There are many different forms of systems or consoles that you can buy.
The refurbished system is sent to a warehouse so that it can be repaired and sold. The pre-owned system is already in a condition to be sold. Premium refurbished basically is packaged differently and comes with branded accessories.
GameStop is a High Street shop in America that sells games, consoles, and other electronics. The company is headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, and is known to be one of the largest video game retailers in the world.
Sometimes buying brand new consoles and systems can be a bit expensive. However, there are many other alternative options that’ll provide you with the same amazing experience as a brand new boxed system would. You can find all such options at GameStop.
Now a question is what’s the difference between all the alternatives. If you’re someone who’s curious to know, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, I’ll be discussing all the differences between refurbished, premium refurbished, and pre-owned consoles at GameStop.
So let’s get right to it!
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What Does Gamestop Premium Refurbished Mean?
People often tend to get confused because they’ve never heard the words “premium refurbished” before. If you’ve been shopping at GameStop, then you may have noticed this label.
Premium refurbished items are basically those which were owned by someone and then were sent to get refurbished. These items are then fixed at the warehouse and usually sent back to the store to be sold.
You can find all such pre-owned items at GameStop. Many people tend to get confused because of the word premium. Even though these items have “premium” associated with them, they’re still much cheaper than the newer alternatives.
But having the word “premium” doesn’t make them new. They’re still products which have been used before, which is why they’re cheaper.
Customers bring in their products at GameStop retail stores and sell them to them as pre-owned items. GameStop then conducts a test to see if the product works.
However, if the product fails the test, then it’s sent to the warehouse so it can be fixed. At the warehouse, it’s in the hands of professionals who refurbish the product and make sure it’s in working condition again.
At this stage, the product is simply refurbished. Next, these professionals will add more GameStop features to it, which is what classifies it as “premium refurbished”.
Difference Between “Refurbished”, “Premium Refurbished”, and “Pre Owned” for Consoles at GameStop
All these products are cheaper alternatives to a newer version of that product at GameStop. The difference between them is pretty simple. Systems or consoles are usually sold in two different ways.
The first instance is those perfectly functioning items that can be easily sold without any added work. The second type of system is those that need repairing because there’s something faulty in them. They are only sold once they’ve been repaired.
Refurbished items are the second type of system. Initially, these items had a problem with them. Therefore, they needed to be sent to the warehouse to get fixed.
For instance, a system could be faulty as its disk tray wouldn’t close. So, now it has to be sent to get fixed. The tray would then start working as normal, which would make this product sellable.
However, this system then wouldn’t be regarded as brand new but a refurbished one. This is because new systems wouldn’t have problems. Systems that have been used and are faulty have to get fixed which makes them refurbished.
On the other hand, pre-owned products are those which are fully functional and need no repair. Don’t get them confused, because they’re still used products only.
However, the only difference between refurbished and pre-owned items is that the pre-owned ones didn’t have any problems which needed to be fixed.
This also means that these particular products passed the test at the GameStop store, which is why they didn’t have to be sent to the warehouse to get fixed.
Although, it should be noted that with such items it’s always a hit or miss. This is because there can still be something wrong with them that might’ve been overlooked during a mere two-minute checkup.
As far as premium refurbished is concerned, it’s the same as refurbished products just with a little upgrade. Premium refurbished items simply have added GameStop features to them. These are accessories like earbuds, GameStop hardware, or controller skins.
These features are what make a normal refurbished, pre-owned item into a premium refurbished product. Although they’re premium, they’re still a lot cheaper than the newer versions. They’re also in perfect condition after repairs.
Is Premium Refurbished Better Than Pre-owned at GameStop?
A very common question is which of the discounted options at GameStop is better. After all, they’re both cheaper but which one can be more trusted. People also get confused because pre-owned and premium refurbished items both look very similar.
The difference is that pre-owned items are simply those that a customer brought in because they didn’t need any repairing. They’re directly sold again as used items.
However, premium refurbished items failed the test and didn’t work correctly, which is why they couldn’t be resold. They have to be repaired first by professionals at the warehouse. These products have been given upgrades with branded features from GameStop.
In my opinion, this makes premium refurbished items a better choice than pre-owned ones. This is because not only are they in top-notch condition, but they also have added accessories.
All of this is available to you at a much cheaper price than the brand new version!
Moreover, a pre-owned item is basically a second-hand one with no extra work done on it. It would work fine for some time but it won’t have a long-lasting life as a premium refurbished one would.
