Frequently Asked Questions
Our refurbished computers: quality and performance
What is the difference between a refurbished, reconditioned, used, or second-hand computer?
Refurbished, reconditioned, remanufactured: these terms all refer to the same thing: a used computer that has been inspected, tested, repaired, and restored by professionals before resale.
The real distinction to make is with a simple used or second-hand computer (sold "as is", without verification or warranty, as advertised in classifieds).
At Econext, all our devices are refurbished according to a rigorous process in Trois-Rivières: complete tests, repairs, upgrades, SSD or M.2 installation, genuine Windows 11, and a 5-year warranty that no used computer seller can offer.
No matter what word you use, it's the process and the warranty that make the difference.
Is a refurbished computer as reliable as a new computer?
Yes, and often more durable. Our computers are commercial-grade models (Dell, HP, Lenovo), designed for intensive business use, unlike many entry-level consumer models. Each device is inspected, tested, repaired, and upgraded by our qualified technicians in Trois-Rivières before being offered for sale.
Proof of our confidence: a 5-year warranty, parts and labor.
Is a refurbished computer more powerful than a new computer at the same price point?
In the vast majority of cases, yes.
Many new computers sold between $300 and $600 come with entry-level processors (Celeron, Pentium, Intel N-series). For example, an 8th generation Core i5 (entry-level in our refurbished devices) scores approximately 3 times higher in performance than a Celeron N4500 found in new laptops, even though the Celeron is 4 years newer. At the same price, a refurbished business device gives you more power, more memory, and a fast SSD / M.2.
Are all your refurbished computers old?
No, far from it. Our inventory includes very recent devices, such as laptops
equipped with Intel Core Ultra 5 processors, a platform launched in 2024: machines
that are barely 1 to 2 years old, with integrated AI acceleration, often coming from
corporate fleet renewals.
Refurbished isn't "old stock": it's commercial hardware that has simply been used before, is compliant and compatible with the latest operating system versions, and is offered at a fraction of its original price. Our inventory ranges from affordable entry-level devices to the latest generation models.
Why do all your computers have an SSD or an M.2?
Because it's the component that most significantly changes the perceived speed of a computer. An SSD or M.2 (flash memory, with no moving parts) boots Windows in seconds, opens software instantly, and is more shock-resistant than a mechanical hard drive. At Econext, this is standard on all our devices, not a paid option.
Is Windows included and authentic?
Yes. Our computers come with a genuine Windows 11 Home or Professional license, specifically issued for refurbished computers. Your device is activated, up-to-date, and ready to use right out of the box: no pirated licenses, no activation messages.
The license is tied to your refurbished computer's BIOS.
Are my data safe if I buy a refurbished device?
Absolutely.
Every device sold at Econext has been securely wiped to industry standards before refurbishment: no data from the previous owner is present or recoverable.
Our parent company is certified for professional-grade secure erasure according to R2v3 and NIST 800-88 Purge standards.
Data security is at the core of our expertise; the installed version of Windows is clean, and you configure your own account with the help of our technicians.
Where do your computers come from?
Mainly from the IT fleets of Canadian companies and institutions, recovered by our parent company Uni-Recycle, a Quebec specialist in electronic reuse. It is this direct, intermediary-free circuit that allows us to offer commercial-grade devices at the most competitive prices, in a true circular economy principle.
5-year warranty: unparalleled
What is the warranty on your refurbished computers?
5 years, parts and labor: one of the best warranties on the market, even better than that of most new devices.
For comparison, most new computers come with a 1-year warranty. The warranty covers accidental physical damage and defects under normal use. If the device is unrepairable, we will replace it with an equivalent or superior model.
What should I do if my device breaks down?
Bring it directly to the store at 4465 Gene-H.-Kruger Boulevard in Trois-Rivières.
Our team will diagnose it on-site and proceed with repair or exchange depending on the warranty. No online forms, no mailing boxes, no waiting for a service center across the country: it's handled here, with the technicians who know your device.
