What you need to know before buying a typewriter

When it comes to our reconditioning process for typewriters, quality and experience speak volumes. Our Wheelwriters are fully reconditioned - not refurbished - by IBM Factory trained technicians with over 50 years of experience at our location. When shipped, all machines have new supplies (ribbon and lift-off tape) and an owners manual for that model. Many other retailers do not furnish a manual with their machines.
This experience, knowledge and level of dedication are what sets our company apart from others in the typewriter market.

Unlike eBay, Amazon or other big retailers, our Wheelwriters are stripped to the bottom, fully cleaned and ALL motors and solenoids are lubricated per IBM specs.

We are always available to answer any questions or help you decide which machine is best for you. Contact us to talk to an IBM trained representative in our office.


Refurbished vs. Reconditioned

Many people (including eBay sellers, Amazon, etc.) freely interchange the words "refurbished" and "reconditioned", but it's important to keep in mind that they mean two totally different things! So what's the difference between reconditioned and refurbished?

According to Dictionary.com, the word "refurbished" means: To make clean, bright, or fresh again; renovate.
On the other hand, the word "reconditioned" means: To restore to good condition, especially by repairing, renovating, or rebuilding.

So then what's the difference?
If a seller claims that a product has been "refurbished", it means it has been returned, lightly tested, cleaned, repackaged and then resold. However, "reconditioned" products have been thoroughly tested, repaired (if necessary), cleaned, repackaged, and resold. They are required to meet the same stringent quality-assurance standards that a new typewriter from the same factory would have to achieve. In fact, most manufacturers offer the same warranty for reconditioned typewriters that they offer for their brand new counterparts!

While refurbished units may cost less than a reconditioned model, less expensive does not necessarily mean better. Refurbished units go through minimal inspection and testing and are usually just eyeballed, repackaged, and resold.
Our reconditioned products are completely disassembled, cleaned, carefully inspected, tested, and repaired in accordance with manufacturing standards before being resold, so they are always the better choice.