So this is also a reason why you should opt for premium refurbished products than the pre-owned ones. Take a look at this table summarizing the differences between the discounted options:
| Pre Owned | Products that were used and then sold to GameStop. They don’t need repairing and are directly resold to other customers. |
| Refurbished | Products that were faulty and had to be sent to the warehouse. They’re fixed by certified professionals and resold. |
| Premium Refurbished | Simply refurbished products but with a little upgrade. They’re often bundled up with other GameStop branded accessories like headphones and controller skins. |
Is Buying a Refurbished Xbox One Safe?
As I said earlier, it’s always a hit-or-miss situation with products that are refurbished. Therefore, people tend to have a hard time trusting items that have been already used.
However, if you can’t afford a new version of an Xbox, then the refurbished Xbox is a great alternative for you. They’re the most reliable.
Before purchasing you’ll have to decide which version of the Xbox One you want. They come in three versions, the standard, the One S, and the One X version.
However, if you really want to make sure that your refurbished Xbox One is safe, then take important measures. Firstly, you should always buy from established retailers that can offer you at least a year-long warranty.
You can also ask for an original proof of purchase which a legitimate seller will definitely have. Additionally, you should always check for a returns policy because these items can’t be 100% trusted.
Moreover, if you’re buying from GameStop, then make sure to check and return the item within 30 days of purchase. This is because GameStop won’t accept any returns after 30 days from when the receipt was initially made.
Here’s a video giving a detailed review on a refurbished Xbox bought from GameStop:
How does GameStop Prepare a Console For a Refurbished Sale?
According to an ex-store manager, systems get resold in two different ways. A system that is brought in is first tested using a game and controller. If it’s fully functional, it gets sprayed with compressed air so an immense amount of dust or smoke can be released.
It’s cleaned using wipes and then bundled with controllers and cables. Lastly, it’s boxed up, labeled, and now it’s ready to be sold. These products are often sold as used consoles but not refurbished ones.
Secondly, using systems that aren’t functional upon visual inspection have to be sent to the warehouse for professionals to take a look at. These are refurbished sales. They’re formatted or reset to factory default.
When these items are sold, there is a refurbishment charge taken by the store. Upon refurbishment, they’re cleaned, repaired, and tested again. If the product meets quality-control standards, it’s packaged and sent to the store to be resold.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the fine points of this article are:
- Refurbished, pre-owned, and premium refurbished are all discounted options at GameStop if you’re looking to buy a product under a budget.
- Pre-owned consoles don’t require any repairing and can be sold directly upon purchase by the store.
- Refurbished systems are faulty and are sent to certified professionals to be fixed.
- Premium refurbished consoles have added features like controller skins and other branded accessories.
- Premium refurbished items are better than pre-owned ones because they have a longer lifespan.
- You should take caution when buying refurbished items, like checking proof of purchase and returns policy.
I hope this article helps you in buying quality products within your budget.
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FAQs
What is the difference between refurbished and pre-owned GameStop? ›
A: If it's company refurbished then that's pretty good, (but that also means some may have been wrong with it in the past) Pre-owned only means previously own and used which potentially means it's still good.
What is the difference between GameStop refurbished and GameStop premium refurbished? ›As far as premium refurbished is concerned, it's the same as refurbished products just with a little upgrade. Premium refurbished items simply have added GameStop features to them. These are accessories like earbuds, GameStop hardware, or controller skins.
What is the difference between refurbished and pre-owned? ›Pre-Owned simply means its been used but returned within the return policy. Refurbished means it was brought back to the manufacturer for repair. It was broken or defective, then repaired, and then re-sold.
What does it mean refurbished from GameStop? ›it has been owned and refurbished is an item that has been sent back to the manufacturer and been tested for functionality and defects. 2 years ago. Answer this Question.
Can you return refurbished items to Gamestop? ›Used defective items can be exchanged within 30 days. Non-defective PCs and their components, laptops, and monitors are subject to a 5% restocking fee; for such items that are defective, customer must contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about a refund or exchange of these items (manufacturer contact info.
Is it better to get a refurbished or pre owned PS4? ›And this is exactly why refurbished consoles are a great choice. Not only are they designed to last, but you won't be left out by having last year's model. Think about it. There really is no reason to buy a new PS4 since an older model from a few years ago is essentially the same as the one being sold right now.