If you purchased online, we will direct you to the nearest computer store and cover the bill for you.
Do you "stonewall" customers on warranty claims?
No, and this is an in-house policy that is reflected in our unparalleled reputation. If your device is covered, we repair or replace it, period. Our reputation in Trois-Rivières was built on this principle: a warranty that is settled immediately, without negotiation.
It's easy to promise when we do the repairs ourselves, in our own workshop.
If you are no longer in the area at the time of the claim, no worries: contact us and we will take care of everything for you remotely.
How long does a repair take?
Most warranty repairs are handled quickly, directly at our workshop in Trois-Rivières. The turnaround time depends on parts availability, and since we have one of the largest parts inventories in the region, it is often shorter than elsewhere.
We keep you informed every step of the way.
I dropped my device, is it covered?
Yes, with us, you don't have to pay extra for accidental physical damage protection, which provides for replacement with an equivalent model. Bring the device back to the store with its serial number legible.
A data transfer fee of $45 may apply if necessary.
Can I add RAM or change the hard drive without voiding my warranty?
Yes: simply have our team make or approve the modification. This is even a golden opportunity, as our upgrade parts (RAM, SSD, M.2) are offered at about half the price of new, with professional on-site installation.
Are the batteries under warranty?
Yes: 90 days, with a guaranteed minimum of one hour of autonomy on a full charge. You are also entitled to one new battery at the manufacturer's price after purchase.
What is the warranty on cell phones and tablets?
Refurbished cell phones and tablets come with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Each device is tested, the battery checked, and delivered unlocked. If the device is not repairable, we will replace it with an equivalent or superior model.
What about new products, what's the warranty?
New parts, new peripherals, and new accessories are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Our team will assist you with your claim procedures with the manufacturer. You are never left alone with a form.
Pricing, Funding, and Technical Services
Are your prices really lower?
Yes, and for a structural reason: our direct sourcing from our parent company eliminates intermediaries. You get a commercial-grade computer, tested, with a 5-year warranty, SSD, and genuine Windows 11, often at the price of a much less powerful entry-level new computer. And service is included here, not charged extra.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, three options: Sezzle (interest-free installment payments), Flexiti (0% interest financing at point of sale), and in-house layaway (15% deposit, 90-day hold). You can leave with your appliance today and spread it out over several payments.
How much do your technical services (repair, cleaning, installation) cost?
Our hourly rate is $65, one of the most affordable in the region, and always disclosed upfront. Transparent diagnosis: we tell you what's broken, what it costs, and if the repair isn't worth it, we'll tell you that too. Our technicians repair computers of all brands, whether purchased from us or not.
What are your opening hours?
We are open 7 days a week: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Weeknights until 9 p.m. is rare in IT: it gives you more time to shop or to pick up a computer you've entrusted us with for repair.
We are located at 4465 Gene-H.-Kruger Boulevard in Trois-Rivières, with free parking.
You can also shop online at any time with free shipping anywhere in Canada, or free in-store pickup.
Gaming, Parts & Accessories
Can I build my gaming PC with new AND used parts?
Yes, it's our specialty. We offer one of the largest selections of gaming parts and accessories in Mauricie: graphics cards, processors, RAM, power supplies, cases, peripherals, both new and tested used. Our technicians advise you on the optimal combination for your budget and can assemble everything for you. The new/used mix is often the secret to the best performance-price ratio.
Are your used parts (RAM, SSD, HDD, M.2) guaranteed?
Yes: our exclusive selection of certified used parts (RAM, SSD, HDD, M.2) comes with a 5-year warranty, at about half the price of new, for identical performance. A RAM stick or SSD tested and validated by our technicians offers the same performance as a new part: memory does not experience perceptible wear under normal use, and our SSDs are checked for their health status before being offered for sale.
Do you sell used screens?
Yes, we have refurbished screens in stock, tested and guaranteed, at a fraction of the new price. Our refurbished peripherals come with a 5-year exchange warranty: in case of breakage, exchange for an equivalent or superior model.
