Refurbished vs. new scanner: what's best for you?
If you’re in the market for a new scanner, whether that’s for at-home or office use, then you may be torn between splashing out on a new product or buying a refurbished scanner.
While both come with their benefits, making the wrong choice can cost you. Are refurbished scanners worth the risk? Will a new scanner set your budget back too much? They’re likely the questions that you're facing, but we’re here to settle any queries.
The Scanner Shop will explain the benefits and setbacks of choosing a refurbished or new scanner so that you can make the best choice for your needs. Don’t be swayed by cheaper products if they don’t have the features you need.
What are refurbished scanners?
Refurbished scanners are pre-owned and used scanners that have been returned to the store or a second-hand supplier.
Once they’re returned, the scanners are repaired to fix any issues, professionally cleaned, and then tested by experts to ensure everything is as it should be. The term ‘refurbished’ can put people off, but a lot goes into them to ensure they’re up to standards.
In fact, most refurbished scanners have only been lightly used and returned without any performance-related issues—the customers just no longer needed them. You can expect:
- Fully tested scanners that are in working condition
- Products that are serviced and reconditioned internally by professionals
- Cleaned and repackaged scanners
- A warranty included
Just because you’re buying second-hand, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for something inadequate. At The Scanner Shop, we have a range of high-quality ex-showroom and refurbished scanners that look and act brand new—for affordable prices, you can’t go wrong.
The benefits of refurbished scanners vs. new scanners
When choosing between a refurbished and a brand-new scanner, you’re probably weighing it down mostly to cost and quality. But there’s more to it than that.
We all know the benefits of new scanners—they’re new, untouched, and there’s more choice between newer models. But, how do refurbished scanners compare?
1. Lower cost, higher value
If money is a leading factor in your decision, refurbished scanners are often 30% to 70% cheaper than the original price—you’re saving on a product that acts like new.
These savings can especially add up if you’re having to buy multiple scanners for a large office. When you buy from a reputable seller, like The Scanner Shop, you’re paying less for a product that performs perfectly well, and enjoying the benefits of higher scanning speeds or duplex functionality, which you might not be able to afford when buying brand new. It’s really a no-brainer when you put it that way!
2. Same core functionality
When it comes down to it, refurbished scanners provide all the key functionality features– digitising documents, photos, receipts, etc.– just as well as new models.
If your scanning needs are straightforward, it’s no use splashing out on a scanner with advanced technology or the latest firmware if you don’t need it.
In fact, many of our refurbished scanners are current or recent models, so you don’t have to settle for an outdated design.
3. Thoroughly tested, professionally restored
Just because you’re buying a returned and repaired scanner doesn’t mean it won’t last as long.
All of our refurbished scanners are thoroughly examined, tested, and restored by scanner experts, so you know you're buying tried and trusted products. Our process involves checking:
- Scanning quality and speed
- The physical quality and condition of the scanner
- Performance of moving parts like rollers and trays
- Its software compatibility with modern systems
- All connection ports and interface functions
A lot goes into making sure you’re getting the best for your money.
4. Warranty and support included
One of the great things about buying a refurbished scanner is that it comes with a warranty. If you have any issues, you can bring the scanner right back to us, and we’ll help resolve the problem.
That means you’ll have peace of mind if any issues arise, and we’ll provide expert advice and after-sales support, so you’re never left on your own. Our warranties typically span from 3 to 12 months, depending on the product.
5. Eco-friendly
Are you looking for ways to cut back on your buying habits and make more eco-conscious choices? If so, buying a refurbished scanner is great for the environment.
For every refurbished scanner that you buy, you’re helping to reduce electronic waste and landfill, cut down on unnecessary manufacturing, and repurpose perfectly good resources that would otherwise be discarded.
So, it’s not only good for your wallet but for the planet, too.
6. Ideal for specific tasks or backup units
If you own a large business, you may need to buy various scanners for different tasks, and the prices can quickly add up.
Instead of buying new scanners every time, why not buy a refurbished scanner? This is a smart choice for:
- Occasional users or smaller workloads
- Secondary or backup scanners for offices
- Schools and non-profit organisations on a budget
- Home users with less frequent needs
Light or frequent use doesn’t require a fully modern scanner with features that you won’t even use. In this case, buying an older, refurbished model will do the trick.
Potential issues with refurbished scanners
Now, when it comes to large businesses with high needs, a refurbished scanner might cause some issues.
It’s important to understand what you might be compromising on, if anything, so you can make a well-informed decision.
- Shorter manufacturer warranty: While refurbished scanners come with a warranty, it’s typically shorter than that of new scanners, which have a 12-month standard warranty.
- Limited stock and availability: If you need more than one of the same scanner, you’ll likely only be able to find one of that model. Certain models you need might not even be available in refurbished stock, and they can sell out quickly.
- Signs of previous use: Yes, refurbished scanners are restored to look brand new, but some may have a few marks or scratches that show signs of use. If you're purchasing a scanner for a high-visibility customer-facing setting, this is something to keep in mind.
- Older technology: Depending on the model, refurbished scanners may not have the latest technology or hardware. For people only needing it to scan basic documents, this won’t be an issue. However, if you’re looking for advanced security, high-speed batch scanning, wireless or cloud-based sharing, etc., it might be best to go new.
- Inconsistent quality across sellers: Some sellers may skip essential checks or scanners that haven’t been cleaned up properly. Luckily, you won’t have to worry about that if you buy from us.
Find the perfect scanner for you at The Scanner Shop
So, if you’ve decided that a refurbished scanner isn’t for you, then we have a vast selection of brand-new, high-end scanners for every task.
With renowned brands like Canon, Epson, and Panasonic, you can browse our scanners by brand to refine your search and benefit from the latest technology and features.
We make choosing a scanner for your home or business easy! So, the question of refurbished vs new scanners depends entirely on your own needs and expectations.
If you’re still unsure, contact us today, and we’ll pair you with a scanner that meets all of your needs.