What are the cons of buying refurbished? ›- Refurbished items don't give you the history of the device, you don't know how the person before you treated the device, and don't know when it was purchased. ...
- Lifespan is unknown. ...
- Refurbished devices don't come with warranties.
Yes, there is a warranty on refurbished consoles. They all have a standard 30 day warranty and they also offer the option for 1 or 2 years at time of purchase. I always buy pre owned from Gamestop. Was this answer helpful?
What is the best refurbished grade? ›This is the highest possible grade and reflects that the product is in excellent or very good condition and can be reasonably considered to be 'like new' or similar. Some Grade A items may have minor cosmetic marks or light scratches, or shiny areas from use on the keyboard or mouse / trackpad.
Is refurbished better then used? ›As good as new
Refurbished, however, differs from second-hand because Refurbished goods are checked and overhauled. Refurbished goods are thoroughly tested for quality and function and, if necessary, parts are replaced or repaired. Then the device is cleaned and the data is deleted.
Why are refurbished items so cheap? ›
Products that are labeled “refurbished” are fully functional but they can't technically be sold as “new” anymore, for reasons that vary by manufacturer. Because of this, they're typically cheaper and you could save hundreds of dollars depending on your purchase.
Why is refurbished so much cheaper? ›A refurbished device was either pre-owned or used as a display item. However, refurbished products go through the same testing process as new devices do, so any defect is found and repaired, and any faulty part is replaced. They work as well as new products but have a discounted price because of their refurb tag.
Is it OK to buy seller refurbished? ›Provided you're buying from a reputable retailer, it's perfectly safe to buy a refurbished phone. Most refurbished phones come with a warranty so you should be protected if there's anything wrong with it.
Does refurbished mean it was broken? ›Refurbished products may be unused customer returns that are essentially "new" items, or they may be defective products that were returned under warranty, and resold by the manufacturer after repairing the defects and ensuring proper function.
How long is GameStop refurbished warranty? ›Accessories - 90 day to 5 year limited* warranty. Hardware - 1 to 3 year limited* warranty. Used & Refurbished games, accessories & hardware - 30 day limited* warranty.
What is GameStop's pre owned guarantee? ›Products with a pre-owned guarantee have been carefully tested and are guaranteed to work. If you are not completely satisfied, simply return the product within 7 days for your money back or within 30 days of purchase for an identical exchange.
Does refurbished mean returned? ›As for the actual meaning of refurbished, the term is generally used to denote a product that has been returned, inspected, repaired if necessary, and then resold. In the case of refurbished computers and mobile devices, the device also has its data wiped and is restored back to factory settings.
Do refurbished items come in original packaging GameStop? ›Pre-owned product guarantee states the original manual or box may not be included.
What are the pros and cons of buying a refurbished phone? ›| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Often cheaper than brand-new phones | X Warranties are usually much shorter than brand new phones |
| ✓ Eco-friendly | X Not always the latest tech |
| ✓ Come with a warranty | X May have defects (scratches, dents) |
| ✓ Repaired by experts |
Refurbs are almost always sold at a significant discount (and more often than not, they work just as well as brand-new gear), but the idea of dropping a lot of cash on previously owned items can feel a bit unsettling.
What are the pros of buying refurbished? ›
Refurbished products also lower the strain on the environment for raw materials. Instead of needing a full new set of parts, refurbished products replace the faulty parts, reducing the need for parts and materials. From production to disposal, refurbished products reduce the strain on the environment.
Why do people buy refurbished products? ›You save a lot of money
A refurbished item, which is as good as the original and thoroughly tested, makes an optimal choice for the customers. These products are mostly priced at 30% less than the original device, which can go up to 50% in some cases.
The major difference between a refurbished laptop and an open box laptop is that a refurbished laptop has been audited, reconditioned, and tested before being resold, while an “open box” laptop has just been taken out of the box, previously owned, but not used.
What is the warranty on a certified refurbished Iphone from GameStop? ›Our iPhones and all preowned products are premium refurbished and have a 30-day guarantee, some may have slight cosmetic wear and tear. Defective phones are covered by a limited one-year warranty for repair or replacement.
What does PRP mean GameStop? ›PRODUCT REPLACEMENT PLAN | GameStop. FREE 1-3 Day Shipping Over $59. store Cambridgeside Galleria - GameStop Opens at 11:00 AM. assignment Track Order.
