YOUR MONEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

"I've heard I can save a bundle by buying refurbished items, but I'm worried about quality and safety. How can I be sure I'm getting products I can trust?"

- GABRIELLE LICHTERMAN

What you’ve heard is true: Refurbished products can save you up to 70% compared to buying new. And the best part? They typically perform just as well as those fresh off the shelf! “Refurbished items are products that have been returned to the manufacturer or seller, then repaired if needed and restored to full working condition,” explains Kyle James, founder of Rather-Be-Shopping.​com. Sometimes shoppers return these products due to a minor cosmetic flaw, like a scratch. Other times, the reason for the return is something bigger but still fixable, like a broken screen. Once repair experts give the green light, these items head to the refurbished department, where you can score amazing deals on blenders, digital cameras, laptops, printers, smartphones and more. Here, James shares his top tips to help you get more out of every refurbished item.

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