Save More This Holiday Season by Buying Refurbished Electronics, Says Pennsylvania Group

Refurbished Electronics: A Smarter Choice for Holiday Shopping

Looking for the perfect tech gift this holiday season? You might save more than Black Friday deals by opting for refurbished gadgets. According to the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, buying refurbished electronics like smartphones and tablets can help consumers save significantly while reducing their environmental footprint.

Savings Beyond Black Friday

“Customers can save at least 20% compared to the original market price when purchasing refurbished devices,” says Belle Sherwood, Climate and Clean Energy Associate at PennEnvironment. She also points out that prices typically drop an additional 10% for every year since the device was released.

For example, a refurbished iPad Air 2022, originally priced at $599, is available for $359—a 40% savings. Similarly, a Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphone can be purchased for $356 through platforms like Back Market, representing a discount of more than 50% off its retail price.

Where to Buy Refurbished Electronics

PennEnvironment recommends purchasing refurbished electronics from reputable sources such as local repair shops, online marketplaces like Back Market, Decluttr, Gazelle, and VIP Outlet, or major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

To ensure a safe purchase, look for sellers that provide:

• At least a 90-day warranty
• A 30-day return policy

Mac Frederick, the owner of Phone Repair Philly, also emphasizes the financial benefits: “When you lease or finance devices through major carriers like Verizon or AT&T, you end up paying a premium over time. Buying refurbished from trusted sources is a much smarter option.”

Environmental Benefits of Refurbished Electronics

Beyond the savings, choosing refurbished over new electronics significantly reduces the environmental impact. According to PennEnvironment, gifting a refurbished smartphone can lower its carbon footprint by up to 91%.

What to Avoid When Buying Refurbished

Not all electronics are good candidates for refurbishment. According to Sherwood, products like televisions and desktop monitors are prone to issues due to their size. Devices with glued-in batteries, such as Apple AirPods, also have a limited lifespan since the batteries cannot be replaced.

A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Choice

As the holiday shopping season kicks off, refurbished electronics offer a way to save money while making a more sustainable choice. By shopping wisely and choosing trusted sellers, you can score great deals on tech gifts without sacrificing quality or reliability.

Source: CBS News