Top Ten Questions to ask when Buying "Open Box," or "Display Models"

By Andy Cochran 

1. Does the item have all of its accessories?

This is a very important question when it comes to things like,
battery chargers or special cables for Ipods, MP3 players, or digital cameras, and remote controls TVs. Ask if everything is there before you buy it. Owners' manuals and most product software can be found online, if it's MIA at the store. Have a salesperson print the manual, and give instructions on where to download the required software (if there is any) at home.

2. Is the item in good condition?

• The condition of a product is sometimes easy to tell, and sometimes
  not. If there is any question of whether or not the item is fully functional, ask for a demonstration; if a demo is not possible, you may still want to purchase it, but if you do, be sure to ask about the seller's return policy, so you can return it if there's something wrong.

• In the case of LCD or Plasma TVs, or other products with screens,
  such as computer monitors or personal media players, make sure and look for defects like dead pixels, or image retention (screen burn-in) if these exist, it is probably better to avoid making the purchase, unless the seller is willing to drop the price significantly, or throw in an extended coverage plan that will cover the item in the event that the condition worsens. If the seller is willing to drop the price low enough to urge you to look past any potential issues, do so with caution.

3. Why is the item being sold?

4. Was the product once a display model, if so, how long did it run for?

• Even if the item in question was used for awhile, it may not matter
  too much. Many of today's electronics, like televisions, and other solid-state items, have extremely long expected lives, and even if they are used as displays for a while, they should still be usable for as long as own them. Use good judgment, though. Other items, with moving parts, (like CD players with carousels, or DVD players that have been actively demonstrated) should be purchased using more caution. These things have more wear on them, and sometimes, don't last as long as new, in the box, products.

5. Was the product returned?

• If so, why?
  a. Many times things are returned to the store just because the person
  who originally bought it decided to get something else instead. This is especially common among televisions, and MP3 players, or other items that generally have a loose return policy. If the item was returned for this reason, it's probably safe to buy. People are very picky, and often allow small installation snags, or other small inconveniences to cause them to return electronics. This creates an opportunity for a more patient, or open-minded individual to get a great deal. If the item was returned because it was defective, find out what was done to correct any problems, and if they are really corrected.

6. How many times has the item been bought and returned?
a. If the item has been bought and returned by more than one
individual, there is probably an issue with the item that has not been resolved, or the product is not very user-friendly, or well designed.
It's probably better not to buy it, unless you have a very good reason to. (such as if you are particularly drawn to complicated, un-user friendly electronics)

7. Is the price right?
a. With "Open Box," or "Display Models," sellers want to get rid of
the product quickly because, the longer it sits on the shelf, the more the price has to drop. Most electronics salespeople have somewhat locked prices on the items they sell, but with "Display Models," this isn't as much of an issue. Go ahead, make a reasonable offer, or ask, "Is this the best price you can give me?" Most of the time, you will end up with a great deal. You may also want to wait for a clearance on "Display Models" at your local electronics store, because at these times, the products will be at their very lowest prices. At all times, look for a section of the store or a table that highlights the best deals.

8. If the "Display Model" isn't exactly what I wanted, but is a great
deal, is it worth the compromise?

• This is a great question to ask yourself, because it's somewhat
  rare to find exactly what you were looking for being sold as a display model, or on "open box." Sometimes a great product that is similar to, but not exactly what you originally wanted, may be worth purchasing.
  What it all comes down to is this: Is it worth the savings to get something different than what you were originally seeking? For example, if you walked into your local electronics store wanting to purchase an Ipod, but you find an "open box" Zune for a great deal, is it worth it to save a little money? Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn't. That decision is up to you.

9. Is the item outdated, or not as good new products that are replacing it?

• Lots of times, display models are sold when the product reaches the
  end of production. When companies stop making something, they usually allow the stores to sell out of the item, and when this happens, the display model goes on sale. Usually, companies add or remove features from one year to the next, or change model line-ups. If the display model is outdated, you may not want it. It depends on how much you care about having the latest and greatest, and how much better the new models are. Again, is it worth the extra cost? Maybe it is.

10. It's Christmas season; would I want to give an opened item to a
friend or family member?

• This question can be answered by again weighing the cost-to-product
  benefit, if the item is truly a great deal that can't be passed up, buy it, and get a gift receipt, just in case the recipient wants something else. I can say that I have given "Open Box" items as gifts, and haven't had any angry friends yet. It depends on how picky the potential recipient is, and if they will mind getting something that has been opened. Again, look closely at the item for defects, and cosmetic imperfections. Nobody likes to get something as a gift that is all beat up, but if the condition is good, and you don't try to hide the fact that it was used, you'll probably be ok.

• How would you feel if you received the item in question as a gift?

  By asking yourself these few simple questions, you could very well avoid buying something was somebody else's headache, and get a really good deal. Don't automatically decide that something that was a display model, or is "open box" means it's broken or bad. Always use good judgment, and remember to not let a seemingly good deal blind you to little issues that can become huge problems; one little dead pixel can become many. I have purchased several "open box" items myself, and have had very few complaints; however, I have always held onto my receipt, and considered extended service plans on those items, just in case.

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