Debunking Myths About Buying Refurbished Hardware

Maybe you’ve never purchased refurbished hardware in the past because you’re worried “refurbished” is just another word for used. Or maybe you’re concerned it’ll be unreliable or outdated. 

These are some of the most common misconceptions about refurbished equipment, but they couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, we’re going to show you why.

We’ll walk you through some of the most prevalent myths and misconceptions about refurbished software. Let us address your concerns: refurbished equipment is low-quality, unreliable, inferior, outdated, has a short lifespan, doesn’t offer a warranty or support, and the sellers are untrustworthy. By the end of this post, you’ll clearly understand why buying refurbished products is good for the environment, your wallet, and, ultimately, your organization. 

Types of refurbished hardware 

There are plenty of refurbished electronics available, so regardless of what you’re looking for, you are sure to find it! Refurbished equipment runs the gamut from switches to SFPs to cables and beyond. A ton of refurbished equipment is available at reasonable rates, so you’re holding yourself back by not giving it a look.

One popular item to buy refurbished is the switch. Switches are responsible for managing, collecting, and processing data. Therefore, you need to invest in a quality switch to ensure your business is able to scale as desired. It also allows you to safeguard your data as you have one central data backup point. 

Businesses can also benefit from buying refurbished cables. Investing in quality cables helps ensure that your business’s infrastructure is up to date and functioning seamlessly. Plus, when you buy cables from a top-notch seller (like Network Craze), you’ll benefit from excellent warranties that keep your products protected for years to come.

Other popular items to buy refurbished include SFPs, wireless access points, and phones. By buying secondhand, you can save money and get a great product — all while reducing your environmental impact. There are truly no drawbacks. 

Myth 1: Refurbished hardware is low quality 

The main myth surrounding refurbished hardware is that it’s low quality. This is untrue. According to a Liquidity Services survey, 84% of consumers who bought refurbished products are satisfied with their price and how it functions. 

Not to mention, more and more people are buying refurbished—Statista estimates that refurbished consumer electronics generated the most revenue in 2022 out of any consumer goods category. In 2026, the refurbished consumer goods market will take in $120 billion. 

The refurbishing process is partially why people are becoming more willing to buy these goods. Refurbished goods have to pass rigorous tests. 

With refurbished goods, quality assurance is top of mind. For instance, you can purchase items from top-brands such as Cisco, HP, and Dell that perform well at an excellent price. Network Craze works to ensure you’ll be able to get use out of your refurbished goods for years to come. 

Myth 2: Refurbished hardware is unreliable 

Fact: if you’re buying refurbished hardware from a reputable seller, you will not have to worry about reliability. (Of course, that also means you should complete your due diligence before purchasing from a seller. Look at reviews, read testimonials, and check out the warranty or return offerings.) 

Speaking of warranties and support options, the buyer you purchase from must be looking out for you. Excellent customer support is how they prove that, as well as by providing a warranty. 

When possible, seek out a refurbished item with a lifetime warranty. This shows the seller is confident their product will be successful. 

Myth 3: Refurbished hardware has short lifespans

The next myth that we often hear about refurbished hardware is that it has a shorter lifespan. The reality is that your electronic device’s lifespan can be as long—or as short—as you make it. You need to take care of your equipment, and refurbished hardware can have a long life with proper care. 

Some factors impact hardware lifespan, such as usage and maintenance. For example, if you use your product every day, it makes sense it would have a shorter lifespan than a product you only use once a quarter. That said, you can protect your product by bringing it in for regular maintenance.

Our top maintenance tips include: 

• Keep it clean using recommended cleaning supplies
• Try to refrain from eating or drinking around your hardware
• Keep enough free disk space on your device
• If you notice something’s not functioning properly, bring it in to be fixed before it breaks completely

Myth 4: Refurbished hardware is outdated

You may think the only type of refurbished hardware available is a desktop computer from the 90s. This couldn’t be less true! Many recent models of switches, SFPs, and phones are available. 

You already know that buying refurbished instead of new significantly reduces electronic waste. It also keeps newer products out of landfills, and gets them into your hands instead — all for a great price.

Network Craze offers a wide variety of new hardware to help fill any gaps that your business has. With all of the latest cables, servers, SFPs, and more, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for at Network Craze.  

Myth 5: No warranty or support for refurbished hardware

Another erroneous thought about refurbished equipment is that there’s no way to get a warranty on it or that there’s no support. Again, this is not the case. 

If you’re considering a product with a warranty, it’s important to remember there are different types. There’s the manufacturer’s warranty, which typically covers any defects in the materials of your device or workmanship errors. 

There are also third-party warranties available. Typically, these are more holistic and include other factors such as wear and tear. It’s up to you to decide which is right for you.

We also advise you to consider the customer support available when buying a refurbished product. This can set one seller apart from another and establish them as the right choice for you. 

Whether buying a product new or secondhand, you deserve support to get it set up and working right. The right seller knows this and will offer help as necessary.

That means it’s your responsibility when researching sellers to consider what customer support they have. If you notice that there isn’t any, skip the seller and look for a different option. 

Myth 6: Refurbished hardware is inferior to new hardware 

Refurbished isn’t another word for ‘faulty.’ Not only are refurbished devices more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and accessible, but they can also function just as well—if not better—than new models. 

Just ask any of your friends or family members; they’re sure to have a story about how buying refurbished saved them headaches and money. 

Myth 7: You can’t trust sellers of refurbished hardware

When purchasing refurbished hardware, you must research a potential seller’s reputation. If you do, you shouldn’t have any trouble trusting your seller. Most of the time, you’ll notice red flags immediately if a seller has any—disgruntled customers tend to be vocal in their reviews, so be sure to check those out. 

Another option is to check trusted sources for recommendations on which refurbished sellers to use. We also advise you to seek a seller with a money-back guarantee to have peace of mind if your item doesn’t perform as it should. Plus, you can also look for a lifetime warranty, as this indicates your seller is willing to stand behind the trustworthiness of the product they’re selling. 

Here’s the truth 

If you do your homework on your seller, you’ll find that purchasing refurbished equipment is wiser for the environment and your wallet. There’s a massive market for refurbished goods as more people realize they’re wasting money buying brand-new ones. Buying refurbished simply makes sense.

If you want to enjoy a highly functional device for less, check out refurbished offerings. Whether you want switches, cables, or SFPs,  you will surely see plenty of refurbished offerings available. Once you buy refurbished, you won’t look back when you see how many open box options await! 

How Network Craze Can Help

Are you ready to purchase your first refurbished device? If so, Network Craze can help. 

We boast a lifetime warranty and offer unparalleled customer support. When you purchase from us, we ensure you get the help you need as you set up your product and beyond.

If you’re ready to see how you can find the right refurbished product for you today, reach out to learn more. We look forward to helping you buy refurbished!