1.2 billion years.

That’s the combined total number of hours the digital community is projected to spend online this 2019. With 5.11 billion unique mobile users and 4.38 billion internet users around the world just for this year, can you imagine the sheer number of electronic devices being produced and used annually?

With a multitude of electronic devices ranging from brand new tablets to refurbished iPhones, it is easy to see how the world is connected digitally.

The Digitally Enabled

The United Arab Emirates is actually one of the countries with the highest Internet penetration, topping the charts with an estimated 9.52 million users and a penetration rate of 99%. This corresponds to about eight hours a day spent online using any device.

Mobile phones (of any type) take the lion’s share as the most used devices with 99 percent of the population using it as a means to connect to the internet. Meanwhile, smartphones get 96 percent, desktop or laptop computers get 71 percent, and tablet devices get 28 percent when it comes to the gadgets used in surfing the Web.

With the colossal number of users in the region, demand for electronic devices may be expected. Whether for personal use (such as for having food delivered) or for business purposes (such as using iPads as digital menus for restaurants), these devices are undeniably part of modern life.

However, not everyone can afford the shiny new iPhones or fresh-off-the-boat electronic tablets. With the consumers’ demand for alternative avenues for getting their hands on the gizmos that will connect them to the family, friends, and beyond, electronics companies and tech communities have come up with a solution: refurbished gadgets.

Refurbished: Looks Like New, Works Like New

Refurbished gadgets or electronic devices are goods that have been pre-owned but returned to the manufacturer or third-party retailer. These refurbished items may be “unwanted returns” or faulty units that are still under warranty that were returned in relatively new condition.

Refurbished electronic goods are different from used gadgets in such a way that these refurbs (as they are popularly called) have been thoroughly inspected and checked for irregularities and effectively repaired so these can be resold.

Typically, a refurbished model would not have any discernible difference from a new model aside from possible cosmetic blemishes and price. All units are perfectly functional and may only have some differences in appearance.

Refurbished items are graded based on their appearance. For example, Platinum grade means that the refurbished item is in mint condition, without any dings, scratches, or other damage on its body or display screen. Lower grades do not mean that a gadget is faulty, only that it may carry some obvious signs of aging or use.

If you are in the market for a new phone or some other electronic gadget, it would be wise to consider refurbished electronics. Here are some basic benefits to consider:

1. Cost Savings

Refurbished items give you more value for your money. With a unit that is almost as good as new, you get the gadget that you want at almost half the price (or more) compared to a brand new one.

This is a key selling point that drives the refurbished market to reap rewards. In fact, the global refurbished smartphone economy is expected to rise in 2019 because of several factors, such as the declining state of the new smartphone market.

Buying your refurbished gadget from reputable retailers is also another way to save on costs. Aside from a one-year limited warranty, you can also save on other service privileges such as free delivery and other promotional perks.

2. Certified Quality and Reliability

Buying from well-regarded and trustworthy retailers will also ensure that your refurbished item has gone through a comprehensive check. In case the item was returned because of some irregularities, it will be repaired before being sold. Certified refurbished items will have undergone a stringent test to ensure that they are in good working order.

Refurbished electronic goods that have been restored to like-new condition will almost always have a new battery. Another reason to trust its reliability is when the seller is confident enough to offer a fair return or exchange policy. Some retailers even offer a 30-day money-back guarantee which tells you that they are confident about the quality of the products they sell.

3. Eco-friendliness

Currently, only 20 percent of the 50 million tons of electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) is formally recycled. This means that the remaining 80 percent ends up in landfills or informally recycled, which leads to adverse effects for people and the environment.

To address this alarming situation, members of the UN Coalition for E-waste and Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE) have pushed for an overhaul of the whole electronics system. They stress the importance of a circular economy where resources are assessed and reused to have the most minimal environmental impact.

Return and buy-back systems for used electronics are one of the solutions that can alleviate this environmental concern. Buying refurbished items, for example, is a more sustainable way of minimizing e-waste. Instead of manufacturers throwing away these comparatively new electronics, these can be put to good use when resold as refurbished goods.

A More Practical Choice

With the advantages that a refurbished model gives you, it is easy to make the decision to go for a device that gives you 100 percent functionality without burning a hole in your pocket.

Certifiably checked to be in near-mint condition, can be conveniently bought online, and comes with superb perks such as free delivery or cash back guarantee – a refurbished electronic item is your best bet.

References:

https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2019-global-digital-overview

https://www.slideshare.net/DataReportal/digital-2019-united-arab-emirates-january-2019-v02

https://www.counterpointresearch.com/global-refurbished-smartphone-market-expected-rise-2-2019/

https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/un-report-time-seize-opportunity-tackle-challenge-e-waste

AUTHOR BIO

Mirza Saqib Habib is the Business Manager at Dubai-based Teckzu, the perfect one-stop shop to discover, browse, and buy new and refurbished electronics such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and accessories. Mirza comes from a strong E-commerce background with over 6 years of regional experience. He has helped kick-start many startups in the past and is passionate about using technology to facilitate a seamless digital user experience.