Online-Ordered Freezer Died After Only 1 Day of Use!

As online shopping grows popular for commercial kitchen equipment, many buyers are drawn to unbelievably low prices and exaggerated advertising. However, substandard and refurbished appliances often lead to huge losses for business owners. A recent case in Chongqing reveals the risks of buying cheap uncertified refrigeration equipment online.

Mr. Zhang runs a convenience store near Chongqing Medical University. To prepare for summer, he ordered two refrigerated display cases from an online store named Lecreat, attracted by its claims: 8 years of leading sales, only 3 kWh per day, branded imported compressors, and a price two-thirds lower than similar products. He paid 3,200 RMB for one single-door and one double-door unit.

But the troubles started immediately.

Within a week, the double-door unit stopped cooling entirely. The internal temperature reached 20°C, spoiling all yogurt inside. A professional repairman found the compressor was completely broken — and heavily rusted. The so-called “imported compressor” was clearly a used, refurbished part. Mr. Zhang paid an extra 500 RMB for repairs, yet the single-door unit still works abnormally.

Local market supervision authorities warn that refurbished appliances have become a top consumer complaint. Unscrupulous sellers assemble old parts into fake new machines to cheat buyers.

How to Avoid Refurbished Kitchen Appliances

• Check appearance: Refurbished units often have dull surfaces, uneven gaps and rough edges.

• Verify certification: Legitimate electrical appliances must have valid 3C marks.

• Watch for hidden seals: Many fakes use warranty stickers to prevent buyers from opening the casing.

• Always confirm complete manuals, warranty cards and qualification certificates.