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Five ways to save money when buying online

Here's how to buy and save when shopping online: 

4. Don’t be afraid to buy refurbished

Shaun Best/Reuters/File
Canada's New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton tours a Montreal company that refurbishes computers in 2011. Refurbished products undergo more examination and testing that new products do, often making them a good value.

  • By Kara Kamenec Contributor

Buying refurbished products is an excellent way to get the brands you want at highly discounted prices. Products that have been restored to a like-new condition, whether the product was initially defective or not, are referred to as refurbished. Refurbished products may be previously faulty items or simply items that aren’t brand new, such as returned products and floor models.

Refurbished products undergo a thorough inspection in which all damaged parts are replaced with new, working parts before the products are certified refurbished. Technically, refurbished products have undergone more examination and testing than new products, making them extremely reliable.  Best of all, these products are usually ensured with a manufacturer’s warranty and sell for well under the retail price.

Commonly refurbished items include computers, smartphones and other electronics. However, any item that is used and certified “good as new” by an authorized retailer is likely to be a safe bet.  Refurbished and certified “good as new” products are always offered at a discounted price and as long you buy from a reputable dealer, you’re guaranteed to save money on name brand items.

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

Dear Reader,

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