New Guide Helps Consumers Get Great Deals on Refurbished Electronics

U.S. PIRG releases holiday guide to buying repaired or refurbished electronics with confidence they will last

This holiday season, you can pay even less than you would on Black Friday for electronics, if you buy them used and refurbished. “Fixed for the Holidays” helps consumers purchase used items with confidence — detailing what to buy, how to know if you are getting a good deal and where to shop. 
 
“Not only can you save 20 percent or more by shopping refurbished, buying used products is better for the environment and cuts waste,” added Nathan Proctor, Director of U.S. PIRG’s Campaign for the Right to Repair who authored the guide. “It’s a win-win for the person getting the electronics and his or her community.” 
 
Our guide, published at www.uspirg.org/feature/usp/fixed-for-the-holidays has tips that include: 

• Four tips on what makes a good refurbished gift.
• The risks you might encounter in buying used products.
• Where to shop for refurbished electronics.
• How to know if you are getting a good price. 
• How to get your money back if there are issues. 

Refurbished electronics are only options when people have the tools and knowledge to repair used products. U.S. PIRG supports “Right to Repair” reforms to require manufacturers to give consumers and third parties access to the parts and information necessary to fix our electronics. 
 
“Repair cuts costs for consumers and cuts down on the electronics headed for the scrap heap,” added Proctor. “Buying refurbished is a great way to support the right to repair.”
 
 
U.S. PIRG is an independent, non-partisan group that works for consumers and the public interest. Through research, public education and outreach, we serve as counterweights to the influence of powerful special interests that threaten our health, safety or well-being.