Let’s face it. Technology can be expensive. Whether you are a professional, a gamer, or a casual user, purchasing a high-end computer monitor can really put a dent in your wallet. But what if we told you there was a way to save money without sacrificing quality or reliability? Introducing the solution: refurbished monitors! 

Given that it's significantly cheaper than a brand-new monitor, one might be led to think there's a catch. But that's not the case! Refurbished monitors are far from second-hand ones. They are repaired and restored to their original condition by the seller, and they are usually in pretty good condition. 

Most of the refurbished computer monitors on the market are not even returned due to technical issues. In many cases, consumers return the monitors because they simply upgraded their computer equipment or because the product didn’t meet their expectations. There’s also a high chance of getting a refurbished monitor that’s barely been used. This means that you can score a practically new device at a fraction of the cost. A win-win situation for you and the environment! 

Part 1: Why Choose Refurbished Monitors? 

There are many reasons why you might prefer getting a refurbished PC monitor over a new one. First, you get to save your hard-earned money. Second, you can contribute to a green and sustainable future for all. And lastly, you can get a monitor as good as "new" by carefully making your purchase. How? Let’s discuss! 

Pocket-friendly

The main reason people opt for refurbished monitors is their cost-effectiveness. Refurbished monitors are often sold at a discount of up to 50% or more off their original price. This is because they have been used before and are no longer considered "brand new" products. 

Go Green

Every year, millions of tonnes of electronic waste are generated around the world. Monitors and other computer equipment contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury that can take hundreds of years to decompose or breakdown in the environment. 

Once these devices end up in landfills, they can release harmful toxins into the soil and groundwater, posing a threat to both human and marine ecosystems. By choosing a refurbished monitor, you are directly cutting down on electronic waste and extending the lifespan of an electronic device. 

Other than this, developing new monitors requires significant amounts of energy and resources, from mining raw materials to manufacturing and shipping the final product. By opting for a refurbished monitor, you're bypassing the energy-intensive manufacturing process and reducing the carbon emissions associated with it. 

Good as "New"

If you are still under the assumption that a monitor or screen cannot be repaired, let us correct you! What you are thinking only holds true for those CRT screens that used to come with big box TVs and computers. The tech world has come a long way since then. With the introduction of LCD, LED, OLED, and much more, you don’t have to worry about such issues anymore. 

Modern monitors come with hefty price tags. So, it makes sense that you don’t have to throw them out at the first sign of damage. This also means that any faults can be easily addressed before a monitor is resold as a "refurbished" or "renewed" variant. You will get the quality, reliability, and efficiency of a "brand new" device at a much lower cost. 

No security issues

When it comes to buying refurbished technology, safety and security are always concerns. After all, these devices may have been used by someone else before you, and it's important to ensure that any sensitive data has been erased and that the device is free from any malicious software or viruses. 

Fortunately, when it comes to refurbished monitors, these concerns are largely unfounded. Unlike a refurbished PC, storage disc, or laptop, a monitor doesn't store any data on its own. Instead, it simply receives and displays the data that is sent to it from your computer or other device. 

This means there is no need to worry about any personal or sensitive data being left on a refurbished monitor or any new threats or viruses being introduced into your system through the monitor. 

Part 2: Things to know before buying refurbished computer monitors 

A touch of caution can go a long way. Even if you've settled on acquiring a refurbished PC monitor, considering certain factors can assist you in selecting a superior and more sophisticated model. 

Refurb vs. Open Box

Ask your retailer if the monitor is a refurb or just an "open box". Open box are monitors that were never used by the consumer. Only the seal was opened, and the product was returned. This can happen if someone ends up with the wrong device or if the product doesn’t meet their expectations. In some cases, these may also include the monitors that were displayed by the company at their stores. 

Thankfully, even these "open box" devices cannot be sold as "brand new" by retailers or brands. They also come under the "refurbish" category. So, always try to get yourself an open-box device. You might not be the first owner, but you can be the first user of the product. This also means that you don’t have to face the "repair scare". 

Who did the refurbishing?

Refurbishment is a comprehensive process. Screening, monitoring, and rigorous testing—these three steps are a must in every refurbishment process. When a brand or retailer gets a used device, they first test if the device is in good condition. Then they check to see if there are any long-term issues or permanent damage. 

Once the retailer has completely tested the product, it is returned. In some cases, one or more components of the monitor may need replacement or repairs, and only a trusted retailer can be trusted to do that. Imagine a third-rated mechanic tweaking in with a high-end tech device. You can not only end up with lower-quality products, but you can also lose all of your invested money. 

That’s why choosing a trustworthy and reputable retailer for buying refurbished computer monitors is extremely important. 

Does it come with a warranty?

Warranties cover your costs for repairs, maintenance, and whatnot. A warranty also enables you to exchange or replace the product if it shows any signs of permanent or irreversible damage. 

For a monitor to be "on", high-quality resolution, a high refresh rate, and many other things need to be in place. And in some cases, the issues might not be apparent to you at first. That’s why spending money on a refurbished monitor that has only 2-3 months of warranty or no warranty at all can be risky. 

It’s recommended to have a minimum of 10–12 months of warranty on refurbished monitors UK. The retailers or resellers can also offer warranties from their side. Always check what the warranty covers or if it comes with any specific terms and conditions. 

Don’t trust "as new" descriptions

There are many refurbished computer monitors being sold on the market with no clear specifications. Merely stating "like new" is not enough and should never be trusted. Always ask your retailer to give you an exact description of the refurbished monitor. If you are lucky, you can even get to know the time period for which the monitor was used by the previous owner. 

Conclusion 

Refurbished monitors are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for those who are looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact. By choosing a refurbished monitor, you can get a high-quality product at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new monitor, while also helping to reduce electronic waste and conserve valuable resources. 

Laptop Outlet is a reliable source for buying refurbished monitors in the UK. Whether you're looking for a basic monitor for everyday use or a high-end gaming monitor, you can find a great selection of refurbished PC monitors at Laptop Outlet. 

Plus, with rigorous testing and refurbishment processes in place, you can rest assured that you are getting a high-quality product. You can also select the payment and delivery method of your choice. So, why delay? Handpick and invest in your favourite refurbished monitor today! 

FAQs

Can refurbished monitors be upgraded or repaired?

Yes, refurbished monitors can be upgraded or repaired, just like brand new monitors. Back when CRT screens were used in the industry, repairing them was a tricky task. Luckily, all modern monitors, such as LCD, LED, and OLED screens, come with easy repairs and upgrades. 

Technical faults in monitors can be caused by issues in the power supply, backlight, inverter, or motherboard. Fixing the power supply or inverter is an extremely simple task that doesn’t cause any long-term issues. However, if there are any issues with the motherboard of the monitor, it’s better to opt for some other alternative. 

Are refurbished monitors environmentally friendly?

Yes, refurbished computer monitors are environmentally friendly. There are two reasons behind that. You are using a previously owned and manufactured device, that would have ended up in a landfill otherwise. Hence, you are directly reducing waste and extending the lifespan of an electronic device. 

What Should I Look for When Buying a Refurbished Monitor?

When purchasing a refurbished monitor, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product. 

 
Firstly, ensure that the monitor has been thoroughly tested and certified by the seller. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the monitor is in good working condition. 

Secondly, examine the warranty coverage. While refurbished monitors are often sold at a discount, they should still come with a warranty period to protect your investment. 

Lastly, evaluate the seller's credibility. Look for sellers with a track record of selling high-quality refurbished products and providing excellent customer service.