Is It a Good Idea to Buy a Refurbished Printer? (NZ Buyer’s Guide)


Buying a printer for your home or office in New Zealand can be a significant investment. While new models offer the latest features, refurbished printers can provide high-quality performance at a fraction of the cost. But are they worth it?

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ What refurbished printers really are
✔ Pros & cons vs. buying new
✔ How to avoid scams & pick a reliable model
✔ Best places to buy refurbished printers in NZ


🔄 What Does “Refurbished Printer” Actually Mean?

A refurbished printer is a used device that has been professionally inspected, repaired, and restored to like-new condition. There are three main types:

  1. Manufacturer-Refurbished
    • Restored by HP, Canon, Xerox, etc.
    • Includes genuine parts & warranty (best option).
  2. Reseller-Refurbished
    • Repaired by certified NZ suppliers (e.g., NZOS | NZ Office Systems).
    • Often comes with a 6–12-month warranty.
  3. Secondhand (Unrefurbished)
    • Sold “as-is” with no guarantees (riskier).

✅ Pros of Buying Refurbished Printers

1. Cost Savings (Up to 60% Off New Price)

  • Example: A new HP LaserJet Pro costs 1,200∗∗,whilearefurbishedonesellsfor∗∗1,200∗∗,whilearefurbishedonesellsfor∗∗500–$700.

2. Reliable Performance

  • Refurbished printers undergo rigorous testing (unlike casual resellers).

3. Eco-Friendly Choice

  • Reduces e-waste by extending the printer’s lifespan.

4. Warranty Protection

  • Reputable NZ sellers (like NZOS) offer 12-month warranties.

❌ Potential Drawbacks

1. Limited Availability of Latest Models

  • Refurbished units are often 1–3 years old.

2. Shorter Lifespan Than New Printers

  • Expect 3–5 years vs. 5–8 years for new ones.

3. Risk of Poor Refurbishing (If Buying from Unknown Sellers)

  • Always check seller reviews and warranty terms.

🔍 How to Choose a Reliable Refurbished Printer in NZ

1. Buy from Trusted Suppliers

  • ✅ NZOS (Warranty-backed)
  • ✅ PB Tech Refurbished
  • ✅ Manufacturer Certified (HP Renew, Canon Certified Pre-Owned)
  • ❌ Avoid TradeMe/Facebook sellers with no warranty.

2. Check These Key Details

  • Print Count (Under 50,000 pages is ideal)
  • Ink/Toner Status (Are cartridges included or depleted?)
  • Warranty Length (At least 6 months)

3. Test Before Buying (If Possible)

  • Ask for a print test page to check quality.

🏆 Best Refurbished Printers for NZ Buyers

ModelTypeAvg. Refurb Price (NZ$)Best For
HP LaserJet Pro M404dnMonochrome400–400–600Offices needing fast B&W prints
Canon imageCLASS MF644CdwColor Laser700–700–900Small businesses
Xerox WorkCentre 6515Multifunction500–500–800High-volume scanning/copying

💡 Final Verdict: Should You Buy Refurbished?

✔ YES if you want big savings, don’t need the latest tech, and buy from a trusted NZ supplier.
✖ NO if you require cutting-edge features or long-term (8+ year) use.


📞 Where to Get Quality Refurbished Printers in NZ

NZOS offers certified refurbished HP, Canon & Xerox printers with 12-month warranties.
🔗 Browse Refurbished Printers | 📞 0800 483 483

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