Grading Information

There are multiple reasons to purchase a refurbished laptop, with a cheaper price being just one of the many benefits.  In this article, we will explain the different grades of refurbished devices and what that means for you. 

Jump to:  Grade A  |  Grade B  |  Grade C

There is a huge misconception that buying a refurbished PC means that you will receive a faulty product. In fact, refurbished computers and other devices such as tablets go through a rigorous testing and grading procedure to assess their quality and to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Each device is inspected by our refurbishment team, both externally and functionally, to ensure it meets our minimum requirements for sale on the website.

Refurbished grades allow you to quickly understand the state and quality of a reconditioned product. The refurbished grade reflects any scuffs, scratches, or faults of the device and explains the extent of the issue at hand.

Refurbished grades have become a quality standard in the refurbishment industry in order to accurately communicate what a consumer can expect from a repaired device, regardless of which company or brand they use.

Grade A refurbished laptops or desktops will be in great condition! Grade A refurbished laptops mean that the device will be almost new, free from any noticeable scrapes, scratches, or dents. All of the components and hardware will be in good working order, without any known faults or issues.

Some companies may create their own additional grades outside of the industry standard, such as a Grade A+ for a particularly good device that may, for instance, have its original packaging. At the other end, for example, a Grade A2 refurbished laptop may mean that the device is not in as good of a condition as typical Grade A devices but is much nicer than a Grade B laptop or desktop.

Grade A mobile phones and tablets look like new at first glance, and are considered in 'Excellent' condition.

The device may have very light scratching to the casing (not visible from 18cm away) and no visible scuffs/presure marks/scratches on the screen. The device will have no dents.

The wear on the keys will be barely noticeable

Laptop hinges will be as new, and the ports will have very minimal signs of use, including the scratching that often occcurs with use

The screen will have no scratches or blemishes.

The case on Desktop PC's will have no dents or scratches.

Grade B refurbished devices are in relatively good condition. Grade B refurbished laptops are considered fairly middle of the road amongst repaired devices. There may be minor scratches to the casing but the screen and speaker will be free from damage. The system hardware will be in good working order.

These laptops and desktops, are often available at a reasonable price point, especially compared to a Grade A or open box device. This grade is typically ideal for students that need a laptop to move around campus and anticipate bumps occurring but still want to have a sleek looking device.

A Grade B refurbished mobile phone or tablet have stricter grading than laptops or desktops, and are considered 'very good' condition.

The device will have some signs of use, such as hairline scratches to the casing, and very light scratches on the screen that are invisible when turned on. The device will have no dents.

There may be some sticker residue on the laptop

There may be minor scratches to the PC case 

  The screen and speaker will be free from damage

  Minor wear on the keys 

A Grade C refurbished laptop/desktop could be described as ‘well used’. The device will most likely have some obvious signs of use, such as clear scratches or slight  dents to the casing, however, this will only be cosmetic damage and will not affect the function of the machine.

Despite these minor faults, the device will still work properly and without issue. This type of device is most suited to families who need a home computer for children completing schoolwork and do not need to be overly concerned with the aesthetic of the machine.

A Grade C refurbished mobile phone or tablet have stricter grading than laptops or desktops, and are still considered in 'good' condition.

The device will have some moderate signs of use, such as small scratches or dents (no more than 3cm) to the casing, and light to mild scratches on the screen that are invisible when the screen is on.

Laptop bottom case showing scratches

The PC casing showing scratches

The keyboard will have obvious signs of use

Laptop case will have clear scratches or slight dents

Open-box devices are essentially as good as new! Often these are new devices that have been returned, or the original packing/security seal will have been broken but the machine will be new.

Peripherals may sometimes come without the boxes, but will have never been used and may still come with some original packaging.

Open-box devices have a particular benefit in that they often still have a remaining manufacturer’s warranty, meaning if you experience a fault the device can be repaired or even replaced in some instances.

Ex-Demo devices are generally in great condition! The cosmetics may vary slightly, however you can be assured that all of the components and hardware will be in good working order, without any known faults or issues. 

Here at Stone Refurb, we are always open and honest about our grading policy. Due to their condition, we never sell devices below a Grade C meaning you can always expect to have a functional device suited to your needs. As a bonus, all of our devices come with a minimum of 1 year warranty so that you can be safe in the knowledge that if a fault does occur, we will quickly and conveniently have your device fixed. Find out how we refurbish our devices.