Open box items, would you buy one?

Jeremy_Watson · 01-13-2005, 12:17 AM

Hello all,

I know that buying open box/display models when it come to display devices is generally a risky proposition, but I'm curious whether the same applies to DVD players and receivers. I would figure out what it went through beforehand and why it was retuned or whatever, but what should one look out for. The reason I ask is that at my local Best Buy/Magnolia I noticed some nice Denon and Sony open box DVD players for a nice price, and am considering upgrading in the not-to-distant future.

Thanks for you advice,
Jeremy

John Garcia · 01-13-2005, 01:49 AM

I've bought a number of open box receivers and amps and have never had any problems with them. As long as you get the full warranty, you should be all set. For DVD players, I would not buy an inexpensive (<$200) player open box.

ChuckSolo · 01-13-2005, 02:22 AM

Same here, I have bought 2 televisions, one DVD player and a couple of computer components...all with no problems whatsoever.

EricRWem · 01-13-2005, 09:39 AM

Usually, never.

ChuckSolo · 01-13-2005, 11:37 AM

Remember, an open box item is a gamble only if the warranty is out of date, but most stores do apply the same warranty as if the item was unopened and in the box. Unless the DVD player is a higher end model and significantly discounted I probably wouldn't buy it. The DVD player I bought was in the 200+ range and got it for around 160 bucks so I thought it a good buy; plus it came with the original warranty and it has served me well for over a year now with no problems.

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TomCW · 01-13-2005, 11:42 AM

I have bought CD and SACD players, a subwoofer and a satellite receiver as open boxes. I had to return the cd player, but since it was from Crutchfield, there was no problem. The other stuff has worked great. Just be sure you can return it if there are difficulties.

Tom

Dan Driscoll · 01-13-2005, 04:04 PM

As long as it comes with a full warranty, there are no obvious signs of damage and the OB discount is good enough, sure. It's a good way to stretch your audio/HT dollars, IMO.

One thing you might want to make sure of is that you can get a cash (or CC) refund if there's a problem with the unit. No store credits, please.

JoeHard · 01-13-2005, 06:33 PM

I have bought 2 amps, an integrated amp, and a tuner used as demos. Never had trouble with any of them. Personaly I would shy away from cd and dvd players, only because the amount of moving parts.

Adil M · 01-13-2005, 08:14 PM

I would just ask my regular salesperson what the story is on the product. Get the best price and toss on a warranty for less money then a new one or close to it.
The warranty covers you for anything for long periods of time.

AllanR · 01-14-2005, 01:36 AM

I have purchased many open box items and have had great luck with them. If you're dealing with a reputable firm, it has a full warranty and the price is right, then it can turn out to be a very good deal. The majority of demos and returns are actually used very little. The only thing I would stay away from would possibly be a TV as they are often running 12 hours a day or however long the store is open for. Plus many demo TV's are set with the brightness and contrast cranked up to enhance the picture. The discount would have to be pretty big for a TV as it's life may have been reduced considerably if it's been a demo for very long.

Ralph B · 01-14-2005, 07:25 AM

circuit city offers same as new warranty for open box. alot of my stuff is open box and I have never had a problem with anything I have bought. not to mention huge savings while being able to talk down price. you can neg with cc too.

Andrew Chong · 01-14-2005, 07:55 AM

I normally stay away from open box items. However, when shopping for my first digital surround receiv