Consumer protection organisation Test Achats is calling for legal rules and clear definitions for refurbished products, as a survey showed that 36% of consumers experienced problems after the purchase.
An increasing number of providers are offering refurbished electronic devices for those looking for a cheaper and sustainable alternative. Refurbished means that a repairer has looked at a second-hand appliance and patched it up.
While this is very interesting on paper, things often go wrong in practice, according to Test Achats. A survey by the organisation shows that consumers do not know what has been repaired and whether it was done according to the rules.
"We urgently need to fix the market of refurbished products," said Laura Clays, spokesperson for Test Achats. "Starting with a definition for when a product may carry the 'refurbished' label."
Combatting waste
A recent survey now shows that many consumers still encounter problems when buying a refurbished appliance: 72% of Belgian consumers who already bought a refurbished appliance were unaware of the repairs that had been made, 36% later had problems with their appliance, and 36% were also 'not satisfied' or 'not at all satisfied' with the purchase.
Consumers must also be given a list of all repairs that have happened so they know which parts are no longer in their original condition, and get another two-year warranty, Clays stressed.
"Lastly, there should be clear rules around the different categories: ‘good as new’, ‘excellent condition’, who knows what that means? That has to be put into clear rules," she said. "That is how we want to make the market competitive; both consumers and refurbishers will benefit from that."
Test Achats stressed that the market for refurbished products is promising: it combats electronic waste and makes technology affordable, so consumers can only benefit in the end.