What is the difference between refurbished and manufacturer refurbished? ›What is manufacturer refurbished? A manufacturer refurbished product is an item reconditioned by the device's original manufacturer rather than a third-party seller or retailer. For example, a manufacturer refurbished iPhone is a smartphone that has been refurbished in-house by Apple technicians.
What is the difference between refurbished and certified refurbished? ›Certified Refurbished Products
The difference between a refurbished product and a certified refurbished product is that the former is refurbished by third-party companies or individuals while the latter is refurbished by manufacturers, dealers, or authorized third-party refurbishment companies.
Refurbished products are repaired and restored to a like-new state (may have minor scratches), either by one of Best Buy's in-house repair centers, the manufacturer or a third-party refurbishment company.
Do refurbished products last? ›But these devices have a bad reputation because sometimes products labeled as "refurbished" just, well, aren't. A true refurb has been inspected and repaired so it can function like a new unit, though it may show wear from use.
Why you should not buy refurbished Iphone? ›Cons: Devices are typically older, previous-generation models. Fewer options to have the exact specifications you want. Previously owned device.
What are the disadvantages of refurbished Iphone? ›
- You'll have to wait for the next top model. ...
- You may not be able to insure it. ...
- The warranty will almost certainly be shorter than with a new phone.
- Depending on the grade of refurbishment, the handset could have scratches and scuff marks.
Refurbished products are used products that have been restored to new or like-new condition. Open-box products are typically unused but without the complete original packaging, which may have been damaged in a warehouse or opened by a customer before being returned.
Are refurbished items worth it? ›Refurbished goods are one way to save money on large purchases. But if you are unfamiliar with purchasing refurbished items, you may be concerned about the quality. Don't worry, though. Refurbished purchases from reputable companies can deliver experiences just as good as those from brand-new items.
What is Seller refurbished vs used? ›Seller refurbished items aren't brand new, but can work as good as new. The repairs may have been just for superficial damage suffered in transit or during the manufacturing process, and the item is then sold at a much lower price. You may be familiar with this terminology through seller sites like eBay.
How can you tell the difference between original and refurbished? ›- Tap your Phone app and open up the dialer.
- Using the touchscreen keypad, dial ##786# (aka ##RTN#). No need to press dial; the phone should automatically open up to the RTN screen. ...
- Scroll down the RTN screen to Reconditioned status.
Certified Pre-Owned phones offer the highest degree of reassurance. These phones are refurbished as described above and are judged by the seller's technicians to be in factory-quality condition. As such, the company is willing to stand by the product.
Is it better to buy a refurbished? ›Refurbished goods are one way to save money on large purchases. But if you are unfamiliar with purchasing refurbished items, you may be concerned about the quality. Don't worry, though. Refurbished purchases from reputable companies can deliver experiences just as good as those from brand-new items.
Is it better to buy used or refurbished iPhone? ›A refurbished iPhone is a safer bet than used
A used phone is exactly that — used — and it usually comes as-is without a warranty. A refurbished phone, on the other hand, has been tested to make sure it's working properly, defective parts have been replaced, and it comes with a warranty.
Refurbished phones are perfectly fine, provided they've been restored into good working order. Most of the time, you can expect that the phone has had a component or multiple components replaced – such as the battery, screen or charging port.
What are the disadvantages of refurbished phones? ›- You'll have to wait for the next top model. ...
- You may not be able to insure it. ...
- The warranty will almost certainly be shorter than with a new phone.
- Depending on the grade of refurbishment, the handset could have scratches and scuff marks.
Why you should consider buying refurbished goods? ›
You save a lot of money
A refurbished item, which is as good as the original and thoroughly tested, makes an optimal choice for the customers. These products are mostly priced at 30% less than the original device, which can go up to 50% in some cases.
Refurbished: A product restored to like-new condition, though the definition of "like-new condition" varies. Factory-refurbished or manufacturer-refurbished products are likely to be the best refurbs — but also the most expensive.
How long will a refurbished iPhone last? ›It really depends how old the iPhone is. If it's less than 4 years old, I would expect to get another 2-3 years out of it before noticing a drop in speed. iPhones generally become noticeably slower after aging about 6 years.
Is there anything wrong with buying a refurbished iPhone? ›There is nothing wrong with receiving a refurbished iPhone as a replacement for a retail device as these are closely inspected by Apple, but some customers prefer to know what kind of device they're receiving when getting an iPhone repaired or replaced.