Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Doug Fisher" 
<dougfisher@e...> wrote:
> Has anyone here had experience using a refurbished Epson R2400? At 
$555
> (including shipping), they are very tempting.  <snip>

Hi Doug,

The important question is: who is doing the refurb? The R2400 is not 
listed on the Epson (US) factory refurb page unless I missed it. (Do 
you have a URL that you could share?) 

I've purchased quite a few Epson factory refurbs of various models 
over the years (from desktops to wide-format) and always found the 
same thing: the printers are not distinguishable from new. They are 
packaged with all the retail trimmings except that they're shipped in 
a plain brown box imprinted "Epson". The housings never had so much 
as a scratch on them, and they carried the full Epson warranty.

Some folks say the factory refurbs are even better than the retail 
versions since they've been through the line and QC twice and Epson 
doesn't want to see them back again ;>) My guess is that many of them 
are not actually "refurbs" or returns at all, but instead are excess 
inventory or production over-runs sold outside the retail channel. Of 
course, that's just my guess ;>)

You have to watch the prices since they vary widely based on time and 
the point of purchase, but $555 is a great price for the R2400 if its 
really an Epson factory refurb with full warranty. (I'd be a little 
careful if they're not on the Epson site, since the R2400 is so new 
and in such high demand -- so it's surprising to see them in the 
refurb channel so soon).

Anyway, be advised that YMMV. My experience has always been very good 
with real Epson factory refurbs, but I wouldn't purchase a refurb 
done by anyone other than the factory. Sometimes they are sold 
through other channels, but the best way to know if they're factory 
refurbs is whether they come with a full Epson warranty.

Just my 2 cents... Hope it helps!

Cheers!
Richard