The laptop market in the UAE is witnessing an interesting change. People are realizing that you do not need to buy brand new laptops to get a powerful, reliable and premium computer.
Thanks to the growing demand for affordable yet high-end products, the market for used devices in the UAE is booming, for good reasons.
What Is a Refurbished Laptop?
We first need to distinguish between a used computer and a refurbished one.
The main difference is in the reliability, since a used laptop is purchased as-is with no refunds
A refurbished laptop however is a used device that has been restored to a like new condition. Reputable vendors make sure that a refurbished laptop is professionally serviced and diagnosed. They also replace defective parts, install a genuine operating system and assign a grade to the cosmetic condition. The best laptops in the UAE are former corporate devices, which have been returned after 3-5 years of leasing. These business-class devices are usually more durable and reliable than standard laptops.
Why Buy Refurbished Laptops in the UAE?
You Cannot Skip the Cost Factor
A professional-grade refurbished laptop can be purchased at 40 to 60% lower prices than a brand new computer. Instead of buying a weak new laptop with a sub par performance, you can choose a refurbished business laptop with a larger amount of RAM and a high-end SSD storage.
Great Investment for Students and Small Businesses
A lot of students and young professionals are forced to make compromises when buying a new laptop that barely meets their specifications. A student-grade laptop is usually cheaper and easier to use than a business one. However it does not offer the reliability, performance and durability that one would need when performing research and other resource-intensive tasks. A refurbished laptop is also a great investment for startups and small businesses, since it allows you to minimize costs while ensuring a consistent and reliable performance.
It Is Better For the Environment
Purchasing a refurbished laptop is a responsible choice and a statement that you care about the environment. When you buy a used laptop, you dramatically reduce electronic waste and the burden on landfills. It also lowers the demand for new laptop manufacturing and reduces your carbon footprint.
Smart Shopping Tips for Buying Used Laptops in Sharjah
Sharjah is considered to be the Middle East mecca for used computer resellers. However, it is important to note that the market is very competitive and it is very easy for the unprepared customer to be misled. Here are some smart buying tips to help you avoid the major pitfalls and successfully purchase a used laptop in Sharjah
What Is a Grade?
There are multiple grading systems that classify used laptops and PCs based on their cosmetic appearance and general condition. Make sure to understand that a grade does not reflect the general performance of a device.
Good-condition laptops have only minor scratches and imperfections.
The Best Pick: Grade B
Most Grade B laptops are in excellent condition with only a few superficial scratches and slightly worn out keyboards.
Avoid Grade C Laptops Unless You Want a Cheap Budget Device
Grade C Laptops have a substantial amount of scratches, imperfections and other cosmetic flaws. However they are all fully operational and can be a great choice for a small budget.
A Grade A Laptop is Not Necessarily Great In the UAE Market
Do not be surprised to see Grade A laptops with heavy scratches and signs of usage. Always try to inspect the actual unit to make sure that the condition matches the grade. It is best to ask the vendor to provide photos of the laptop.
Always Ask For a Warranty
A warranty is the best way to ensure the reliability and performance of a refurbished laptop. Avoid any vendors that cannot provide a written warranty, since they are most likely hiding some important details about the device. Always ask for a warranty as it ensures a stress-free experience and peace of mind. A reputable vendor will have no problem providing a warranty and after-sales support.
Make Sure to Check the Battery Health
The battery is definitely the most important component of a laptop computer. Many customers are surprised to discover that their laptop has a defective battery with significantly reduced capacity. The general rule of thumb is to avoid any laptop with a battery health percentage below 80%. This is even more important if you intend to use the laptop as a portable device.
Ask the vendor to check the battery health, a trustworthy seller will be able to perform an accurate diagnostics and provide you with the results.
Make Sure To Inspect the Hardware in Person
If you have the opportunity to inspect the hardware in person, make sure to ask the vendor to open the laptop and check the following:
The laptop hinges
Make sure that they are not loose or making any strange noises
The screw heads on the bottom panel
Make sure that they are not stripped or damaged in any way
The screen
Look for dead pixels and strange spots on the display
If you are not doing an in-person inspection, make sure to ask the vendor to take a video or photo of the aforementioned components.
What To Do If You Cannot Test the Laptop in Person
If you are buying a laptop online or via phone, make sure to ask the vendor to provide you with a link to an official laptop diagnostic utility. A genuine and trustworthy dealer should not have any problems giving you access to such tools.
Negotiating the Price in Sharjah
Negotiating the price is a part of doing business in the Middle East and Sharjah is no exception. Here are some proven Sharjah negotiation tips and tricks that will help you win every deal:
The seller always announces a price that is approx 15-20% higher than the actual one. Your starting price should always be 15-20 lower than the announced price.
You should always negotiate the quantity and not the price. If you want to buy more than one laptop, ask the vendor “what if I take 50?” instead. This is actually a great negotiation tactic that works in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
Always announce that you intend to pay the due price in cash if you want to secure additional discounts. In many cases a simple announcement of a cash payment can add an extra 2-5% discount to your final price.
Do not fall for the first seller. Always try to visit another store before finalizing the deal. This gives you a flexible price range and allows you to compare different offers.
Conclusion
Now you know how to smartly choose and buy a used laptop in Sharjah and the UAE in general. Following the above tips will greatly assist you in successfully purchasing a laptop that fits your expectations and budget.
At Emirates JNP Laptops we strive to sell high-end refurbished electronics throughout the Gulf region.