How we grade
Grade tells you what it looks like. Not how it works.
Every device passes the same functional test. The grade only describes cosmetic condition, so you pay for the appearance you need and nothing more. Wear that matches the grade is expected, accepted and not a defect.
Refurbished, properly
What refurbished actually means
A second-hand laptop is one somebody stopped using. A refurbished one has been taken apart, checked, repaired where needed, cleaned, wiped and tested before it is sold again. The word gets used loosely, so we are specific about what ours have been through.
Every unit is factory reconditioned in a dedicated facility, repaired in-house where needed, and covered by a warranty handled by the same team. That is the reason we can price competitively and still offer a 12-month warranty, extendable to 36 months, where most refurbished sellers offer three to six.
Factory reconditioned
Every unit is spec-checked and brought up to a set standard in a dedicated reconditioning facility, so results are consistent from one unit to the next.
Repaired in-house
If a part needs replacing, it is done in-house by the technicians who recondition the unit. Nothing is sent out to third parties.
Every unit tested
Each unit is tested when it arrives and a test report is produced, and the same team handles any warranty claim, which is why we can back them for longer.
Before a device is listed
Functional test
Processor, memory, storage health, display, keyboard, ports, battery, Wi-Fi and audio are all checked. Anything that fails is repaired in-house, or the unit is rejected.
Data wipe and fresh OS
Drives are securely erased. Where an operating system is listed, a clean, activated copy is installed.
Cosmetic inspection
Lid, chassis, screen and keyboard are inspected under good light. The grade describes only what the device looks like.
The three grades
What to expect
- —Looks new or close to it
- —Often as-new, open-box or balance-of-warranty stock
- —No visible marks on lid, chassis or screen
- —Keyboard and touchpad unworn
For customer-facing staff, executives, or anywhere the device is on show. As-new and open-box units may still carry the remainder of the manufacturer's own warranty on top of ours.
Shop Grade AWhat to expect
- —Factory reconditioned and fully functional
- —Fair wear from normal office use is expected
- —Minor scuffs on the lid or base
- —Keyboard may show light shine
Our most popular grade. The right balance of price and presentation for everyday staff machines.
Shop Grade BWhat to expect
- —Works exactly as it should
- —Visible scuffs, scratches or small dents
- —Worn or shiny keys
- —Priced down for the cosmetic marks, which are accepted and not a defect
Lowest price. Ideal for back-office, labs, training rooms and anywhere looks do not matter.
Shop Grade CSame warranty on every grade
Grade A, B or C, every device carries our 12-month collect-and-return warranty against hardware failure. Cosmetic condition never reduces cover, and cosmetic wear consistent with the grade is not a warranty matter.
Want longer? On laptops and desktops you can add one or two extra years at checkout, for up to 36 months of cover from delivery.