At Direct Vacuums, we are deeply enthusiastic about the perks of purchasing refurbished appliances. From monetary savings for the consumer to the myriad environmental benefits, from heightened performance and dependability - there are multiple reasons for the consumer to opt for refurbished kitchen and home appliances. In this article, we will delve into these benefits for consumers and address some of the most common queries regarding refurbished products.
What are refurbished appliances?
Refurbished appliances are previously owned products that have undergone a restoration process which restores them to as close to their original condition as possible. The extent of the restoration required depends on the condition of the individual appliance. However, typical work would include cleaning the product, repairing any faulty elements, occasionally replacing certain parts and repackaging the item. With the right expertise, almost any electrical appliance can be refurbished and restored to its factory condition. At Direct Vacuums, we carry a vast selection of expertly refurbished kitchen and home appliances including washing machines, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, microwaves, blenders, toasters, and much more. Moreover, we also stock a range of like-new products, inspected and conditioned to the highest standards, that merely have packaging damage or minor cosmetic defects that meant they were deemed surplus to requirements by some of the leading retailers we stock.
Ultimately, refurbished or surplus appliances offer consumers a chance to replace or upgrade their electrical devices in an economical and environmentally conscious way.
Typical cost-savings of refurbished appliances
Naturally, the cost-saving benefits associated with the purchasing of refurbished appliances are one of the major attractions of choosing these types of products. Typically, customers can expect to see reductions of around 20-50% for refurbished products vs their brand-new counterparts; however, in some instances, discounts may be far higher. At the time of writing, the following products are available on our website with these reductions on their Recommended Retail Price (RRP):
-Vax TBT3V1P2 Cordless Blade Ultra 32V Stick Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner - RRP: £329.99 Our Price: £82.99 (Reduction of 75%)
-Panasonic NN-CT55JWBPQ Inverter Digital Combination Microwave Oven 1000W 27L - RRP: £199.99 Our Price: £119.99 (Reduction of 40%)
-Hoover HHP30C NEW Smart Air Purifier 300 Wi-Fi Air Cleaner HEPA H13 Filter - RRP: £369.99 Our Price: £99.99 (Reduction of 72%)
-De'Longhi EC685.M Pump Coffee Machine Espresso Maker Dedica 1350w 1L Silver - RRP: £229.99 Our Price: £114.99 (Reduction of 50%)
-Oppo A15 CPH2185 Dual Sim 32GB LCD Touchscreen Smartphone 5MP Front Camera Black - RRP: £158.99 Our Price: £109.99 (Reduction of 30%)
These products are representative of the savings available with refurbished appliances, demonstrating why these products are so popular with savvy consumers everywhere.
The environmental benefits of refurbished appliances
A further key attraction of refurbished appliances is the numerous environmental benefits they offer, making them a pivotal factor in our transition toward a greener future.
Firstly, the creation of new electrical appliances demands the extraction and depletion of precious natural resources including metals and minerals. This process leads to the destruction of natural habitats, soil erosion and other environmental degradation. Moreover, the methodology involved in the mining and manufacturing of new products often uses huge amounts of energy derived from fossil fuels, which contributes considerably to toxic air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Secondly, the environmental cost of the shipping and transportation of new appliances is also an argument for the use of refurbished products. The nature of modern manufacturing means many businesses operate with global supply chains, as outsourcing the production of components helps to keep costs as low as possible. The scale of this operation demands enormous energy consumption but is necessary to keep pricing competitive. Refurbished appliances mitigate the damage caused by this process as the items are already in the country, passing even greater savings onto customers with discounted products.
Finally, the creation of new electrical appliances naturally leads to the disposal and waste management of old, unused products. According to a 2020 study by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the UK ranks as the second-highest producer of electrical waste per capita globally, making us particularly accountable in this regard. Transitioning to the refurbished kitchen and home appliances can help to reverse this trend and stop the avalanche of electrical items that are tumbling into landfill sites. Buying refurbished makes such a difference, that A P Taylor Ltd (trading as Direct Vacuums) alone are responsible for a percentage of the UK Government’s waste reduction targets each year.
To further reduce the impact on the environment, wherever possible we reuse original packaging, even it's not as pretty as it once was - by doing so we reduce the need for having as much new packaging created, which in turn puts fewer trucks on the road and fewer trees being cut down. Where we can't reuse the original packaging, we often shread this and use it as packing insert material instead and then use responsibly sourced packaging from suppliers such as Reedbut Group, who are FSC Certified.
Performance and Reliability of Refurbished Appliances
A further benefit of refurbished appliances is that they often have several performance and reliability advantages compared with brand-new products.
Refurbished items are thoroughly tested and repaired by a team of experts, unlike some electrical products which may leave the factory in faulty condition owing to manufacturing errors. These experts will then 'grade' the appliance according to the scale of cosmetic damage, allowing the customer to make the most informed decision possible on their purchase. Importantly, these grades should not refer to the functionality of the device, which should be at the factory level, but simply any previous signs of use. Nonetheless, reputable sellers of refurbished goods will usually offer customers a warranty as standard, offering consumers peace of mind and protection against any malfunctions or defects.
Finally, it is worth noting that the refurbishment process can differ from reseller to reseller. Therefore, if you have any concerns surrounding the performance and reliability of your appliance, you should feel free to contact the reseller for any further information that may assuage any anxiety surrounding the purchase of a refurbished product.
Availability of older/discontinued models
The availability of older or discontinued electrical appliances can be an added advantage of purchasing refurbished goods. Occasionally, manufacturers will discontinue certain products if they are no longer commercially viable or they now offer a newer (and often more expensive) model that performs a similar function. Therefore, purchasing refurbished appliances affords consumers the opportunity to procure a specific older model of device that may no longer be in production.
Should you buy a Refurbished Appliance?
Purchasing a refurbished appliance can be a fantastic option in many situations. As mentioned, firstly, refurbished goods are significantly cheaper than brand-new items, with typical reductions on RRP cost of around 20-50% but ranging up to 75% in many cases. Secondly, refurbished appliances offer numerous environmental benefits that appeal to today's more environmentally-conscious consumer. Moreover, refurbished items are comprehensively tested and examined to ensure they are in full working order when you purchase them. Lastly, the purchase of refurbished goods may offer the opportunity to acquire older or discontinued models from many reputable brands at discount rates. These are products that otherwise wouldn't be available but remain very popular with consumers and are often only available from resellers.
Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions on refurbished appliances.
