Apple Adds Refurbs to Beef Up Business in China

A Reuters report points out to a new Apple initiative in China. According to the Chinese version of the Apple web site, the company is having a refurb frenzy in China. Apparently, the iPod maker believes refurbs can potentially help beef up its business in the country, the report says.

"We kicked off the campaign at the end of last year," Huang Yuna, Apple's spokeswoman in China, said. Yuna declined to give a figure of the total used products available, according to Reuters.

Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process, prior to being offered for sale. They are returned under Apple's Return and Refund Policies. While only some units are brought back because of technical issues, all of them undergo the company's rigorous quality refurbishment process.

Service and support include 90 days of telephone support and one-year warranty. Supplies are limited, while customers have the option to purchase an AppleCare Protection Plan for their refurb of choice. Apple ships refurbs for free in the region they were ordered.

Offering discounts of up to 22 percent, Apple is selling refurbished products (available on Apple's Chinese website) ranging from a 308 yuan ($44) iPod shuffle to a 14,000 yuan all-in-one Apple desktop computer – the iMac. The same source points out to Best Buy's initiative earlier this month involving refurbished iPhone units.

Undoubtedly, with such a huge demand for the device, iPhone refurbs selling for $50 less than originally priced would fetch a nice profit. According to the report, Best Buy's aim has been the cost-conscious shopper.

The Apple Chinese web site is located here. Chinese speaking readers are encouraged to visit the site and provide information (corrections perhaps) in regards to Apple's latest initiative in the territory. US readers can visit Apple's Special Deals section here to check out the latest refurbs available.