Refurbished vs. New Devices: Optimal Choices for Your School District's Technology Budget

Demystifying Refurbished Technology for Schools 

 

To better understand refurbished devices, let’s start with an analogy. Imagine you have a teenager who needs a car for work. You’re hesitant to buy a brand-new car due to the cost and potential depreciation. You have two options: pay a premium for a new car that will lose significant value quickly or purchase a pre-owned car that offers the same functionality at a fraction of the cost. 

Continuing down this analogy, consider Open Box like when you drive a new car out of a dealership to put gas into it and then return it to the dealership. That car is now considered used… in our case, an open box unit. And you get to save up to 20-40%. There is no downside, just 40% off. This is more of a battle of perception. 

We love our car analogies. For refurbished, the car may have been driven around for a year with 10,000 miles on it. It would then go through a 21-point inspection before going back on the lot.  

By purchasing refurbished units, you can save around 60% of the cost of a new device, making it an excellent choice for school technology upgrades and sustainability. Ultimately, refurbished devices can provide your school with the same essential functionality and performance as new devices, but at a fraction of the price. 

 

 

What Is Certified Refurbished Technology for Schools? 

 

Certified refurbished technology consists of hardware that has been purchased, used, and no longer needed by the original owner. This doesn't necessarily mean the device was broken; it could have been lightly used or not used at all.  

At Bluum, every device undergoes rigorous testing, auditing, and refurbishment to ensure it meets our high-quality standards, providing high-quality refurbished computers and laptops for schools. Then we certify and sell these devices at lower prices, helping schools stretch their budgets further. Learn more below.

 

Pros and Cons of Buying Refurbished Computers for Your School District’s Technology Needs

Pros: Refurbished - drastically reducing overall spend, while allowing for the same level of performance.

 

Certified refurbished technology allows schools to obtain the devices they need within their budget constraints, making it a cost-effective technology for schools.

• • Refurbished Device PLUS, 4 years of Accidental Damage Protection (ADP warranty) for 4 years brings you to about $320 per device. This is about the cost of a new device with no extended warranty coverage.  

Our certified refurbished devices come with warranties up to 4 years, offering peace of mind.

Refurbished devices can be ideal for filling technology gaps, completing classroom sets, or equipping administrators with essential tools. 

Bluum's rigorous testing and refurbishment processes ensure high-quality, reliable devices. 

 

Purchasing refurbished devices supports sustainability by reducing electronic waste.

 

Cons: 

 

 

Some may view refurbished devices as inferior to new ones, though this is often a misconception.

 

 

The availability of specific models or configurations can be more limited compared to new devices.

 

 

While refurbished devices are thoroughly tested, they may have a shorter lifespan compared to brand-new devices, depending on their previous use.

Why Choose Bluum for Certified Refurbished Devices?

With Bluum, you get high-quality devices in the quantities you need, when you need them. Each device undergoes a clear, thorough, and rigorous quality control process to ensure it is in excellent working condition.  

Our recertified equipment comes from end-of-lease corporate customers, ensuring high-quality, corporate-grade models. Once these devices arrive at our facilities, they undergo rigorous testing, repairs, and are loaded with a new operating system.

Bluum's recertified hardware undergoes two separate testing and auditing processes. That’s right, we do it twice! Each unit passes through automated diagnostics and manual checks to ensure reliability and quality. Recertified Windows devices offer a proven alternative for schools.  

They provide reliable technology for students while significantly lowering acquisition and maintenance costs. We understand the critical role technology plays in education and are committed to minimizing instructional downtime. 

For over 50 years, we have been trusted partners to K-12 schools, delivering exceptional service and reliable technology solutions. 

Bluum offers an extended warranty upgrade on all refurbished devices.  

Add a four-year accidental damage warranty. This warranty guarantees that these devices can stay in your students' hands for the next four years, covering failures, damage, or other circumstances.

The biggest advantage of purchasing an extended warranty is that it gives you certainty in your life cycle whether you purchase new or refurbished devices.  

Without the warranty, your team takes on added risk even with new devices, as each year, one manufacturer produces a model with a high failure rate.  

The Bluum Advantage in Refurbished Technology

 

Recertified Devices from Bluum: 

 

As one of North America's largest suppliers of recertified computer equipment, Bluum Technology is uniquely positioned to help school districts find the perfect refurbished devices for their technology needs.

Our extensive range of products, flexible buying options, and diverse payment methods ensure that we can meet your school's specific requirements.

 

 

• PCs and LCDs
• Chromebooks
• Notebooks
• Tablets
• Storage and Charging Solutions
• Enterprise Servers
• AV Equipment
• 3D Printers
• Accessories
• Warranties
  

 

Watch this video to learn how refurbished devices changed the game for Hannibal School District:

 

Commitment to Affordability and Quality

 

Bluum is dedicated to providing students with access to essential technology at prices that schools can afford. Our certified refurbished devices ensure that every dollar is maximized, offering a practical, affordable, and effective solution for your school’s technology needs.

Are you considering a new technology purchase for your school? 

Before you commit, let Bluum show you the potential savings with our refurbished program. Simply send us your current quote, and we'll create a comparative analysis using our box and refurbished options. Then you can decide which is the best option for your district.  

We'll match your device needs and demonstrate how much you can save without compromising on quality. 

Take the next step towards smarter, more affordable technology solutions for your school with Bluum's refurbished program, helping you make the most of your technology budget for schools. 

 

 

Do You Have Devices You Want to Sell Back to Bluum?  

 

Bluum's Buyback (ITAD) Program offers a seamless and sustainable solution for schools looking to upgrade their technology while managing budget constraints.  

Our program ensures that outdated or surplus devices are responsibly disposed of or refurbished, providing schools with a financial return that can be reinvested into new technology.  

By partnering with Bluum, schools not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also maximize the value of their existing assets.  

Our comprehensive ITAD services include secure data wiping, environmentally friendly recycling, and detailed reporting, ensuring peace of mind and compliance with all regulatory standards.  

Let Bluum help you turn old technology into new opportunities for your students.