Buying used and refurbished computers saves a company a lot of money, and many of the workstations that are bought pre-owned function just fine for years--but what about when a used or refurbished computer lacks parts or accessories? Then a business manager has to go out and make some supplemental buys.

This can be a hassle, but with online vendors offering everything under the sun for getting a business the gear it needs, managers can make single purchases or outfit a whole fleet of refurbished computers for sale at simple sales pages for a quick and easy solution. Buyers might look for:

1. Keyboards, mice and controllers for used and refurbished computers.

2. Peripherals like printers, cameras or scanners for refurb computers.

3. Cabling for used and refurbished PCs.

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Find keyboards for used and refurbished computers

Your used and refurbished computers might not have a keyboard shipped along with it if it is a desktop, but have no fear: from ergonomic to flexible or durable industrial keyboards, online agents compete to sell you your business goods cheap.

I recommend: Get wholesale computer keyboard options for business at Cable Wholesale. For rugged industrial keyboard to go with a used or refurbished computer for a plant or warehouse space, try iKey's online product catalog.

Look for other peripherals for used and refurbished computers

Just like keyboards, other peripherals like mouse units, network adapters, or printers may not be part of the package. Where new computers come with a range of peripherals, for used purchases, the buyer is often on their own.

I recommend: Find business deals on computer peripherals at GoBusiness DoveBid, where the site utilized a variety of options for getting deals to business clients. For everything from printers and scanners to peripherals, try Liquidator's online site for deals on gear for your used or refurbished computers.

Find cables for used and refurbished computers

Another big issue is the cable sets for used computers. Again, a new computer has to ship with all of its cable gear, like power cords and peripherals cabling, but not so with used purchases. Cables are another element on sale for outfitting used computers for sale without the attending accessories.

I recommend: Outlet PC offers great deals and speedy shipping on the USB, power and other cabling for a used or refurbished computer that may be missing some of its cords. Get cables and more at Wholesale Computer Products for making your used PC whole again.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always keep an eye out for compatibility issues for used computers. Though you may think keyboard or peripheral jacks are standard, some systems can be tricky to pair with refurbished computers. USB connecting is a good tool for standardized peripherals to make sure your used work stations will recognize your buys.

Buying anything used – whether car or Compaq – is a tried and true way of getting more for your money. In some ways, computers are an ideal used buy — they comprise mostly solid-state components that don't wear out, and companies that insist on state-of-the art equipment often quickly liquidate perfectly functional computers, funneling nearly new hardware into the used market, drastically discounted. Buy used but buy carefully with these caveats in mind:

1. Used computers typically come with far shorter warranties than new ones; 30 days is typical. Some vendors offer optional extended warranties for an additional fee.
2. Getting a batch of matching computers, which can reduce support, training and networking costs, may be harder to do when buying used.
3. Your used computer may come with no online or telephone support.
4. Consider how long you expect a computer to remain in service – a decision driven by how long a device is expected to last and by how effectively the computer's specs support newer operating system versions, applications or networks. A used computer that's effective for a year may not be cheaper in the long run than a new one that serves for two or three years.

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Find a local source

When you buy your used computers locally, you're in a better position to test them and, if necessary, return them. For that comfort level, you may pay more than you would online.

I recommend: Look in your local Yellow Pages under "Computer & Equipment Dealers, Used & Recycled." Other good sources include local classified ads and periodic computer expos when they come to town; search Local.com for "computer expo" (include the quotes) in your city.

Shop online

Not surprisingly, you'll find the widest array of used computer options online, not simply from sellers, but also from auction sites, recyclers and liquidators. As a rule, the lower the price, the more cautious you must be about the supplier.

I recommend: For computer auctions, check out Liquidation.com (especially for quantity lots), Yahoo! Auctions and eBay. Try also Intechra Outlet, which offers a range of brands.

Look for refurbished PCs, overstocks and discontinued models

Major PC manufacturers take their defective returns and former leases, repair them to factory specs and resell them, often from their Web sites. They guarantee that the PCs are as good as new but within a dramatically shortened warranty period. They also may sell off discontinued models at a discount, until they run out. Third-party refurbishing/overstock resellers do the same thing the manufacturers do, minus the assurance you may feel from buying from the original maker.

I recommend: Check out the manufacturer outlet sites for Dell, Gateway and HP. For a third-party option, check out used computer dealers who have eBay stores. NexTag offers direct access to deals from a variety of vendors along with ratings of the PCs themselves.

Make sure it's a good deal

How do you know that the price on a used computer is a good one for a computer of that age and specs?

I recommend: Check the blue-book value of a computer you're considering on Orion Blue Book. Using any Web search engine, use the computer's model name or number to find the same computer for sale elsewhere and compare prices (don't forget to factor the warranty and shipping costs into your comparison).

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always check the warranty and return policy
• •  Review the system requirements for your core software (Windows, Office, etc.) to make sure the computers you buy can do what you need them to do.
• •  When using auction sites, be sure to review the seller's feedback/rating.
• •  If replacing your old PCs with new, consider recycling or offering working computers to schools or nonprofits as a charitable contribution.

