Refurbished Macbook & Other Refurbished Notebook Warranties and Return Policies

Refurbished notebooks are a great deal. They’re usually priced at significant discounts and they carry comparable warranties to their new counterparts. Many merchants sell refurbished laptops. They’ll pre-owned and used notebooks, test, clean and fix them up, and then sell them to interested parties. Consumers can also elect to buy refurbished notebooks directly from the manufacturer. Only a handful of computer manufacturers refurbish and sell their own products. Typically refurbished units sold by the manufacturer carry longer warranties and undergo a much thorough and stringent refurbishment process, as they have the familiarity of protocol and the materials to do a much better job.

Listed below are computer manufacturers that offer refurbished notebooks through their online outlet stores or through associated affiliates. These refurbished notebooks are typically from the current generation of products. Most are from sale returns and cancelled orders. Some may also come from inventory overstock or demo units. Regardless, all refurbished notebooks go through the manufacturer’s refurbishment process and are sold as fully functional units. They should look and operate like brand new units.

It is also important to be aware of the warranty coverage and the manufacturer’s return policy and procedure. Many have a window of time with which consumers can return their products along with a restocking fee. In the event that, something goes wrong, know that you’re covered and there are options to have your situation resolved. Look up your notebook manufacturer’s website for current information about refurbished notebooks, their warranties and their return policies.
A quick snapshot of computer manufacturers that sell refurbished notebooks:

Apple Certified Refurbished Macbook:
1 Year Limited Warranty
10% Restocking Fee
Request RMA within 14 days upon the receipt of product
Ship product back within 14 days of the issuance of RMA

Sony Vaio Outlet
90 Day Limited Warranty
Request RMA number within 30 days following the shipment date.
Ship product back within 14 days after obtaining RMA number.

Lenovo Outlet
1 Year Limited Warranty
21 day Outlet Return Policy
15% Restocking Fee
Request RMA within 21 days of invoice date
Ship product back within 10 days after obtaining RMA

Dell Outlet
1 Year Limited Warranty
15% Restocking Fee
21 day Outlet Return Policy
Request CRA number before 21 day return window is up.
Ship product back to Dell within 5 days after obtaining CRA.

HP Business Outlet
1 Year Limited Warranty
21 day Return Policy
Request RMA number within the 21 day return window.
Ship product back within 5 calendar days after receiving issuance of the RMA.