Refurbished tech: What is it, where to buy it & how much money can it save you?

IF you're in the market for new tech and you want to save cash, there's one simple way: buy refurbished.

To find out more, read our in-depth guide on refurbished tech - we cover its advantages and disadvantages, if it's safe, and where to buy.

Maybe it's not something you've done before or something you have misgivings about, but shopping refurbished is becoming an increasingly popular choice for consumers.

However, the field of refurbished electronics can be a little intimidating to newcomers - so it's good to get to grips with the essentials before you start shopping.

We went in search of some expert opinion and chatted with Mark Monte-Columbo, the Head of Refurb at eBay, who helped us put this guide together.

What is refurbished tech?

Refurbished tech is a term for items that have been previously sold, but were then returned to the manufacturer, before being put on the market again.

These products have rarely undergone any extensive use, or any at all, since they've been returned by shoppers within a returns period, which is usually around 30 days.

What are the differences between refurbished and pre-owned?

Refurbished goods aren't to be confused with items that are marked as 'used' or 'second-hand', which are typically sold online by the original buyers themselves.

Instead, refurbished items are sold on through official merchants and (if they're any good) have been inspected, checked and vetted for re-sale.

Is refurbished tech as good as new?

It’s worth bearing in mind that not all refurbished items are created equally.

When you shop online, it's a good idea to check the listed status of each product before you buy.

'We have four different  at eBay,' explains Mark. 'These are Certified, Excellent, Very Good and Good.'

Certified items are in what's described as 'pristine condition' without any signs of use, while at the other end, Good items will show 'moderate signs of use such as small scratches or dents that do not affect functionality.'

With all four grades, items have been professionally inspected, cleaned and refurbished, and they're all covered by a minimum one-year guarantee.

What are the advantages of buying refurbished?

As Mark points out, prices will be most shoppers' priority: ‘There are obvious cost-saving benefits.'

His passion for refurbished technology stretches all the way back to 2011, when he purchased a refurbished iPhone 4.

'I didn't want to get sucked into a long contract,' he explains. 'Also, I wanted something that felt replaceable. It wasn't a problem if it broke.'

Mark makes a good point that often with brand-new, high-end electronics, we often feel like we need to keep them in pristine condition.

But items like mobile phones are devices we use repeatedly in day-to-day life - buying refurbished means we can relax more if they get into any scrapes.

During a time when the cost of living has escalated, and shoppers have less cash in their wallets, the appeal of cheaper tech continues to grow.

And if you're already thinking ahead to the Black Friday sales, buying refurb is a great way to pick up Christmas gifts at a lower price.

There are also, of course, a lot of environmental benefits to buying refurbished products - an item that might otherwise end up in a landfill will remain in circulation.