If it's beyond economical repair, the company will offer a replacement... which is usually always a factory refurbished equivalent. There are times when you can get a new replacement, which usually happens when the product has issues/damage right out of the box or didn't function properly within that window.
Buying from a retailer may not be a bad thing... but it would have to be the third-party seller actually selling first-party factory refurbished items. If a third party isn't selling products based on this type of refurbished option... it's not worth it. Don't let your urge get the best of you.
I would even go as far as saying... if you can get the tech brand new for just a little more, go new. You can get the new warranty, the ability to replace it with a new option if there is an issue, and it wouldn't have any miles on it. If you're saving good money and it helps you land a product you need... have at it.
Take a look at this video from the CBC Marketplace team if you'd like a clearer picture of why you should avoid third-party refurbished tech. I don't know if every company delivers the same iffy results, just remember... the cheap can come out expensive if you don't play it smart.
Here are some of the factory/certified refurbished options:
Lenovo Factory Refurbished (Lenovo has some of the best savings)
