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How Can I Tell Whether Products Are New or Refurbished?

If you're wondering whether a product you own or are looking to buy has been refurbished, there usually are a few telltale signs. Unlike new products that have never been touched by a customer, refurbished products have been previously used. Refurbished products typically have malfunctioned or broken but have since been restored.

Instructions

- 1
  Look for a "Refurbished" sign. Some retail stores have a section dedicated to refurbished products; other stores may include a sign above or below the product. Online stores sometimes mix and match new products with old ones, but always include a "Refurbished" warning somewhere on the product page.
- 2
  Examine the product for a "Refurbished" sticker. Some refurbished products, such as cellphones, include a paper inside the packaging that states the product was refurbished. The paper may also say what was wrong with the product.
- 3
  Assess the product for scratches, nicks, scuffs and general wear and tear. Brand new products should be free of marks, but a refurbished product may have a small scratch or look like it has been used before. Generally, if the manufacturer refurbished the product, the product will not have any marks; if it was refurbished by the store, it may look worn.
- 4
  Call the manufacturer. Manufacturers keep a log of all refurbished parts and products, according to Worldstart.com. A customer service representative should be able to tell if you a product has been refurbished when you provide him with the model number.

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