling facilities, minimizing our carbon footprint. When you buy from PrinterStop, you’ll know you’re getting the best value for your dollar. We offer a 90-day Warranty as well as a 30 day Satisfaction Guarantee.

Choose us for your printing needs. Have questions about our printers or are unsure of what your business needs? Contact us today to see how we can help!