When shopping for tech items online or in-store, like TVs, gaming consoles, cell phones, and others, it's common to see some that are labeled as "refurbished." This means that the product has been restored to a like-new condition by the manufacturer or a specialized third party. When a product is refurbished, it generally means that it has had defective parts replaced for new ones, like a cracked screen, for example.

Some common reasons why products are refurbished include: demo or display items used in retail stores or events; open-box items returned without being used; those scratched or cracked during shipment; and products returned due to defects or damage during the manufacturing process.

Refurbished products are usually significantly cheaper than their brand-new counterparts, but it's important to make sure to follow the same best practices as usual: only buy from reputable sources and websites, and check out the customer reviews to see if there are any glaring issues that folks have experienced. In addition, refurbished products may no longer be covered under a warranty from the manufacturer, so make sure to double-check if the device is still in the warranty period. Some retailers may also offer a separate warranty option, like Best Buy's Geek Squad coverage, for example.