You can ask GameStop about their refurbished sales, but how do they prepare a used console for a refurbished sale? Fortunately, GameStop has a refurbished center located in Grapevine, Texas. At their center, workers thoroughly clean the system and go through a 20-point check. They also replace broken parts, wires, screws, and other parts as needed. Then, they package and box the system for sale.
During the refurbished process, a used console undergoes diagnostic testing and physical inspection to ensure that it works properly. This is not always the case, and the warranty will vary depending on the model. The warranty period for pre-owned consoles varies depending on the manufacturer. However, refurbished systems can sometimes be better than brand-new consoles. For these reasons, it is important to know the difference between used and refurbished systems.
While selling refurbished items, GameStop emphasizes quality. Their refurbishment center employs approximately 1,100 associates, including 85 dedicated to quality assurance. Every stage of the process is scrutinized by quality executives. In 2011, the GameStop refurbishment center processed 17 million discs. Some discs were so damaged that they could no longer be salvaged. Those that could not be salvaged are sent to a low-tech disc-destroying machine.
In a refurbished sale, Gamestop employees must inspect a system for functionality. As such, you should only buy refurbished systems from GameStop if you know you’ll want to return them. While new systems may have warranties, refurbished ones are often sold without guarantees. For this reason, it is important to read the warranty contract and return policy to ensure quality.