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DIG IN ON THESE 7 WAYS TO DETERMINE THE BEST BUY FOR YOU You’ll have to do your research to make sure you understand the lingo and don’t set yourself up for a raw deal. 1. KNOW THE SELLER.

Major tech brands and retailers wouldn’t knowingly re-release inferior products. That would damage their reputations. That should be your expectation anyway. 2. CHECK THE FINE PRINT ON

CONDITION. Refurbished computers, smartphones and other electronics sold directly through industry mainstays are thoroughly cleaned, carefully inspected and rigorously tested to make sure

they measure up to stringent standards. But companies have different ways to determine whether a product has been certified, merely refurbished, or some combination. ASK THE TECH GURU

Samsung says products don’t achieve a “Certified Re-Newed” designation until they complete a 147-point quality test. Samsung and Apple are among companies that put in new batteries and,

where warranted, replace parts with their own. At the online Dell Outlet store, the laptops’ condition are categorized as New; Like New (Refurbished); and Scratch & Dent, which Dell

describes as certified refurbished computers “with blemishes that do not affect performance.” Dell adds that scratch-and-dent machines don’t have pits or scratches on the screen, missing or

illegible letters on the keyboard, or damage to the palm rest or touch pad. Best Buy lists four categories for products sold in its online outlet: Clearance, described as a new device a

manufacturer has discontinued; Open Box, products in excellent, good or fair condition that were returned; Refurbished, products repaired and restored to “like new” status with warranties

that vary; and Pre-owned, products restored and verified to work but with warranty statuses that vary. 3. GET EVERY ACCESSORY AND MANUAL. Make sure you’ll receive everything that a buyer

would have if it were new, and it should be in a new box. Just because a product isn’t brand-spanking new, nothing should be left out. 4. INSIST ON A FULL WARRANTY. Terms will vary by

company and retailer, but you should receive the same warranty as if you were purchasing new. Also, make sure you can return a product if you’re not satisfied or something goes wrong within

a reasonable period. eBay says refurbished products it sells carry at least a one-year warranty and sometimes two. 5. SEE IF YOU CAN EXTEND THE WARRANTY. In Apple’s case, you’re eligible to

add AppleCare+ for extra service and support when you buy refurbished. The same goes for supplemental warranty coverage from Samsung and other companies when you buy pre-owned. Keep in mind

that you may also be able to bolster coverage as a benefit that comes with the credit card you used to make the purchase.