Debunking the Myth: Are Pump Companies Selling Refurbished Motors?
Hey, everyone! Jessica here. Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been popping up on social media—and not in a good way. There’s a persistent rumor circulating that pump companies are refurbishing failed motors and reselling them to moms. This story has been exaggerated over the years, and it’s being used to manipulate moms, which, as you know, really frustrates me. Let’s break this down and address what’s actually happening.
Are Pump Companies Refurbishing Motors?
The short answer: No, they’re not.
Most breast pumps on the market are labeled as single-user items. Only a handful of pumps undergo the rigorous FDA testing required to be classified as multi-user. Refurbishing and reselling motors without FDA clearance would result in catastrophic legal consequences for any company involved. It’s not just unethical; it’s a company-ending move. The FDA would take swift and severe action, and no company would risk its entire business over such a low-cost item.
Why Are Breast Pumps Expensive?
When you purchase a pump, you’re paying for much more than just the motor. The cost also includes:
Accessories like bags, coolers, and extra parts
Customer service and support
Perks like lactation consultations
Distribution costs, especially through durable medical equipment (DME) providers
The actual motor—the heart of the pump—is a relatively inexpensive component. So if your pump fails, it’s easier and safer for companies to send you a replacement motor rather than risk lawsuits or bad press by refurbishing used ones.
What About “Used” Pumps?
If you’ve received a pump that looks used, the most likely culprit isn’t the manufacturer—it’s Amazon.
Amazon has a history of reselling returned items as new. While their policy states that opened items can’t be returned, social media is full of tips and tricks for skirting this rule. Unfortunately, Amazon doesn’t always inspect returns thoroughly, and some moms unknowingly receive used pumps when buying through the platform.
Pump manufacturers are aware of this issue, and they’re not happy about it. When you report this to a company, they can often trace whether the pump was returned to Amazon and address the issue directly with the retailer.
Why Do Companies Want Motors Returned?
Pump companies occasionally request failed motors back, but not to refurbish them. Instead, they’re used for:
Testing: To identify the root cause of failure. This helps improve product design and user education.
Disposal: To ensure defective motors don’t end up being resold by scammers.
For example, some pumps fail due to user habits, like leaving them on rapid chargers for too long or using them immediately after charging. By analyzing these returned motors, companies can refine their instructions and prevent future failures.
Scammers and the Impact on Pricing
Sadly, some individuals exploit warranty policies, claiming pumps are broken to get free replacements, then reselling the “broken” pumps. These scams increase costs for manufacturers, which are often passed on to consumers. It’s a frustrating cycle that highlights why companies need to carefully track warranty claims and returned motors.
What Can You Do?
If you believe you’ve received a used pump directly from a manufacturer, reach out to the company or organizations like Wearable Pump Paperweight. Experts can help verify whether the motor was used and hold companies accountable if necessary. However, in my experience, reputable brands have never engaged in this practice.
For peace of mind, buy pumps directly from trusted manufacturers or authorized retailers. While Amazon is convenient, it’s not always the safest option for items like breast pumps.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to fabricate issues with pump companies—they already have plenty of areas where they can improve! Let’s focus on holding them accountable for real concerns, not myths. Rest assured, the companies we recommend are committed to quality and consumer safety.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pump, feel free to reach out. Let’s keep the conversation going and make sure moms feel empowered and informed.
Happy pumping!
