“Refurbished” not available in some countries - why?

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

Hello!
Apple’s refurbished store is not a available in some countries (such as Sweden for example) and I was wondering if anyone knew why that is the case?

I googled this at some point but couldn’t find an answer so maybe there just isn’t one but I’m still curious.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

As you stated there's no documentation but I believe it could boil down to a few things:

- Availability. Stock is usually pulled from the same country so if there's not enough inventory to justify a refurbished process that could be an issue. Even in the US the refurbished store doesn't have lots of stock generally speaking.

- Politics. Depending on import/export prices, local laws, and whatever "deal" Apple has with the host country it very well could be a violation of consumer rights.

- Money. Regardless of size, someone has to manage that program and refurbish those products with all the replacement parts so it may not make enough economical sense for Apple if the money isn't there. A factory, employees, hardware, training, etc.

 

[jav6454]

Main reason is stock. Refurbs are basically sourced from the same country they are to be resold in. That's why stock in stores with refurbs varies, it all depends what people return.