If you desperately want the latest laptop but your budget doesn’t stretch that far, buying refurbished cheap laptops can be the solution; however, before you snap up a bargain, here are five things you should know.

1. Is there a returns policy?

Sometimes, an issue isn’t immediately apparent and only becomes evident when you have used your laptop for a while; therefore, the first thing to check is the returns policy. You should have at least two weeks to check that your hardware works properly. If the returns period is less than this, or if there are astronomical charges for returns, your cheap laptop could turn out to be expensive.

If you buy refurbished, check the small print and fire up your laptop immediately to check for any problems.

2. What shouldn’t you buy refurbished?

Steer clear of mechanical items and hard drives that can’t be reset. You might also want to avoid products that frequently contact the skin, such as headphones and earbuds.

3. Is refurbished always cheaper?

No, refurbished is not always cheaper. When you are searching for cheap laptops, use a reputable company such as www.refurbishedlaptops.co.uk and do a price comparison check. When you find the equipment you want on one refurbishment site, check the price elsewhere to see whether it is any cheaper.

If a trusted retailer sells cheap laptops with great customer service and a good returns policy, it is worth paying a little extra.

4. Will your credit card cover your laptop?

Your credit card offers all kinds of hidden benefits with purchase protection likely to be one of these. Before you buy a refurbished laptop, contact your card provider to double-check. Keep the receipt and a copy of the warranty so you don’t get caught out if there is a problem.

5. Will you get a decent laptop?

Some of the biggest tech brands sell refurbished products, so you will have a great choice of laptops from suppliers such as Dell, Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Buying from a refurbishing specialist ensures you get the best deal.