Real Talk: Definitions Remanufactured Vs Refurbished Fitness Vs. Equipment and Parts

Jun 16, 2020

Background

We've been wanting to write this one for a long time because there's alot of merit misconceptions behind terms like "Remanufactured", "Refurbished", and "Used".  Our goal is to provide you a renewed perspective when considering these condition states, in a concinse manner.

Remanufactured

The Meriam Webster Dictionary definition for this term is "to make new again".  Considering that definitiion, lets call it a standard, it's a tall order for any and all companies to achive that goal wihen impletmenting a remanufacturing "process".  While many claim this is the case with their process and product, it's highly dubious they went the lengths required to achieve this goal, that is absolute renewal.

Why?  Simple. Cost. 

At almost every turn, whether it be parts or whole equipment, we looked at implementing such standard but the costs of parts and labor mount, to the point of equal or exceeding the cost of new product, therefore true renewal makes no business sense.  We all live on the same planet, so this cost challenge is true for every company.  To that point, that means most, if not all, companies that "remanufacture" do not truly renew product. More pointed, they cut corners at every turn to "make it work" financially.  Dare I say, I think this always the case.

Here's a biggie.  Why does remanufacturing need to take place in the first place???  I'll tell you why, it's worn out and it has alot of "miles", so to speak, on all components.  So this remanufacturing is necessary to even make it usable, much less renewed.   This begs the question, are you better off with a gently used piece or remanufactured.  I am always amazed at how much customers pony up for the higher use item (remanufactured) than the gently used.  It's shocking.  Personally!  Sign me up for the gently used where someone didn't go in there and start tearing stuff down and it's still the OEM setup.

Refurbished - Hydra Certified

This is the middle ground between Remanufactured and used... really, it's closer to used in all actuality.  This condition state is simple, it's a used product that has been tested and usually needed a small fix to restore operation.  Frankly, most "remanufactured" fitness equipment or parts you see out there for sale should really be called "refurbished" because of what we described  above (cost issue)...  If you are considering this condition, you will save money and at the same time get some sort of guarantee defined by our warranty and  return policy.  The risk is similar to used, that is, some of the life has been used up compared to new, but rest assured it has been tested and will work or your money back.  The reward: we typically aim for 50-70% of new value on Hydra Certified Products.