6 Benefits Of Refurbished Tech For Businesses

Did you know there are roughly 6.84 billion smartphones in use as of right now? That’s a lot of devices, in a lot of people’s hands!

There’s no denying that these devices have changed the world for the better, but it comes at a huge environmental cost and it’s about time we start to pay it back.

6 Benefits Of Refurbished Devices For Your Business

There are several reasons why more businesses are choosing refurbished devices over new ones, including:

1. Significant cost savings

Refurbished tech is typically sold at a much lower cost compared to new devices, allowing businesses to stretch their budgets further. By saving money on technology, businesses can allocate funds to other essential areas, such as marketing or operations.

2. High quality and reliability

Refurbished tech is tested and inspected to ensure it meets performance standards, which often makes it as reliable as new equipment. Many refurbished devices also come with warranties, giving businesses peace of mind that their investment will be protected.

3. Positive environmental impact

Purchasing refurbished technology helps reduce the amount of electronic waste in landfills, which is a growing environmental concern.

Businesses that choose refurbished tech can promote themselves as environmentally conscious. As a result, they can attract more eco-savvy customers.

4. Better access to premium products

Businesses can access premium or high-end models at a fraction of the price. These include higher-spec laptops, desktops, or smartphones that might otherwise be out of reach.

What’s more, unlike new devices that quickly lose value after purchase, refurbished products have already depreciated significantly. This means they retain more of their value over time.

5. Scalability for growing businesses

Refurbished electronics allow small and medium-sized businesses to scale their operations more easily. With the ability to afford more tech, businesses can better support their teams with additional equipment or provide backup devices as needed.

6. Support for IT infrastructure

Refurbished computers are often compatible with existing business infrastructure. This helps you avoid the need for costly upgrades to other systems. Refurbished IT equipment also often comes with tested and stable software versions. This ensures they integrate smoothly into your current business operations.

The Environmental Impact Of Smartphones

Smartphones have directly contributed millions of tonnes of CO2 to our ozone layer, and that number will only keep growing. One study shows that every smartphone adds around 31 kg of CO2 to the atmosphere.

You might be surprised to know it’s not the charging and constant use of smartphones that cause this, but the manufacturing process. Roughly 85% of the smartphone industry’s CO2 footprint is caused by gathering valuable resources and materials, as well as manufacturing. The other 20% is due to shipping.

For example, cobalt, which is often used to create the internal components of smartphones, contributes around 1.5 million tonnes of C02 to the atmosphere.

That’s only one part of the manufacturing process, and already it looks like we’re fighting a losing battle. So, as consumers and businesses, we need to find ways to do our part.

What’s Considered Refurbished Technology?

Refurbished equipment refers to devices that have been returned to a manufacturer or vendor, inspected, repaired if necessary, and restored to a like-new condition before being resold.

These products might be returned due to minor defects, damage during shipping, or simply because the original buyer changed their mind. Once returned, the devices are tested, repaired, and certified as functioning properly. Refurbished devices often come with a warranty and are typically sold at a lower price than brand-new devices.

Refurbished technology can include smartphones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, and other electronics. The bottom line is that these devices undergo professional processes to ensure they meet quality standards before resale.

Making The Switch To Refurbished Tech

Whether you are a business owner or simply someone interested in refurbished electronics, these tips can help you make the switch right now:

Use your devices until they can be used no more

Smartphones are getting better and better every year, but they’re coming to a point now where innovation in the industry is starting to plateau. This means we’re looking at minor improvements on devices each year.

We upgrade our phones way too often when it’s not strictly necessary. However, by not upgrading your device as much as usual, you can decrease your CO2 footprint by lowering the need for more manufacturing and transportation of new devices.

Think about a refurbished handset for your next device

Not only do refurbished devices offer significant cost savings, but they’re also far better than buying something second-hand.

There’s a huge market for both refurbished and second-hand devices; however, refurbished devices are always more reliable. Having worked in the second-hand phone industry for several years, sellers don’t spend much time quality checking the products but focus more on stock rotation and turnaround.

On the other hand, refurbished sellers will buy a lot of devices but won’t put them on the market until they’ve been rigorously tested, and sellers can be sure of the warranty they offer along with the device. This means the savings of a refurbished device can be handed back to you while cutting down your CO2 footprint without compromising quality.

Make the switch to renewable energy

You charge your device every day. And, if you have a lot more devices in your business, that’s a lot of energy used every day. Switching to sustainable and renewable energy sources can not only save you money but will decrease your organisation’s CO2 footprint.

FAQs

Can you buy refurbished networking equipment?

Yes, it is possible to buy refurbished networking equipment, and it’s a popular option for many businesses. Refurbished networking equipment includes routers, switches, firewalls, and other hardware. This equipment has been restored to full working condition after being used, returned, or slightly damaged.

How long do refurbished laptops last?

The lifespan of refurbished laptops can vary depending on several factors. However, in general, well-maintained refurbished laptops can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years, and in some cases even longer.

What are the potential cost savings when choosing refurbished devices?

When UK businesses choose refurbished devices, they can benefit from potential cost savings ranging from 20% to 70%.

Final Thoughts

There are many excellent reasons to replace your existing devices with refurbished alternatives, and we’re here to help.

Here at MID Digital Solutions, we only work with businesses that can guarantee us reusable and sustainable business practices. If not, we simply don’t buy from them.

Let us help you make the switch to refurbished devices within your business so that you can experience all the benefits it has to offer. Contact us today.