Do you have racing simulators (sim racing)?
Yes! Econext is the go-to destination for sim racing in Mauricie: we offer driving bases, steering wheels, pedals, and cockpits from brands like Moza, Logitech, Asetek, Simucube, and D-BOX, all available in-store. We also provide custom simulator assembly based on your budget, trade-in services, 12-month financing, and even a semi-private trial evening to test the equipment before you buy. Three simulators are also set up in our store—come try them out!
Simulator – Econext Informatique
The Econext Informatique Experience
Are your salespeople on commission?
No, and that's intentional. In fact, at Econext, there are no salespeople: our team of six technical advisors is paid to find you the right solution, not the most expensive one. If a $400 device meets your needs, that's what we recommend. That's the difference between advice and a sales pitch.
Is it true that drinks are free in the store?
Yes! Coffee, cold drinks: help yourself, it's on us. Take your time to browse, ask questions, try a racing simulator. We prefer that you leave with the right device rather than making a rushed purchase.
What is your inventory?
Our inventory is constantly evolving.
We offer the largest selection of refurbished computers in Mauricie, with over 100 devices in stock at all times. Laptops, desktop towers, gaming computers, servers, cell phones, tablets, monitors, parts, and accessories: everything is available in-store and online, with free in-store pickup or free shipping anywhere in Canada.
Solutions for SMEs, Businesses, and Institutions
Do you offer services to businesses?
Yes, it's our natural environment. Our commercial-grade computers (Dell, HP, Lenovo) are exactly the models that large companies deploy: robust, repairable, and homogeneous. We equip SMEs, organizations, schools, and self-employed workers in the region: uniform fleet selection, 5-year warranty on each workstation, local repair service, and a dedicated technician contact person, not a call center. Contact us for a quote tailored to your fleet.
Do you deliver and set up computers directly at the office?
Yes, for free, for any regular-priced order: from 2 computers in Trois-Rivières, from 5 computers in Mauricie, and from 10 computers anywhere in Quebec. Our technicians deliver, connect, and activate your workstations directly in your offices: your employees simply sit down and work. More advanced technical tasks (network configuration, data migration, domain joining) can be performed by a specialized partner, for an additional fee.
Why should I equip my business with refurbished rather than new equipment?
Three concrete reasons: cost (often half the price of an equivalent new device, guaranteed 5 times longer), uniformity (batches of identical models, simpler to manage and repair), and your ESG report, since each refurbished device avoids the manufacturing of a new one, a documented impact reduction that you can include in your sustainability report.
A local business, a sustainable mission
Is Econext a Quebec company?
Yes, proudly from Trois-Rivières. Founded in 2017 in Trois-Rivières, Econext Informatique is a local company, part of the Uni-Recycle group, a certified Quebec leader in electronic reuse and recycling. Buying from Econext means supporting local technicians and keeping your money in the local economy, not in that of a multinational corporation.
How does buying refurbished help the environment?
The manufacturing of a new computer is responsible for the vast majority of its environmental footprint: metal extraction, plastic, intercontinental transport. By choosing a refurbished device, you avoid the manufacturing of a new one.
This is the most effective action in electronics, much more so than recycling. Every device sold at Econext is a device saved from destruction.
"Proudly not new!" That's what it means.
How much am I really saving, in money and GHGs?
Money-wise: A refurbished commercial-grade computer typically costs a fraction of the price of a comparable new one, with a 5-year warranty instead of 1 year, and our used upgrade parts are offered at about half the price of new.
GHG-wise: According to ADEME, manufacturing, distribution, and end-of-life account for approximately 85% of a digital device's carbon footprint (usage only 15%), and choosing a refurbished computer reduces its annual impact by 43 to 97%.
Concretely, each refurbished laptop avoids most of the approximately 190 kg of CO₂e that the manufacturing of a new one would have generated. And you sacrifice nothing: commercial-grade performance, fast SSD, genuine Windows 11, and a solid warranty.