Many big name brands and retailers offer refurbished computers for sale, which is a great savings opportunity on the price of a new computer. A poor quality computer can ultimately cost money instead of saving it, however, so there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration when purchasing a used PC or refurbished computer to make sure you are getting the best value on your purchase.

Refurbished computers for sale often come with a different type of warranty and technical support than new computers. Always check the warranty and tech support offered on a used or refurbished computer and compare it with the options on new computers. Other things to compare include the current (not original) price for new models, the software and accessories included and the computer's capabilities for running current programs and upgrades.

Start saving money on used and refurbished computers using the following resources:

1. Consult buyer's guides to find out if used and refurbished computers are right for you.
2. Shop for refurbished computers with warranties and tech support available.
3. Consider factory recertified computers for the highest quality second hand computers.
   

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Decide if used computers for sale are the best choice to save you money

Before you decide to buy a refurbished PC, consult a buyer's guide to determine what the best options are for saving money on used and refurbished computers. Because buying used computers often can result in added costs on equipment and repairs, consider the advice and tips of buyer's guides on how to compare new, used and refurbished options.

I recommend: VideoJug has a helpful buyer's guide for refurbished computers explaining when buying used is a good idea. You can also get feature comparisons and tips for buying used laptops from LaptopAdvisor and PC Bargain Hunter.

Find refurbished computers for sale with warranty information

When browsing used computers for sale, always look at the warranty information closely. If no warranty information is available, buying used will likely end up costing you money in a matter of months or years. A number of online retailers offer detailed information about their warranty policies and tech support to allow you to make an informed decision on the computer's value.

I recommend: Laptop Outlet provides a six-month warranty on all used and refurbished computers that they sell. Other retailers, like Skyex Laptop Store, offer a much shorter 30-day warranty from the purchase date, but supplement that with whatever manufacturer's warranty remains on the computer from its original purchase, so you may be able to get a good deal on your warranty depending on the model.

Consider recertified computers as an alternative to used and refurbished computers

Another option for saving money is to look for factory recertified used and refurbished computers. These computers are products that have been returned to the manufacturer for any reason, and have been inspected and recertified for sale at a discounted price. Often times, recertified computers are in better condition than other used or refurbished computers that typically require some degree of repair, but you should still check the warranty and support before buying.

I recommend: TigerDirect sells a wide range of factory recertified computers from a number of brand names. Tech Depot, by Office Depot, also offers recertified returned or lightly used computers for sale in its clearance department.

While it is true that used and refurbished computers are easy on the wallet, the expression “Buyer Beware” still applies. Getting the best deal means being consumer and computer savvy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Look for a system that is in good working order, meets your needs, gives you the “most bang for your buck” and comes with a return policy or warranty. Understanding some basic computer terminology will help you in your search.

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Refurbished

In the computer world refurbished means 'old' or used computer equipment that has been restored to like-new working condition and/or appearance or systems that were returned to the factory to repair a flaw. Generally, refurbished pertains to hardware components that either have been replaced with similar components or newer, more up-to-date parts. Companies leasing machines are likely to 'refurbish' the leased units and then sell them at a reduced price. In some cases, refurbished computers are donated to schools or charitable organizations.

I recommend: Whatis?com provides the definition of refurbished as it pertains to computers.

Recertified computer

Recertified computers are models that were returned due to customer dissatisfaction for various reasons; there was a glitch, minor defects, it didn't perform as expected or the buyer just didn't like it. This type return cannot be sold as new merchandise. These computers are then inspected, repaired if necessary, certified, re-packaged and advertised for sale.

I recommend: Cheap-computers-guide features tips for buying a recertified computer online.

Processor speed

This is the speed at which a computer can execute its software applications. The operating system's rate of speed is determined by its built-in timing requirements, technology and circuit and die size.

I recommend: PCGuide gives a more detailed explanation of processor speed.

Network card

A network card-or Network Interface Card (NIC)-allows a computer to physically connect to a local wired network. These cards come in various shapes and sizes depending on the computer model. There are several ways to see if a used or refurbished machine is equipped with a network card, but the easiest way is to check the machine's port panel. The panel is on the back of desktop models and on the sides and/or back of a laptop.

I recommend: Tech-FAQ features a definition of network cards and network card interfaces. Learn how to tell if a used or refurbished computer is equipped with a network card by visiting ComputerHope.

Factory direct

Any time a consumer buys an item directly from the manufacturer, they are purchasing 'factory direct.' The opportunity to buy this way was made possible by the development of e-commerce and merchandise catalogs. Dell Computers was one of the first to market their products directly. Purchasing items this way also tends to be more cost effective.

I recommend: Smart Money.com provides insight into the buying a used or refurbished computer from a manufacturer and a third-party seller.

Open box computer

An open box computer is one that been returned after the buyer has 'opened the box.' In doing so, the product can no longer be considered new. Following inspection by a certified technician, the merchandise can be sold at a reduced or discounted price.

I recommend: PC Mall defines—and sells—open box computers.